UMHLANGA DRIVES ESWATINI’S TOURISM GROWTH

By Tlalane Dlamini

Eswatini recorded a strong increase in international visitor arrivals in August 2026, with 108,158 visitors entering the Kingdom compared with 92,615 during the same month in 2025.

The figures represent a 16.8% year-on-year increase, with the country’s vibrant August events calendar, led by the Umhlanga Reed Dance, contributing to a busy tourism period.

Regional markets continued to drive arrivals, with Africa accounting for approximately 87.5% of all international visitors during the month. Arrivals from the continent increased by 17.1%, rising from 80,858 in August 2025 to 94,656 in August 2026.

South Africa remained Eswatini’s largest source market, recording 58,894 arrivals, an 11.3% increase. Mozambique also registered significant growth of 24.0%, reaching 21,906 visitors.

Other regional markets recorded notable increases, including Lesotho at 31.4%, Botswana at 36.0% and Zambia at 36.6%.

UMHLANGA ATTRACTS NEARLY 40,000 VISITORS

The 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance emerged as a significant driver of cultural tourism, welcoming 39,873 visitors, representing a 15.6% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

The total comprised 20,347 international tourists and 19,525 Emaswati residing abroad. The Ngwenya border post recorded the highest number of arrivals at 16,264.

South Africa contributed the largest number of visitors at 13,241, followed by Mozambique with 3,309.

The increased visitor activity was reflected in accommodation performance, with overall occupancy reaching 78.9%. Hotels recorded the highest occupancy at 82.1%, while Game and Nature Reserves recorded 64.5% and Guest Houses 56.0%.

Ezulwini recorded the highest subregional occupancy at 82.2%, followed by Mbabane at 78.2%, the Rest of Eswatini at 77.5% and Manzini at 72.5%.

Umhlanga also attracted stronger numbers from several overseas markets. Italy recorded a 200.0% increase, Australia 129.3%, South Korea 73.3% and Pakistan 23.0%.

Eswatini Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Vusie N. Dlamini said the August figures demonstrate the importance of the country’s cultural and events offering in attracting visitors.

“The August performance reflects the strength of Eswatini’s tourism offering, particularly the ability of our cultural and lifestyle events to attract visitors from both regional and international markets. Umhlanga remains a significant cultural tourism asset, while the broader events calendar creates additional reasons for visitors to travel to Eswatini and spend time in the Kingdom,” said Dlamini.

EUROPE RECORDS STRONG REBOUND

Europe, Eswatini’s second-largest regional source market, recorded a 19.9% increase, with arrivals rising from 7,954 to 9,533.

Italy grew by 50.0%, Belgium by 36.5%, Germany by 23.5% and France by 22.1%, while the Netherlands increased by 12.1%.

The broader August events calendar also featured the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, Eswatini International Trade Fair and Swazi Bikers Rally, creating multiple tourism touchpoints during the month.

Year to date, African arrivals increased by 10.9% to 697,594, accounting for approximately 90.4% of total international visitor arrivals during the first eight months of 2026. South Africa remained the leading source market with 428,976 arrivals, followed by Mozambique with 163,038.

The latest figures highlight the continued importance of regional tourism while showing growing opportunities for Eswatini to expand its appeal across overseas markets.