ESWATINI TOURISM ARRIVALS RISE 8.3 PERCENT IN FIRST HALF OF 2026

By Tlalane Dlamini

MBABANE – Eswatini recorded encouraging growth in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2026, welcoming 562 920 visitors, an 8.3 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

The latest figures were presented by Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Chief Executive Officer Vusie Norman Dlamini during the Authority’s Quarterly Media Briefing at Emafini Country Club.

The country recorded 269 308 arrivals in the first quarter, representing 10 percent growth, with regional travel continuing to drive the performance.

Dlamini said the figures demonstrate the resilience of Eswatini’s tourism sector despite challenges affecting international travel.

“The growth we are seeing is encouraging because it shows that Eswatini continues to attract visitors despite the pressures affecting global travel. Our regional markets remain particularly important, and we must continue investing in them while also diversifying our source markets.”

April and May recorded notable peaks, which ETA attributed partly to major events including the Bushfire Festival and the OACPS-EU meetings.

Mozambique emerged as one of the strongest performing source markets, increasing by 29.2 percent to 119 952 arrivals, while Zambia recorded the fastest growth at 32 percent.

South Africa remained Eswatini’s largest source market by volume, contributing 316 166 arrivals, despite a 2.2 percent decline.

Africa accounted for approximately 90 percent of Eswatini’s arrivals, with the majority coming from SADC countries.

According to Dlamini, the figures reinforce the importance of regional tourism, cross-border movement and targeted destination marketing.

“The message is clear that regional tourism is a critical driver for Eswatini. We need to make it easier for people to travel across our borders, strengthen our marketing in these markets and ensure that the tourism products we offer give visitors a reason to stay longer and return.”

ETA says continued investment in regional markets, product development and improved tourism data will be important as Eswatini seeks to sustain the positive growth trajectory.