LOCAL post pandemic tourism figures have exceeded expectations as more internationals and locals participate in tourism activities.
Between January and October, the country received a total of 867 810 visitors representing an increase of 11.1% compared to the same period in 2024.
This was revealed by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane during a media briefing on Monday.
She said the rise in figures demonstrated that the country was steadily closing the gap between the pre-pandemic performance and moving closer to long-term national tourists’ target.
She also attributed the positive performance to the country’s unique tourism offerings, strategic regional partnerships and growing global recognition.
“The country’s tourism sector continues to register a strong and encouraging recovery as visitors’ numbers increase steadily to close the gap towards the national target of 2 million tourists and generating E2 billion in tourism revenue.
“In June this year, we recorded 16.4% growth in visitor arrivals compared to the same period last year.
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The growth continued into the festive peak period during which Eswatini received more than 111 000 international visitors,” she said.
Adding, she commended the nation for embracing domestic tourism which played a big role in sustaining the sector, noting increased uptake of local accommodation, outdoor recreation and dining experiences.
She said the ministry would now shift focus to sustainable transformation in line with the world tourism theme.
The minister said tourism, environmental protection and road safety were key pillars of sustained growth.
“Continued collaboration will move the country closer to the 2 million visitors and attaining the E2 billion tourism revenue,” emphasised the minister.
