More than 16 000 tourists visited the country over a three-day period between December 22 and 25, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ministry reported that a total of 16 271 people entered the country during this period, while 10 217 exited to neighbouring countries.
This marked a modest increase in visitor traffic compared to the 11 174 people recorded for the entire month of December 2024.
December is traditionally a peak tourism period, driven by the Incwala Ceremony as well as the festive season.
The ministry noted that an influx of tourists increased two days before Christmas.
As a result, operating hours were extended by two hours at three major border posts – Matsamo, Mahamba and Mananga – to ease cross-border movement.
In addition, mobile service stations were deployed to help reduce congestion at border posts.
The busiest day during the period was December 23 at the Ngwenya Border Post, where 5 646 people entered the country and 1 483 vehicles were recorded.
On December 24, a total of 4 794 tourists entered the country, while 2 953 people exited.
On December 22, 2 042 people entered through Ngwenya, with 1 192 departures recorded.
At the Lavumisa Border Post, 2 025 people entered the country on December 23, while 1 272 exited.
The following day, December 24, entries at Lavumisa stood at 1 445, with 1 157 departures.
On Christmas Day, 300 people entered Eswatini through Lavumisa, while 140 exited. A total of 199 vehicles entered the country and 188 exited through the border post.
