Tourism

MBABANE- Eswatini’s tourism sector continued to demonstrate its value as an economic driver, recording a 9.3 per cent increase in international visitor arrivals in May 2026.

This is despite rising fuel costs, electricity tariff hikes and ongoing global uncertainties.

The kingdom welcomed 97 576 international visitors in May, up from 90 701 during the same month last year. Although slightly below the 99 884 arrivals recorded in April 2026, the figures point to sustained tourism demand and growing confidence in Eswatini as a destination.

The growth comes as tourism continues to inject money into accommodation establishments, transport services, restaurants, entertainment venues and small businesses that depend on visitor spending.

Several major events helped boost arrivals during the month. The newly opened Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre hosted its first major international gathering, the OACPS-EU African Regional Parliamentary Meeting, attracting more than 500 delegates from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe.

At the same time, the MTN Bushfire Festival once again proved to be one of the country’s strongest tourism assets, drawing thousands of international visitors and generating significant economic activity.

Eswatini Tourism Authority noted that growth was broad-based, with arrivals increasing from Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific markets. Only the Middle East registered a decline due to ongoing geopolitical instability.

The positive performance also contributed to a strong year-to-date result, with Eswatini receiving 466 768 international visitors between January and May 2026, representing growth of 10.6 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. The MTN Bushfire Festival was among the biggest contributors to May's tourism growth.

Key May figures include:

• 28 392 international visitor arrivals recorded during the MTN Bushfire Festival weekend.
• International arrivals increased by 54.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.
• Emaswati returning from abroad increased by 1.2 per cent.
• Most visitors travelled as couples, families, friends or colleagues.
• Accommodation establishments achieved an average room occupancy rate of 78.6 per cent.

Africa remains Eswatini’s biggest market

MBABANE- Africa accounted for 90.6 per cent of all international arrivals during May 2026.

The region recorded:

• 88 380 arrivals.
• Growth of 7.3 per cent compared to May 2025.

Top performers included:

Mozambique

• Arrivals increased by 44.4 per cent.
• Visitor numbers rose from 15 449 to 22 301.
• Mozambicans accounted for 16.8 per cent of all international Bushfire attendees.

Zambia

• Arrivals increased by 37.2 per cent.
• Growth continues to be supported by the direct Lusaka-Eswatini Air route through King Mswati III International Airport.

South Africa

• Remains Eswatini’s largest source market.
• Recorded another decline, continuing a trend seen since the beginning of 2026.
• Rising fuel and electricity costs are believed to be affecting travel spending.

Overseas Markets Show Strong Recovery

Europe

Europe recorded 5 213 arrivals in May 2026, up from 4 822 in May 2025, representing growth of 8.1 per cent.

Strong performers included:

• France: +75.4%
• Portugal: +48.3%
•  Italy: +32.9%

The growth is believed to have been boosted by both the MTN Bushfire Festival and the OACPS-EU parliamentary meetings. However, declines were recorded from:

• Netherlands: -20.7%
• Germany: -13.9%
• United Kingdom: -16.4%
• Switzerland: -34.9%
• Belgium: -28.1%
• Norway: -44.4%

Americas

The Americas recorded growth of 4.2 per cent.

Highlights:

• United States: +13.9%
• Brazil: +159.0%

Asia-Pacific

The region posted the strongest growth globally at 27 per cent.

Notable increases included:

• South Korea: +100.9%
• Australia: +61.1%
• India: +27.8%

Declines were recorded from:

• China: -4.2%
• Pakistan: -6.3%

Middle East Arrivals Continue To Fall

MBABANE- The Middle East remained the only region to record negative growth.

Key statistics:

• Arrivals declined by 74.7 per cent in May.
• April had already recorded a 74.1 per cent decrease.

Tourism analysts attribute the decline to ongoing regional conflict, weakened travel confidence, disrupted airline connectivity and higher operational costs. The instability has also contributed to elevated global oil prices, which continue to affect travel costs worldwide.

Tourism growth at a glance

• May 2026 arrivals: 97 576
• May 2025 arrivals: 90 701
• Year-on-year growth: 9.3%
• January-May 2026 arrivals: 466 768
• Growth for first five months of 2026: 10.6%
• Largest source region: Africa (90.6% of arrivals)
• Fastest-growing region: Asia-Pacific (+27%)
• Major tourism drivers: MTN Bushfire Festival and OACPS-EU African Regional Parliamentary Meeting

Festival occupancy rate: 78.6%

Tourism arrivals by region. (Courtesy of Eswatini Tourism Authority)