By 
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The Kingdom of Eswatini is celebrating a remarkable resurgence in its tourism sector following the Easter weekend of April 2025, with the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) releasing comprehensive performance statistics highlighting a significant boost in visitor numbers.
According to the latest report, the country welcomed a total of 39,490 visitor arrivals, marking a 38.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
his substantial increase is not only a testament to Eswatini’s enduring appeal as a travel destination but also a reflection of successful promotional strategies, improved accessibility through key border posts, and renewed confidence in international travel post-Covid-19.
The surge was evenly balanced between international visitors and returning nationals, with 17,225 international tourists and 22,265 emaSwati residing abroad making up the total.
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A deeper dive into the data shows the Ngwenya Border Post as the busiest entry point, processing a whopping 15,984 arrivals. This was followed by the Mahamba Border Post with 5,269 entries, and Matsamo Border Post, which handled 6,011 arrivals.
Other notable ports of entry included Lavumisa Border Post (4,337 visitors), Lomahasha Border Post (1,122 visitors), and KMIII International Airport, which received 508 passengers.
The high volume at land borders underscores Eswatini’s strategic location and seamless connectivity with neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa and Mozambique. The Ngwenya Border Post continues to serve as a key conduit for tourists travelling from South Africa’s Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces.
Unsurprisingly, South Africa (RSA) remained the largest source of international visitors, with 13,295 tourists crossing into Eswatini over the Easter weekend. Its proximity, strong cultural ties, and shared history with Eswatini make it a natural leader in this regard.
Trailing behind but still significant were Mozambique with 1,571 visitors, Zimbabwe with 609, Germany with 96, and Lesotho, contributing 48 travellers. The inclusion of Germany in the top five highlights Eswatini’s growing appeal to European tourists, likely spurred by cultural tourism campaigns and improved marketing abroad.
Accommodation providers across Eswatini reported solid bookings, with an overall Easter Occupancy Rate of 63 per cent, a figure that showcases the robustness of domestic hospitality infrastructure.
Hotels led the pack with an average occupancy rate of 62 per cent, followed closely by Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) at 54 per cent.
Guest houses were moderately utilized with a 44 per cent occupancy rate, while Game/Nature lodges— typically slower to fill due to location or exclusivity posted a 41 per cent rate, still a respectable figure given seasonal travel pattern. The varied accommodation types reflect the
diverse preferences of travellers, ranging from luxury-seeking tourists to backpackers and nature lovers.
In terms of subregional accommodation occupancy, Mbabane, the capital city, recorded the highest occupancy rate at 71 per cent, benefiting from its status as a business hub and gateway to the rest of the country.
Ezulwini, often referred to as the ‘Valley of Heaven,’ and home to many resorts and attractions saw an occupancy rate of 53 per cent. Meanwhile, Manzini, the country’s largest urban centre, posted a 52 per cent rate, demonstrating consistent demand across major urban zones.
These figures highlight not just the popularity of tourist hotspots but also suggest that visitors explore beyond the capital, experiencing the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
The significant uptick in tourism over Easter 2025 represents a positive trajectory for Eswatini’s broader economic recovery and development. Tourism, being one of the key pillars of the national economy, plays a vital role in job creation, foreign exchange generation, and rural development through community-based tourism.
The 38.9 per cent increase in arrivals compared to last year is a clear indicator of Eswatini’s strengthened tourism marketing efforts, improved border facilitation, and expanded international reach.
The government and ETA are likely to leverage these results to attract further investments in tourism infrastructure, digital marketing, and eco-tourism initiatives.
RELATED: Eswatini sees tourism surge during Easter period
Moreover, the diversity in visitor origin, including European travellers like those from Germany, signals a growing global interest in Eswatini as a unique, off-the-beaten-path destination. If the current momentum is sustained, the country is well-positioned to exceed pre-pandemic tourism levels in the coming years.
On another note, the Kingdom of Eswatini has recorded a remarkable surge in international tourist arrivals for March 2025. This increase signals a positive outlook for the country’s tourism sector as it continues its recovery from the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the latest Monthly Tourism Statistical Release published by the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), a total of 85,451 visitors entered the country during March, marking an impressive 11.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The ETA is celebrating this performance, which reflects the effectiveness of its strategic marketing campaigns, regional collaborations, and infrastructure improvements aimed at restoring confidence in Eswatini as a prime tourist destination in Southern Africa.
A deeper analysis of the quarterly performance reveals a mixed yet hopeful trend. February 2025 nearly reached pre-Covid-19 levels, coming in at only 0.1 per cent below the figures from the same month in 2019.
However, January and March still trailed behind, with arrivals falling short by 6.6 per cent and 16.2 per cent, respectively. The cumulative total for the first quarter of 2025 reached 244,186 arrivals, compared to 266,829 in Q1 of 2019, reflecting an 8.5 per cent deficit.
Despite these discrepancies, the overall trajectory suggests a gradual recovery, with the tourism sector showing signs of resilience.
The increase in international arrivals can be attributed to several factors, including the easing of travel restrictions, enhanced safety protocols, and the growing appeal of Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
