Africa-Press – Eswatini. Domestic tourism activity in Eswatini is contributing to the country’s progress toward an ambitious goal of attracting two million visitors by 2027.
The target was reaffirmed by the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simalane, who outlined the figures as part of ongoing sector performance reporting.
According to government data and sector plans, Eswatini aims to increase overall tourism revenue significantly through both international arrivals and heightened domestic travel.
Domestic travel to cultural events, festivals, local attractions and holiday destinations has seen notable growth, with travellers choosing to explore within the Kingdom.
Events such as Incwala and Umhlanga Reed Dance continue to draw large numbers of local visitors each year, contributing to hotel occupancy and economic activity across regions.
Eswatini Tourism Authority Head of Marketing when speaking during an interview said the Incwala ceremony, a national cultural celebration centred around first harvest rituals, attracts participants from across Eswatini and has been linked to increased movement within the country’s tourism infrastructure.
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Similarly, the Umhlanga Reed Dance, a significant cultural showcase in late August and early September, drives robust local travel and hospitality demand.
“Special domestic tourism initiatives and seasonal campaigns including local holiday travel during Christmas and other school breaks are expected to sustain tourism spending and bolster revenue performance. These efforts complement inbound tourism strategies and aim to ensure that revenue growth is balanced across the year,” said Dlamini.
Meanwhile, Minister Jane noted that improved domestic participation supports local businesses, increases occupancy rates at accommodation facilities, and enhances regional tourism offerings.
“The shift in travel perception within Eswatini is creating new opportunities,” the minister said at a recent tourism forum, pointing to broader participation by Eswatini residents in travel and leisure activities.
She further said, Government and industry leaders continue to encourage residents to choose Eswatini’s destinations for family, cultural and seasonal travel, underlining the economic role that domestic tourism plays in reaching the two million mark in tourism value.
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