Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini generated revenue amounting to about E1.1 Billion on tourists arrivals in the past year. This has been revealed by Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vusi Dlamini in an exclusive interview.
He said the targets are as follows, international tourist arrivals were sitting at 1.03million tourists against a target of 2 million of 2027.
“Where in comes to tourism revenues, we are at E1.1 billion against a target of E2 billion by 2027,” said the CEO.
Tourists are said to love Eswatini for its intimate, authentic African experience, combining accessible wildlife, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes in a compact, safe, and easily explorable country. It acts as a serene, uncrowded alternative to neighbouring safari destinations, offering scenic mountains, hiking, and vibrant traditional festivals.
Key reasons visitors love Eswatini include:
Accessible Wildlife: Eswatini boasts thriving national parks where visitors can experience close encounters with rhinos, elephants, hippos, and giraffes. Mkhaya Game Reserve and Hlane Royal National Park are top spots for conservation-focused tourism.
Rich Cultural Heritage: The kingdom is known for its warm, welcoming people and vibrant, authentic culture. Tourists can experience traditional festivals like the Umhlanga Reed Dance and the King’s birthday, which are genuine national events, not staged performances.
Dramatic Scenery and Outdoor Adventure: Often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” the country features varied scenery including the Lubombo Mountains, lush valleys (Ezulwini), and waterfalls. Sibebe Rock, the world’s second-largest monolith, provides incredible hiking opportunities. Adventure activities include white-water rafting, zip-lining, and horseback safaris.
Strong Arts and Crafts: Visitors can explore local markets for high-quality, handcrafted beadwork, textiles, pottery, and woodcarvings, supporting local artisans.
Safety and Convenience: As a small, relatively safe country neighboring South Africa, it is easy to navigate, making it a convenient destination for short, intense trips.
Unique Cultural Landmarks: Tourists can visit places like the Nsangwini Bushman Paintings and the historic Lion Cavern.
For those looking to combine nature with culture, the annual MTN Bushfire festival is a major draw, attracting international artists and visitors.
