Africa-Press – Eswatini. The 2025 Umhlanga Reed Dance attracted more than 34 500 visitors to the Kingdom, representing a 5.8% increase compared to the same period last year, government tourism officials have reported.
Mozambique recorded a significant rise in arrivals, contributing 2 878 visitors, a 54.8% increase from 2024. South Africa remained the largest regional source market, sending 8 898 visitors, despite a 19.2% year-on-year decline. Together, the two neighboring countries accounted for 75.8% of total arrivals, with 57.3% from South Africa and 18.5% from Mozambique, highlighting the continuing importance of regional travel in driving cross-border tourism.
Officials also noted notable growth from several international markets, including France (+337.1%), Malawi (+172.8%), India (+115.8%), the Netherlands (+107.7%), China (+15.6%), and Zimbabwe (+10.8%).
“The Ngwenya border gate recorded the highest volume of arrivals, with 13 839 visitors entering through this point,” a tourism spokesperson said. “Matsamo followed with 5 423 visitors, showing the critical role of border infrastructure in managing tourism flows.”
In addition to the Umhlanga Reed Dance, other major events such as the Swazi Rally at Riders Ranch and the Eswatini International Trade Fair contributed to increased tourism, officials added, attracting both international and domestic visitors.
Accommodation performance soars
Accommodation facilities also posted strong results, achieving an overall average occupancy rate of 84.9% in 2025. This marked a significant increase of 16.1% compared to 68.8% in 2024. Hotels led the sector with 86.7% occupancy, followed closely by guesthouses at 86.0%. Game and nature parks recorded 62.5%, reflecting sustained appeal within the sector.
Ezulwini emerged as the top-performing destination, registering an impressive 94.9% occupancy, attributed to its strategic location near the eLudzidzini Royal Residence and the reopening of previously closed accommodation facilities. Mbabane and Manzini followed with occupancy rates of 76.0% and 71.4%, respectively.
“The strong performance along the Manzini–Mbabane corridor demonstrates both the Kingdom’s growing tourism appeal and the capacity of local infrastructure to meet increased demand,” the tourism spokesperson said.
The figures highlight a continued upward trajectory in visitor arrivals and accommodation performance, with the Umhlanga Reed Dance season reinforcing Eswatini’s position as a regional tourism hub.
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