BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Robust recovery.
This best describes Eswatini’s tourism sector shortly after the festive holidays, which have not fully finished yet.
According to Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Acting Marketing Sebenzile Ginindza, over 19 189 international visitor arrivals travelled to Eswatini during the festive season signalling a growth of more than double 185. 3 per cent when compared to the 6 725 international visitors registered during the five-day period from 22 to 26 December.
“These impressive figures are largely attributable to strong demand from aggressive and collaborative marketing including the Triland initiative, improved confidence levels of the destination from regional and international markets, and the lifting of restrictions in a majority of source markets.” She said
She further mentioned that an additional 18 269 emaSwati residents outside the Kingdom visited the country during the review period, indicating a growth of 226.0 per cent from 5 604 recorded in 2021.
“These travellers tend to account for strong spending particularly in day-visiting activities and restaurants, of which both are significant contributors to the country’s tourism GDP.” She said.
Worth noting is that highlighting the speed at which the sector is recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, visitor arrivals from neighbouring South Africa 15 935 and Mozambique 1 482 recorded double-digit growth during the five day period.
When explaining this Ginindza said, overall visitations from the Southern Africa region accounted for over 48 per cent of total visits during this period.
“Despite the prevailing unfavourable inflation and fuel prices in most economies, a reasonable number of visits were also registered from key markets which comprised of USA, France, UK, the Netherlands and Germany.” She said.
According to the detailed report by Ginindza, Ngwenya border post accounted for the highest number of arrivals with 16 051 for both international visits and returning emaSwati, while arrivals through Lavumisa accounted for 4 510 travellers.
“Arrivals through Matsamo 5 699 and Mananga 3 666 also recorded high volumes suggesting significant travel from visitors resident within the Mpumalanga province. A significant number of arrivals were also registered at the Lomahasha 1 579) and Mhlumeni border posts 1 186, respectively.” Read the report in part.
When concluding the report Ginindza said there was robust demand for accommodation.
“The robust recovery of tourism was also reflected in the accommodation metrics indicator. Average room occupancy rates reached 49 per cent during festive period reflecting an increase of 21 per cent from the 28 per cent room occupancy rate recorded in 2021.” Said Ginindza.
In addition to that he said hotels registered the highest average occupancy of 52 per cent, while game reserves 46 per cent and guesthouses reached 40 per cent also achieved impressive occupancy rates in comparison to the last two years.
“By sub region, Mbabane accounted for the highest occupancy rate at 56 per cent followed by Ezulwini with 55 per cent and Lubombo 52 per cent.” Said Ginindza.
She further mentioned that a majority of accommodation facilities that offer a dining experience reached between 85 to 100 per cent seating capacities from Christmas Day lunches. This impressive performance was noted in all the four regions of Eswatini as restaurants showcased three to five course specialty menus.
