… ETA CEO reveals during the Eswatini Post-Indaba Educationals Speed Networking Session
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Tourists flocking the country increased by 138 per cent in the first three months of 2023.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA), Linda Nxumalo, today at the Educationals Speed Networking Session at Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini this morning.
In her remarks, the CEO first introduced the concept, saying the speed networking session and the Post-Indaba Educationals in its entirety was monumental as it was the first one to be held since the outbreak of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our ability to host these educationals once again, signifies the dawning of a new day for global travel and Eswatini’s readiness to welcome the world to indulge in the Royal Experience that we have been renowned for over the years. Allow me to offer insight into Eswatini’s progress in its tourism recovering post the pandemic.
“In the last two years alone, Eswatini has seen the emergence of new, one-of-a-kind tourism establishments comprising fine dining experiences, spas, intimate nature retreats at game and nature parks, water parks, zip lining, quad biking, game drives and many more thrilling outdoor activities.
“This signals the innovative nature of the Kingdom’s tourism industry and the resilience that has prompted the evolution of the industry even in the midst of a crippling global pandemic. I highlight this to invite you to come to Eswatini and come back again and again because there is always something new to indulge and explore,” said Nxumalo.
Unpacking the statistics, the CEO said the statistics gathered for the first quarter of 2023 – that is the period between January and March – revealed that Eswatini saw a 138.8 per cent increase in international arrivals having recorded 178 742.
She said this was 103 891 visits more than the figure recorded in the same months in 2022.
This growth was primarily driven by surge in demand from the African region buttressed by robust demand from overseas markets. Therefore, the presence of the tour operators from South Africa, Mozambique and abroad was planned strategically to align with the resurgence in global demand trends as travel continues to recover from the restrictions and challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa continues to constitute Eswatini’s largest source market, followed by Mozambique. With this, arrivals form the region benefited from robust demand from these top two visitor-generating markets. South Africa saw an increase of 131.5 per cent from 52 495 arrivals in 2022 to 121 529 in 2023. Mozambique, on the other hand recorded a 157.8 per cent increase from 9 242 arrivals in 2022 to 23 828 in 2023.
“It is worth noting that this review period coincided with the Marula Festival which is markedly popular among regional visitors, particularly those from these two markets. This event, alongside the myriad of unique, vibrant events in Eswatini’s annual events calendar, also has a strong international appeal. As a result, every year, we welcome visitors from across the globe who come to relish the timeless beauty and diverse tourism product offerings available in Kingdom.
“Therefore, we invite you to familiarise yourselves with Eswatini’s annual events calendar so that you can design your packages around them and give your clients an experience of a lifetime.
“The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) looks forward to seeing the Eswatini packages that you will produce after your comprehensive tour of the country’s finest attractions. We stand ready to support you in developing and marketing these packages to our regional and international markets.”
Nxumalo then said their five-night stay in the country served to demonstrate what we have assured our domestic, regional and international markets, which is that “Eswatini Has More”.
“You will never run out of experiences to indulge in our beautiful Kingdom. Your Eswatini packages will be a crucial element in our efforts to meet the country’s tourism target to attract two million visitors, generate E2 billion in tourism receipts and increase the average length of stay in the country to 3 nights by 2025.
“This is an ambitious target. However, we are confident that it is achievable, especially through the cooperative spirit demonstrated ever so consistently and willingly by members of the local tourism industry and tour operators from different parts of the world.”
