Eswatini welcomed 868,352 international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 9.7% from the same period last year, as stronger demand from neighbouring African countries helped offset weakness in some traditional markets. The southern African kingdom is building on tourism growth recorded in 2025, when annual arrivals exceeded 1 million.

Regional markets drive growth

International arrivals reached 96,720 in September, a 6.6% increase from 90,772 visitors in the same month of 2025, extending the sector’s year-on-year growth streak to nine consecutive months. However, performance varied across major source markets, with a decline in visitors from South Africa offset by stronger demand elsewhere in the region.

Arrivals from South Africa, Eswatini’s largest source market, fell 3.9% in September. Mozambique recorded a 26.9% increase, while arrivals from Botswana surged 71.1%, highlighting the growing contribution of neighbouring countries to tourism demand. The figures point to the importance of regional travel in sustaining visitor growth as international tourism budgets face pressure.

Global demand remains uneven

Africa recorded 7.4% year-on-year growth in September, supported by stronger arrivals from regional markets, particularly Mozambique. The Americas, Europe and the Middle East also posted increases, while Asia and the Pacific was the only region to register a decline, reflecting uneven performance across international travel markets.

Among individual countries, arrivals from the United States, Sweden, Norway and Italy declined, while Canada, Germany and Belgium recorded growth. Higher transport and accommodation costs, alongside broader economic uncertainty, are influencing travel decisions and spending. These pressures make competitive pricing and a compelling visitor experience increasingly important as Eswatini seeks to attract travellers from both established and emerging markets.

Events boost destination appeal

Eswatini’s tourism calendar received support from several regional and international events during the period. The Eswatini International Trade Fair, the country’s largest annual business exhibition, attracted exhibitors and visitors from across the region, generating opportunities to showcase local businesses and promote travel to the kingdom.

The country also hosted the Southern Africa Inter-Municipal Sports Association Games, bringing municipal delegations from neighbouring countries together for sporting and cultural exchanges. Participation in World Tourism Month celebrations provided another platform to promote Eswatini internationally and strengthen awareness of its tourism offering.

One million visitors in sight

Sustained growth puts Eswatini in a stronger position to build on the more than 1 million international arrivals recorded in 2025. Maintaining that performance will depend on continued regional demand, effective destination marketing and the ability to compete for travellers facing higher costs and economic uncertainty.

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is a landlocked kingdom in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Known for its royal traditions, mountain landscapes, cultural experiences and wildlife reserves. Maintaining regional demand while broadening its international reach will be important as the country seeks to convert rising arrivals into sustained tourism revenue.