Domestic tourism an essential contributor to the growth

Mbabane: The Government of Eswatini has declared Tourism as one of the five pillars to drive economic growth over the next five years ending 2023, as outlined in the Strategic Road Map 2018 – 2023.

Domestic tourism has been highlighted as an essential contributor to the growth of the tourism sector and provides a foundation for sustainable tourism growth and development. This is especially the case in the prevailing times of global uncertainty.

According to the Domestic Tourism Survey Report of 2019, increased tourism participation of the local market is envisioned to result in a smoothened seasonality pattern in tourism related visitations which will translate to creation and sustenance of all year round jobs while boosting the economy.

The report also provides insights on the demographics, travel choices, accommodation and attraction preferences and experiences of locals in their engagement with the local product.

The target population of the study were Emaswati who are above 21 years or older and earn a salary above an annual bracket of E42 000 regardless of whether they have travelled within the country for leisure purposes.

The survey process entailed collation of data through telephone interviews where a representative sample of Emaswati were requested to provide information relating to their travel patterns, experiences and factors that influence their travel choices.

Survey

The survey provided data on the status of the domestic visitor demands and inform planning of tourism product development and marketing strategies by Eswatini Tourism Authority and industry players. Specifically, the domestic tourism survey reports reinforces efforts to achieve the goal of increased geographic spread, increased length of overnight stay and increased tourism receipts in the tourism sector.

This comes at a time when the Kingdom of Eswatini has recently been named by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten best countries to visit in 2020.

Being number five in the world, the Independent News Travel desk has taken a task to explore the beautiful things and places that can thrill travelers as they visit the Kingdom of Eswatini.