AGP Executive Report

Travel Access: Eswatini is among 12 African countries whose citizens may apply for Danish tourist visas without a host, though approval is not guaranteed. Air Connectivity: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making its schedules easier to find and compare; travellers can book through the airline or linked agents. Regional Tourism: South Africa recorded 74,261 visitors from Eswatini in September, ranking the kingdom fourth among its source markets. The figures are based on visitors’ country of residence.

Regional Hospitality: The Cape Town EDITION has opened at the V&A Waterfront, marking the luxury hotel brand’s African debut with 142 rooms and views of Table Mountain and the harbour. Travel Access: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its flights before booking. European Trips: Eswatini citizens are among 12 African nationalities eligible to apply for Danish tourist visas without a host in Denmark; a visa is still required. Regional Travel: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source of overnight visitors in September, with 74,261 arrivals recorded by country of residence.

Travel Access: Eswatini is among 12 African countries whose citizens can apply for Danish tourist visas without a host in Denmark. Group 1 status allows applications for tourism, though approval is not guaranteed. Air Connectivity: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its schedules before booking through the airline or a travel agent. Regional Tourism: South Africa recorded 74,261 visitors from Eswatini in September, making the kingdom its fourth-largest source market after Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

Cross-Border Travel: Nearly 2,900 motorists have joined a planned legal challenge to South Africa’s new vehicle-registration rule. It also covers Eswatini-plated cars, which must be declared online or at the border and receive a temporary import permit. Flight Planning: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its schedules; bookings are completed through the airline or a booking partner. Regional Tourism: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source market in September, with 74,261 overnight visitors, according to Statistics South Africa — underlining the importance of cross-border travel to the region’s tourism trade.

Cross-Border Travel: Nearly 2,900 motorists have signed up for a planned class action over South Africa’s requirement that foreign-registered vehicles, including Eswatini cars, be declared through its Traveller Management System. The system allows online or border registration and issues permits valid for six months. Air Access: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier to compare its schedules and find booking options; travellers can also check in online. Regional Tourism: South Africa recorded 74,261 visitors resident in Eswatini in September, its fourth-largest source market, according to Statistics South Africa. Events & Conservation: Organisers are working to upgrade Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon for February 2027. Malibeni High School has also won E30,000 in a competition promoting wildlife protection and conservation.

Air Access: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its schedules; bookings are completed through the airline or travel agents. Regional Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have called for easier movement between their countries and Botswana, a proposal that could support cross-border tourism if taken forward. Visitor Flows: South Africa recorded 74,261 overnight visitors from Eswatini in September, making the kingdom its fourth-largest source market. Events: Organisers are exploring a full-marathon upgrade for Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy event, scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Flight Access: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its schedules; bookings are completed through the airline or a travel agent. Regional Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians are calling for easier movement between their countries and Botswana, a proposal that could simplify cross-border trips if adopted. Tourism Links: South Africa recorded 74,261 overnight visitors from Eswatini in September, its fourth-largest source market; figures are based on visitors’ country of residence. Conservation: Malibeni High won E30,000 in RES’s anti-poaching competition, which promotes wildlife protection and conservation awareness among schools near game reserves.

Air Access: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find and compare its schedules before booking through the airline or a travel agent. Regional Travel: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source of overnight visitors in September, with 74,261 arrivals, underlining the importance of cross-border tourism. Easier Border Crossings: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have urged the two kingdoms and Botswana to explore ways to ease travel restrictions for their citizens. Sports Tourism: Organisers are working to upgrade the Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon for its February 2027 edition, with an inclusive, climate-focused theme.**

Air Travel: Eswatini Air is now listed on Google Flights, making it easier for travellers to find its schedules and compare fares before booking through the airline or a travel agent. Regional Tourism: Eswatini residents were South Africa’s fourth-largest source market in September, with 74,261 overnight visitors recorded, highlighting the strength of cross-border travel. Easier Borders: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have called for simpler movement among Eswatini, Lesotho and Botswana, a proposal that could make regional trips easier if adopted. Sports Travel: Organisers are exploring an upgrade of Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon in 2027; the event is set for February 6.

Event Tourism: Organisers are exploring an upgrade to Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon in 2027, with race day set for February 6. Regional Travel: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source of overnight tourists in September, with 74,261 visitors recorded. Easier Cross-Border Journeys: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians called for simpler travel between their countries and Botswana, a proposal that could support regional tourism if adopted. Destination Promotion: Eswatini’s cultural heritage was showcased at an event in Kuwait hosted by the country’s embassy and the International Women’s Group.

Regional Travel: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source of overnight tourists in September, with 74,261 visitors among 835,380 arrivals—underscoring the strong travel link between the neighbours. Tourism Development: Buhleni’s new town status brings municipal oversight as investment grows in tourism, commercial facilities and public services. Easier Cross-Border Movement: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have urged the three kingdoms to explore simpler travel arrangements for citizens of Eswatini, Lesotho and Botswana.

Cross-Border Travel: Eswatini was South Africa’s fourth-largest source of tourists in September, with 74,261 visitors among 835,380 overnight arrivals. Wildlife Tourism: Malibeni High won E30,000 in RES’s anti-poaching competition, promoting conservation near game reserves. Sports Tourism: Organisers are discussing upgrading Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon to a full marathon for its February 2027 edition. Regional Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians renewed calls to ease movement between their countries and Botswana. Buhleni’s Growth: Now officially a town, Buhleni is seeing investment in tourism, businesses and public services, with new development rules in force. Cultural Promotion: Eswatini’s embassy and the International Women’s Group staged a cultural evening in Kuwait to showcase the Kingdom’s heritage.

Wildlife Conservation: Malibeni High won E30,000 in RES’s anti-poaching competition, which brought five schools together to promote wildlife protection near game reserves. Events: Eswatini’s Yellow Epilepsy Half-Marathon is aiming to grow into a full marathon in 2027; the race is set for February 6. Festival Travel: MTN Bushfire has opened preparations and ticket sales for its 20th anniversary in May 2027, with 23,000 visitors from 55 countries expected and accommodation options being promoted. Tourism Development: Buhleni has officially become a town amid growing investment in tourism and services, while Manzini’s George Hotel has earned a three-star rating from the Eswatini Tourism Authority.

Regional Hospitality: The Cape Town EDITION has opened on the V&A Waterfront as the brand’s first African hotel. Its interiors feature handblown recycled glass from Eswatini, a local creative touch in the 142-room property. Cross-Border Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have called for easier movement among their citizens and Botswana’s, proposing steps to strengthen regional ties and travel. Festival Tourism: MTN Bushfire has begun preparations for its 20th edition in May 2027, expecting 23,000 visitors from 55 countries. Organisers have unveiled tickets, accommodation options and travel partners, with discounted MoMo tickets for emaSwati. Local Stays: Manzini’s George Hotel has earned a three-star rating from the Eswatini Tourism Authority. Meanwhile, Buhleni’s new town status brings tourism and commercial development under town council regulation; the area is home to Buhleni Fun City, with more than 21 chalets.

Regional Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho lawmakers have called for easier movement between their countries, with Botswana also part of the proposal. If adopted, the changes could make cross-border trips simpler for visitors and residents. MTN Bushfire 2027: Organisers have opened ticket sales and begun planning for the festival’s 20th anniversary in May, with 23,000 visitors from 55 countries expected. Accommodation and travel options are being promoted early. Tourism Growth: Buhleni’s new town status brings development under town council rules as investment grows in tourism and public services. Buhleni Fun City, with more than 21 chalets, is among its visitor attractions. Hospitality Standards: Manzini’s George Hotel has earned a three-star rating from the Eswatini Tourism Authority, recognising its accommodation and service standards. Cultural Promotion: An Eswatini cultural evening in Kuwait showcased the Kingdom’s traditions and strengthened ties with local audiences, supporting efforts to raise the country’s profile abroad.

Festival Travel: MTN Bushfire has opened preparations for its 20th edition in May 2027, expecting 23,000 visitors from 55 countries. Organisers have unveiled tickets, accommodation options and travel partners; emaSwati can get at least 14% off with MoMo. Growing Destinations: Buhleni’s new town status brings tourism and commercial development under the Town Council’s regulations, with residents and investors advised to consult the council before starting projects. Hospitality Standards: Manzini’s George Hotel has earned a three-star rating from the Eswatini Tourism Authority, part of efforts to raise accommodation standards. Regional Travel: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians have urged the three kingdoms of Eswatini, Lesotho and Botswana to explore easing travel restrictions between their citizens. Visitor Costs: From November 1, Kruger National Park’s daily entry fee for SADC adults, including emaSwati, rises to R296; accommodation and other costs are extra.