33,608 tourists entered the Kingdom of Swaziland in the past five days

A total 33 608 tourists entered the Kingdom of Swaziland through the various borders in the past five days.

A total 33 608 tourists entered the Kingdom of Swaziland through the various borders in the past five days.

The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) said some of these people participated or were participating in the ongoing Incwala ceremony.
STA Chief Executive Officer Erick Maseko said since the start of the Incwala a week ago, visitors to the ceremony were growing in number almost on a daily basis.

He said some of these visitors participated in the walk to the cutting of the sacred shrub (lusekwane) yesterday.

Abuzz
โ€œAs always, the ceremony has been abuzz with tourists but this year, we have noted that a lot more tourists have decided to take part in events such as marching to where the sacred shrub will be cut.
โ€œThere are quite a large number of tourists participating in this event and the Swaziland Tourism Authority has ensured that they are well versed on the purpose of this ceremony as well as on the protocol issues that need to be adhered to whilst within the royal residences,โ€ Maseko remarked.

The tourists come from various countries including France, Germany, Lesotho, Czech Republic, Mozambique and Dubai.

Maseko said even though some of the visitors were on family tours, they took the chance to witness and participate in the Incwala ceremony.
Majority

Maseko said a majority of the visitors were from the neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique.

He said the upcoming 24-hour operating period for Ngwenya border is expected to have higher entries as people would not have to worry about the border closing.

Adding, Maseko said the touristsโ€™ information office had seen a high number of requests and assistance from tourists.

The figures:
Date Number of visitors
December 12 5 725
December 13 7 968
December 14 7 855
December 15 6 020
December 16 6 040

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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