Eswatini Tourism Authority Strengthens Data-Driven Tourism Through Day Visitor Survey Training

 

On 28 August 2025, the Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) Research Department hosted a Day Visitor Survey Training at The George Hotel, Manzini. This initiative forms part of ETA’s ongoing efforts to enhance research capacity within the tourism sector and ensure that tourism planning and development in Eswatini is guided by reliable, timely, and accurate data.

Building Skills for Better Data Collection

The training was specifically designed for supervisors and managers tasked with data collection at some of Eswatini’s most popular day visitor attractions. Through the workshop, participants were introduced to the Survey Application, learned best practices in data collection, and gained valuable skills in data analysis.



By strengthening these skills, ETA aims to improve the accuracy of reporting, which will ultimately support evidence-based decision-making in both the public and private sectors.

Why the Day Visitor Survey Matters

The Day Visitor Survey plays a critical role in shaping tourism policy and business strategies. It helps to:

• Identify how and where visitors spend their time and money during their stay in Eswatini.

• Determine the proportion of total trip expenditures made at specific attraction sites.

• Understand the size and scope of tourism activity within the country.

• Capture profiles and travel behaviors of different visitor groups, including Emaswati (domestic tourists).



This information is not only valuable for national tourism planning, but also for individual attraction owners, who can use the insights to improve operations, tailor experiences to visitor needs, and design effective marketing strategies.

Linking Data to Business Growth

During the training, discussions highlighted the importance of translating survey findings into actionable strategies. Attraction managers were encouraged to use the data to:

• Evaluate business performance over time.

• Identify opportunities to diversify tourism products.

• Strengthen marketing campaigns targeted at both local and international audiences.

• Support sustainable tourism growth by aligning visitor needs with resource management.

By embedding data-driven thinking into tourism management, the sector stands to benefit from improved competitiveness and resilience.

Key Participants



Several notable attractions and tourism organizations took part in the training, including:

• Shewula Mountain Camp

• Big Game Parks

• Ngwempisi Hiking Trails

• Magadzavane Lodge

• Eswatini National Trust Commission

• Mlawula Nature Reserve

• Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge

• Mbuluzi Game Reserve

• Mantenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village

• Tfutjana Mountain Resort and Restaurant

• Old Ngwenya Mine

• Malolotja Nature Reserve

These sites represent a diverse cross-section of Eswatini’s eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and nature-based attractions, showcasing the country’s wide-ranging appeal.

Toward a Smarter Tourism Future

The Day Visitor Survey Training is more than just a workshop — it reflects ETA’s broader commitment to data-driven tourism management. By equipping front-line managers with research skills, Eswatini is positioning itself to better understand its visitors, refine its tourism offerings, and maximize the economic and cultural benefits of the sector.

As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives ensure that Eswatini remains competitive while maintaining its reputation as a destination rich in nature, culture, and authentic experiences.

Photo Credit: Eswatini Tourism Authority

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Location: Manzini, Eswatini

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