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Through staging one of the most grueling endurance events in the world, across 369 kilometers of the mighty Namib Desert, many are eagerly awaiting the profusion of spin-offs that the Nedbank Desert Dash brings every year.
In less than 24 hours, more than 1,000 "dashers" are ready to conquer the world's oldest desert and thousands of others are ready to support and greet runners as they cross the D & D line. Arrival in Swakopmund with fatigue and triumph. December 8th.
The Municipality of Swakopmund said the coastal city is proud of the role it plays in this prestigious event, while locals greatly appreciate the multiple benefits that flow from it.
"Every year, most of the hotels and pensions are full, including the bungalows run by the municipality," said Aili Gebhardt, spokesman for the Swakopmund municipality.
About 1.5 million Namibian dollars were generated during the event last year for the small coastal town, she adds, as well as for a number of temporary jobs.
In addition, the event shines a spotlight on the city and Namibia as a whole, making the city an attractive tourist destination.
The difficult conditions and the thrill of completing this difficult journey are a boon to the tourism industry, which has long been working to promote Namibia as a top destination for adventure tourism.
Gitta Paetzold, executive manager of the Namibian Association for the Hotel Industry (HAN), said that the Nedbank Desert Dash has "truly become one of the sports tourism and entertainment events. most important adventure of the Namibian calendar ".
She said that the tourism industry, with the aim of promoting national, regional and international tourism, has long been aiming to identify key events in Namibia in order to attract local and foreign visitors.
"The Nedbank Desert Dash fits perfectly with this model, because it is an exceptional race that attracts not only local cyclists, but also, over the years, more and more international competitors, as evidenced by 2018, with representatives from more than 14 countries. to take part."
More than 60% of the approximately 1,000 participants who dare to face the road are Namibians, joined by 311 South Africans and 69 cyclists from 12 other countries, including Germany, Austria, Canada, United States, France and Luxembourg.
"By crossing one of Namibia's most spectacular landscapes linking the capital to the coast, the Nedbank Desert Dash is the perfect opportunity to present one of the most rugged, inspiring and liberating terrains. of the country, "says Paetzold.
Paetzold adds that the Nedbank Desert Dash is recognized by far as one of the toughest day races around the world and is without a doubt a must event for all serious cyclists.
"And, the coverage of this event makes it possible to highlight the uniqueness of the country."
It is estimated that the event will bring at least $ 20 million in additional revenue to the Namibian economy, in the form of flights, car rentals, health services and other tourism-related activities. .
Gebhardt agrees that, along with the growing influx of visitors to the city, the Dash is making the region an "irresistible holiday destination", prompting visitors to discover more parts of the country and spread the word at home. itself.
"This, in turn, brings in foreign exchange, creates more jobs, helps develop our city and others and helps us preserve a diverse culture and the environment," she concludes.
Gernot de Klerk, marketing and communications manager at Nedbank Namibia, said the unique dashboard features, including the landscape and rugged road, combined with the quality and professional work of the race organizers, have contributed to shape the Nedbank Desert Dash in a global perspective. it is today.
"Thanks to the success and growth of events such as the Nedbank Desert Dash, Namibia has become a popular destination for major events."
While Namibia proudly celebrates the overall and tangible impact of the Dash, the ultimate benefit is for the cycling community and for the sport.
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