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WINDHOEK – More than 1,000 Dashers are set to conquer the world's oldest desert in the space of just 249 days, during the next 24 hours, during one of the endurance events the most grueling in the world. Desert Dash starts in Swakopmund on December 8th.
The municipality of Swakopmund says that the coastal city is proud of the role it plays in this prestigious cycling event. In addition, locals greatly appreciate the many benefits that come with it.
"Every year, most of the hotels and pensions are full, including the bungalows run by the municipality," says Aili Gebhardt, spokesperson for the municipality of Swakopmund.
Last year, the small coastal town generated around 1.5 million Namibian dollars during the event, as well as several 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 the Nedbank Desert Dash has "truly become one of the most popular sports and tourism events in the world." the 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 nearly 1,000 participants who dare to face the road are Namibians, followed by 311 South Africans and 69 cyclists from 12 other countries, including Germany, Austria, Canada, the 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 country's most rugged, inspiring and liberating terrain," says Paetzold. .
Paetzold adds that the Nedbank Desert Dash is known by far as one of the most challenging day races in the world and is undoubtedly an event not to be missed for all serious cyclists.
"And, the coverage of this event makes it possible to highlight the uniqueness of the country."
It is estimated that this event will bring at least $ 20 million in additional revenue to Namibia's 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 features of the Dash, including the rugged landscape and road, combined with the quality and professional work of the race organizers, helped to give Nedbank Desert Dash a global attraction. 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.
Nedbank Namibia has played a decisive role on the Namibian cycling scene for more than 30 years and has helped forge a world-class cycling talent.
"Nedbank Namibia is aware of the importance of regularly offering quality races in order to perfect the skills and competitive advantage of our cyclists, who must not take anyone apart in this respect. which concerns talent. We remain exceptionally proud of our flagship event, "said De Klerk.
Journalist
2018-11-29 10:15:20 4 hours ago
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