As athletes, tourists and supporters travel to the Rwenzori region for the marathon, the impact of the Rwenzori Marathon is being felt beyond the race route.
Wide shots of Rubirizi town, roads, tourists arriving, hotel exteriors and runners.
Hotels in Rubirizi are benefiting from increased demand for accommodation, food and other hospitality services.
Among the facilities benefiting are Baboon Safaris and Kyangabi Forest Cottages, where visitors can combine the marathon experience with wildlife, nature and relaxation.
Hotel managers say events such as the Rwenzori Marathon give them an opportunity to attract new clients, especially visitors who may return later for tourism and business.
“The marathon has helped us because we receive visitors who need accommodation, meals and other services. Some of these guests also become interested in the tourism attractions around Rubirizi. We welcome more events that can bring visitors to our district.”
At Kyangabi Forest Cottages, the combination of sports and nature tourism is seen as an opportunity to position Rubirizi as a destination where visitors can enjoy both adventure and hospitality.
Events like the Rwenzori Marathon help us market our hotel and Rubirizi at the same time. Visitors come for the marathon, but they can also discover our forests, wildlife and other attractions. We encourage more sporting and tourism events in the area.
For Rubirizi, the marathon means more than competition. It creates a chain of economic activity involving hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour guides and other small businesses.
With every visitor who comes to Rubirizi for the marathon, there is an opportunity for the local hospitality industry to grow. Stakeholders now want more sporting and tourism events that can keep visitors coming back to the district.
As the Rwenzori Marathon continues to attract participants and visitors, hotel operators in Rubirizi hope the event will become a regular platform for promoting sports, tourism and local businesses.
MWEBAZE RONALD — RWENZORI TV
RUBIRIZI
