eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Delta Beverages is set to host this year’s African Triathlon Union (ATU) Sprint Triathlon tomorrow at the Troutbeck Hotel in Nyanga.
The event which is running under the Bonaqua brand is set to bring together 21 elites from the region and as far afield as Germany. It will run for two days.
Delta Beverages Coca- Cola Marketing Activations manager Vee Chibanda said they will use the triathlon event to promote sport tourism and enhance economic development.
“The Bonaqua Troubeck ATU contributes significantly to sports tourism in this country. Many of the athletes who were here last year had good testimonies about how beautiful this country is.
“Coca-Cola has been a sponsor for triathlon for the past five years through their water brands and this year, Bonaqua is the title sponsor.”
Zimbabwe Triathlon president Rich Fulton said they hope the event will open new opportunities for tourism considering the number of countries that are coming for the race. Fulton believes the race will raise the Eastern Highlands profile and bring in more visitors and dollars to the country. Athletes from Germany, South Africa, Namibia, Hong Kong among others are expected to participate.
“It’s an international event. We have a total of 21 elites coming. They will not come alone but will bring their coaches, medics or even family for support.
“From a foreign currency point of view, we will earn. Sport and tourism can attract Foreign Direct Investment if we are able to appeal to international sporting boards, icons and teams. Newly appointed Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira has been pointing to the importance of partnerships between sport and tourism as the nation seeks to explore avenues that will promote tourism and the development of sport.
Last year, German-born triathlete, Jonas Schomburg romped to victory in Elite men while on the ladies’ side, Japanese Aoi Kuramoto clinched the first title ahead of South Africa’s Cindy Schwult.
