Desert Dash boosts sports tourism

SMEs flourish
Events like the Nedbank Namibia Desert Dash not only stimulate the economy at both micro and macro levels, but also encourage infrastructure investment from both the private and public sectors.
STAFF REPORTER
  • 3 Weeks Ago
Beyond enhancing Namibia's reputation as a premier sports tourism destination, the Nedbank Desert Dash also provides a substantial boost to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), injecting an estimated N$25 million into local businesses.

“The impact of the influx of race participants, spectators and support staff on small businesses is remarkable,” says Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua.

“The Nedbank Desert Dash has become a vital economic driver for Namibia, particularly in Windhoek and Swakopmund.

“Demand for accommodation, dining and other services surges, providing a much-needed lift to local enterprises. Hotels, guesthouses and lodges often reach full occupancy, frequently booked months in advance,” Murorua says.



Investment

Such events not only stimulate the economy at both micro and macro levels but also encourage infrastructure investment from both the private and public sectors, she adds.

“With a renewed emphasis on investment, led by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the ministry of trade and industrialisation, the Nedbank Desert Dash stands out as a beacon for potential investors. These organisations are dedicated to enhancing Namibia's global standing, and events like these are vital to achieving that vision,” Murorua continues.



Sector

“The Nedbank Desert Dash symbolises something far greater than just a race—it's an opportunity to harness the economic potential of sports tourism in our country,” says Murorua.

According to the World Tourism Organisation, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, thriving on the rising interest in sports activities while offering authentic local experiences.

Currently, sports tourism accounts for around 10% of global tourism expenditure and is projected to grow at an impressive rate of 17.5% between 2023 and 2030.

These global trends align with the upward trajectory of Namibia's local tourism industry, says Murorua.

At present, tourism is the fastest-growing economic sector in Namibia, employing over 100 000 individuals, particularly in rural areas.

“This sector plays a vital role in alleviating rural poverty, and considering the overall growth of our nation’s tourism landscape, the potential for expansion in sports tourism specifically is immense,” she adds.



Industry

“We’ve observed the tremendous success of our regional neighbour, South Africa, in growing its sports tourism industry. In 2022, their sports tourism accounted for between 2% and 5% of the global market, attracting over 50 000 visitors each year and injecting approximately US$3.6 billion into the local economy,” Murorua says.

For example, the Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s premier ultra-marathon events, contributed around R600 million to the economy in Kwa-Zulu Natal, while Cape Town’s Two Oceans Marathon provided an estimated R627 million boost to the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

“Additionally, remarkable examples of this phenomenon have been witnessed further afield,” Murorua adds.

The US city of Boston, for example, experienced a US$200 million economic boost when 30 000 runners and countless spectators from 130 countries gathered for the 128th Boston Marathon in April.

“These sporting events have transformed their host cities into global tourist destinations, leading to increased international participation and significant investments in local economies. Namibia stands poised to experience similar growth, leveraging events like the Nedbank Desert Dash to become a vibrant hub for sports tourism,” Murorua says.