Tourism showpiece to attract 600 cyclists

By Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau Chief

Zimbabwe will this year host about 600 cyclists from across the globe at the annual Tour de Tuli that also involves Botswana and South Africa.

In a statement yesterday, National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Ms Caroline Washaya-Moyo said the number of participants had doubled from last year’s 300 following the great success that the 2009 event was.

The tourism showpiece will be held in Zimbabwe for the second year running.

Previously, it was a preserve for Botswana, Mozambi-que and South Africa under the banner Tour de Kruger.

Ms Washaya-Moyo said the cycling/mountain bike expedition will take place under the theme "Using Adventure to Build a Better World".

"Our task teams are already working with other stakeholders in and around our component of the Greater Mapungubwe transfrontier conservation area in making sure that this tour will again be a resounding success.

"Because of the increased numbers of participants, this year’s event will be divided into two batches of about 300 cyclists each.

"The first batch is scheduled to enter Zimbabwe through Tuli Circle Safari Area on the 5th of August 2010 and the second group enters Zimbabwe the following day.

"Included in these groups will be journalists from various international media," she said.

Ms Washaya-Moyo said participants will ride through Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa; and three national parks, namely Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Tuli Circle and Mapungubwe National Park.

"In addition the route in Zimbabwe will include an area in Beitbridge to the west, through Maramani communal lands and Sentinel Ranch, which is home to dinosaur fossils and footprints that are more than 200 million-years-old as well as grain bin shelters from the late Iron Age.

"This will no doubt market Zimbabwe as a tourism destination of choice.

Last year’s event received coverage on DSTV, Super Sport and in many tourism magazines at no cost at all", she said.

The event draws cyclists from across the globe to traverse participating countries and offers a unique marketing opportunity for the tourism sector.

published by, The Herald 21 July 2010