Sterling Hotel partners Econet

STERLING Group of Hotels, which has a presence in Bulawayo would provide accommodation for some of the Econet Victoria Falls marathon participants at its 46-room facility in the city.
The Victoria Falls Marathon will be taking place on Sunday, July 2, 2023, in the picturesque resort town.

The participants would be en route to Victoria Falls for the sport tourism event that will take place on the stunning banks of the Zambezi River, showcasing not only the spirit of athletic achievement but also the power of tourism in bringing people from across the world to this breathtaking location.

Established in 2006, the event has grown to become one of Africa’s top marathons, drawing thousands of local and international runners into the country while firmly establishing Zimbabwe on the global athletics calendar.

Last year, more than 4 500 athletes from several countries from around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Britain, the United States, and South Africa were among those that participated in the marathon.

Sterling’s head of sales and marketing, Mrs Sibusisiwe Zhou, told Business Chronicle that they are excited with the prospects of hosting the participants.

“Yes, we are providing accommodation and meals for the Victoria Falls Marathon runners. It has had a positive impact on the hotel occupancy and this is a golden opportunity for us to have runners sample our product and ensure we give a unique experience,” she said.

Mrs Zhou noted that this is part of the hotel’s plan to promote the growth of sports tourism.

“The hotel is 100 percent for sports tourism and we will continue to do more to support domestic and sports tourism. The hotel has 46 rooms and we can cater for 60 people.”

The hotel group recently opened a 46 -roomed facility in Bulawayo. To date, it has invested about US$6 million in the tourism and hospitality industry, a development seen as a positive trajectory for growth.

Sterling Group of Hotels is wholly owned by Zimbabweans with three properties, an executive Boutique Hotel in Borrowdale in Harare, with 14 rooms, Mvurwi with 28 rooms and 18 villas, and the new Sterling Bulawayo hotel.-chronicle