Interview with Gisele
September 27, 2024
IMPACT REPORT - 5 years of RAR Events
RAR Events Ltd., a Rwandan company founded in April 2019, started with a vision to organize the iconic Race Around Rwanda (RAR). Over the past six years, it has expanded its scope to include various cycling events aimed at promoting Rwanda as a premier adventure cycling destination.
Through flagship events like the Race Around Rwanda and the Rwandan Epic, RAR Events Ltd. has played a central role in transforming Rwanda’s cycling culture, tourism industry, and sports development. With strong support from key organizations such as the Rwandan Cycling Federation (FERWACY), the Rwandan Convention Bureau (RCB), and the Rwandan Tourism Board (Visit Rwanda), the company has made a significant impact across multiple sectors.
This report highlights the social, economic, and sports development contributions of RAR Events Ltd. over the past six years.
901 participants over six years, with 83% international cyclists
1. Tourism Growth
RAR Events Ltd. has played a role in positioning Rwanda as a global cycling tourism destination.
Key Achievements:
901 participants over six years, with 83% international cyclists
- Participants from 45 countries across 5 continents
- Average stay of 6 nights per participant, boosting the hospitality sector
- Increased demand for hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators
- Strengthened Rwanda's image as an adventure tourism hotspot
- Promotion of Rwanda's natural attractions, including Volcanoes National Park and mountain gorillas
The synergy between cycling and eco-tourism has highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to sustainable tourism, benefiting both conservation efforts and local communities.
2. Economic Impact
Key Economic Contributions:
- Hospitality & Accommodation: Increased demand for hotels, lodges, and restaurants during, but also before and after,
- Transportation & Local Services: Higher use of bike rentals, shuttle services, and phone usage, restaurants, etc.
- Local Business Engagement: Vendors, food sellers, and artisans benefit from international exposure.
- Made-in-Rwanda Products: RaR events uses locally crafted trophies and event materials that support Rwandan artisans. All event clothing and marketing material is locally produced
- Employment Generation: Over 80% of event staff are Rwandan, ensuring direct benefits to the local workforce
- Freelance Jobs Created: A total of 2437 working days provided for paid Rwandan staff
3. Social Impact & Community Engagement
Beyond cycling and tourism, RAR Events Ltd. has fostered meaningful social change in Rwanda:
Key Social Contributions:
- Gear donation: about 500 donated cycling jerseys, 8 bicycles and hundreds of pieces of spare parts
- Cultural Exchange: International participants engage with Rwandans, promoting cultural appreciation. We organize village walks and cultural experiences
- Youth Inspiration: Rwandan athletes compete alongside global cyclists, boosting local aspirations. We try to team up international and local athletes
- Rural Economic Empowerment: Events in rural areas provide opportunities for local vendors and entrepreneurs
- Community Engagement: Collaborations with artisans, service providers, and local businesses ensure widespread benefits
4. Environmental Awareness & Sustainability
RAR Events Ltd. prioritizes environmental responsibility, aligning with Rwanda’s sustainability goals.
Key Sustainability Efforts:
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Cycling as a low-emission transport mode reduces the carbon footprint
- Conservation & Eco-Tourism: RaR events promote visits to national parks and Rwanda’s conservation initiatives
- Sustainable Event Planning: Implementation of waste efficient management and eco-friendly materials. We avoid the use of single use plastics.
RAR Events Ltd. has helped attract global attention to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, enhancing support for wildlife preservation.
5. Sports Development: Nurturing Local Talent
RAR Events Ltd. actively supports Rwandan cyclists and the development of gravel cycling and mountain biking.
Key Sports Contributions:
- Free or Discounted Entry for Local Cyclists: Provides access to world-class competition
- Growing Gravel Cycling & MTB: The Rwandan Epic and Race Around Rwanda help popularize these sports, growing from niche events in the Rwandan cycling scene to established sports.
- Training & Infrastructure Development: Supporting cycling clubs and amateur athletes alike through donated material
Through its initiatives, the company has fostered a thriving cycling ecosystem, encouraging both recreational and professional participation.
6. Building a Sustainable Cycling Ecosystem
RAR Events Ltd. has has the intention to further support a sustainable cycling culture in Rwanda by:
- Expanding cycling infrastructure
- Train cycling mechanics
- Creating training opportunities for local athletes
- Creating Job opportunities in the cycling sector
- Attracting both international and domestic participants
With increasing access to training, equipment, and race opportunities, Rwanda is rapidly emerging as a global hub for adventure cycling. RaR Events hopes to play a role in that.
7. Media Reach & Global Exposure
RAR Events Ltd. has successfully expanded its reach beyond Rwanda, attracting international attention to the country's cycling scene and tourism sector.
Key Media Impact:
- Reached 7,749,900 people globally (excluding Rwandan media) through media and digital platforms
- Participants from 45 countries across 5 continents, strengthening Rwanda’s global cycling reputation
Conclusion
Since its founding in April 2019, RAR Events Ltd. has profoundly impacted Rwanda’s economy, tourism, and sports culture.
Key Takeaways:
- $1.2 million USD economic impact
- 901 participants, 83% international
- Participants from 45 countries over 5 continents
- 80%+ Rwandan event staff, generating local employment
- 2366 working days provided for Rwandan staff
- Media reach of 7,749,900 people globally
- Strong partnerships with FERWACY, RCB, and Visit Rwanda
- As Rwanda continues to grow as a premier cycling tourism and sports destination, RAR Events Ltd. remains committed to fostering local talent, showcasing Rwanda’s beauty, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
