Businesses have stepped up preparations ahead of the 18th edition of Tour du Rwanda, scheduled for February 22 to March 1, as they seek to capitalise on the economic opportunities linked to the international cycling event.

ALSO READ: BPR joins Tour du Rwanda 2026 as main banking partner

After hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the country is once again set to welcome global teams, cycling enthusiasts and tourists for the UCI 2.1-rated race. The 2026 edition of the race introduces key innovations, including three consecutive days in Rubavu District featuring a full city circuit stage, as well as a demanding 99-kilometre finale in Kigali with over 2,000 metres of elevation gain.

ALSO READ: 18 teams confirmed for Tour du Rwanda 2026

Hotels, restaurants and transport operators in host districts – Rubavu, Musanze, Karongi and Kigali – say Tour du Rwanda is an opportunity to capitalise on increased consumption traffic.

Jean de Dieu Ntigurirwa, the Manager of Home Inn Hotel in Musanze town, said: "We are committed to delivering excellent service to our local and international visitors. While we regularly host cycling teams, we are taking extra steps to ensure a seamless experience during this national event.”

His hotel enhanced its hospitality and diversified its menu to cater for different tastes, while ensuring guests enjoy comfortable accommodation. Tour du Rwanda plays a vital role in boosting tourism and supporting local businesses through increased demand for accommodation and related services, he said.

In Kigali, Emmanuel Kalimba, the proprietor of New Paraiso Lounge opposite Amahoro Stadium, said large-scale sporting events often translate into increased consumption traffic and stronger sales.

"Whenever there is a big event, it definitely increases the volume of customers. It is good for us in general, international competitions tend to attract both local supporters and foreign visitors,” he said.

Kalimba explained that advance planning is essential to ensure smooth operations during peak periods.

"Tour du Rwanda is one of the events where we expect people from different areas and even different parts of the world. We make sure we have everything at our disposal so that we do not face shortages.”

The lounge often adjusts both stock and staffing levels depending on projected demand.

"Normally, we operate with about five employees, but when there is a big event, we add two or a few more, depending on the volume of business we are expecting.”

Beyond increasing staff numbers, he emphasised the importance of service quality. Temporary staff are briefed and prepared to handle the higher customer flow that comes with major events.

"We don’t only increase staff; we also brief and train them. We ensure they understand how to handle customers during such busy situations, so that we can give good service.”

ALSO READ: Memorable highlights of Tour du Rwanda 2025

Alex Rukundo, a taxi driver in Rubavu town, said Tour du Rwanda presents a valuable income-generating opportunity for local transport operators.

Rukundo noted that the cycling race transforms the atmosphere of the town, drawing large crowds and intensifying economic activity.

"Rubavu always becomes very vibrant when the cycling race comes here, we expect to work more than we normally do because the movement of people around town will be high.”

"It is one of the biggest events that attracts large crowds. In a nutshell, it is a great opportunity for us, taxi drivers, to see the race taking place here for three days while also increasing our earnings.”

Claudine Mukandayisenga who runs a small lakeside café in Karongi town said: "In Karongi, when Tour du Rwanda passes through, it is more than a race; it is a moment when our town is seen by the world.

"Visitors stop for coffee, meals, and even just to rest while enjoying the view of Lake Kivu. That directly supports small businesses like mine. We have extended our opening hours and increased stock so that we can serve many local fans and international guests. Events like this remind us that even small businesses can benefit from national and international competitions.”

This year’s edition will launch a Youth Racing Cup for riders aged 12 to 19, with the winner sharing the podium with the Tour champion, underscoring a focus on grassroots development.

Eighteen teams are set to compete, including several debutants such as Movistar Team, NSN, UAE Team Emirates Gen Z, and Swift Pro Cycling, alongside national teams from Rwanda, Eritrea, South Africa, and Ethiopia.