BUDAPEST, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Budapest's three major marathon events generated strong tourism results this year, drawing more than 50,000 foreign visitors and contributing close to 4 billion forints (12 million U.S. dollars) to the local economy, the Budapest Sport Office (BSI) said Wednesday.
According to BSI, the Telekom Vivicitta, the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon, and the SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival together accounted for over 100,000 guest nights in the capital.
Almost 19,000 foreigners from 125 countries and regions registered for the races, and survey data showed each runner brought an average of 1.8 travel companions. Including locals, the three events drew more than 93,000 participants.
The largest groups of foreign competitors at the major autumn races continued to arrive from Britain, while runners from neighboring countries and Germany dominated the shorter spring distances. ■
