THIRTY local and international companies and individuals have made it through the first pre-qualifying round for concession opportunities at 13 identified sites in Phase One of South African National Parks (SANP) commercialisation programme.
This according to Annemie van Jaarsveld from chartered accountants, Deloitte & Touche, who is acting as a consultant on the SANP's commercialisation programme, in conjunction with SANP's project leader, Peter Fernhead.
She told Travel Now it was "encouraging" for South Africa's tourism industry to see such an overwhelming international response to tourism development.
"The international companies seem particularly interested in the development of eco-tourism as the major interest lies with the nine sites in the Kruger National Park."
The list of prequalified bidders was announced last Tuesday and posted on to the SANP's website. It includes the names of, amongst others, Orient Express Hotels, CCAfrica, the Don Group's Tabiso Tlelai as part of a consortium which includes Ramada of Marriott International, Legacy Hotels, SA Express, Singita Private Game Reserve, Protea Hotels Hazyview, Wilderness Safaris and a joint venture between Thebe Travel & Tourism and Abercrombie & Kent.
Van Jaarsveld says the due diligence process will begin on Monday and continue through August and September.
"By October 6, the parties will be issued with the final bid document, which has to be handed in by October 27."
She believes the preferred bidders should be announced by early November and the contracts finalised by December.
(Adéle Mackenzie)
