The Timeshare Beat
February 18, 2002
Zimbabwe's Sun Group of Hotels (ZimSun) has begun construction on a US$550,000 hotel and cabanas in the popular
Mozambique beach resort of Vilanculos, often referred to as the best kept secret in Mozambique. This is the first
project in the company's planned regional expansion, part of ZimSun's goal to diversify its holdings and protect
it from political turmoil and the collapse of the tourism sector in Zimbabwe.
The first phase of the project consists of a 30-bed hotel, with 32 timeshare cabanas to be built in the second
phase.
Timeshare resorts in the ZimSun stable in Zimbabwe include: Troutbeck Inn, an RCI Gold Crown property that is part of the Troutbeck Sun Resort; and Caribbea Bay, an RCI Resort of International Distinction that is part of the Caribbea Bay Sun Resort.
Mozambique is located along the eastern coast of Southern Africa, and is the gateway to 6 countries: Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa. The official language is Portuguese.
Vilanculos, on the southern coast of Mozambique, is considered the most beautiful town and beach in the country. It offers fabulous beaches, superb water-sports, diving and above all, deep sea fishing.
A short sail across to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, proclaimed a national park in 1971, will bring you to protected reefs supporting dolphins and marine turtles. There are myriads of tropical fish to discover while snorkelling in the warm crystal clear waters.
Other activities available include hiking, wildlife tours, birdwatching, parasailing, and shopping in the town's colorful marketplace. Seafood is plentiful, and there are a number of surprisingly sophisticated dining establishments to choose from.
In May, 2001, A South African consortium - represented by Jordan Properties, Hugh Brown Holdings, the Allan
Mansfield Family Trust - and the Mozambican Minister of Environmental Affairs, John Kachamila, joined forces to
develop the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the largest private coastal concession ever to be awarded
by the Mozambican government and covers 30,000 hectares of marine and wildlife territory.
According to the chairman of Jordan Properties, Trevor Jordan, the total investment in the project is to be about
US$10m over the next five years. The developers have organised a scheduled air service between Johannesburg and
Vilanculos so visitors can now fly direct to Vilanculos Airport.
About Zimbabwe Sun Limited
Zimbabwe Sun Limited, the largest leisure orientated Company in Zimbabwe, owns and manages a number of hotels,
casinos and resorts in the country’s prime tourist destinations and major cities.
Established in 1968 as a division of Delta Corporation Limited, one of the country’s largest corporations, after
restructuring in 1990, Zimbabwe Sun Limited was converted into a public company, incorporated in Zimbabwe and listed
on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.
ZimSun has suffered substantial losses as a result of recent political violence in Zimbabwe, but a company spokeman expects the security situation to stabilise after scheduled presidential elections in March and that the economy will recover.
Foreign tourist arrivals dropped 60% in Zimbabwe in 2001, with tourism revenue plummeting from an estimated US$6 billion in 1999 to just US$1 billion in 2001.
The Company comprises three main divisions; Sun Hotels, Sun Resorts and Sun Leisure. The portfolio includes
50% of the world-renowned Victoria Falls Hotel, a member of “The Leading Hotels of The World”, set alongside one
of the world’s greatest natural wonders from which the hotel draws its name. Each of the hotels and resorts is
a unique combination of leisure destinations to cater for a diverse range of tastes. Safari enthusiasts, fishing
fanatics, golf lovers, bird watchers and many others are all catered for. The Holiday Inn properties cater for
both the business and leisure traveller and have been home to most visiting international sporting personalities,
teams and conferences.
The development of the properties has all been done with the community and the environment in mind. Environmental
impact assessments are very much part of the development plans, and the environmental management systems are incorporated
to continually monitor the impact of operations on the natural surroundings.
Zimbabwe Sun Limited is the only leisure company that has properties in every major tourist destination in Zimbabwe.
The company is able to offer luxury accommodation, courteous and friendly service, superb local and international
cuisine and limitless entertainment, sports and leisure activities throughout
Zimbabwe.
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