nvestment Opportunity: Construction and Materials Property Tourism & Leisure

The government is inviting investors to develop a five star hotel and a state of the art International Convention Centre in Ezulwini, a scenic valley along a tourism corridor in Swaziland.

Name of Project: Establishment of International Convention Centre (ICC) and 5 star Hotel

Cost of investment: The ICC and hotel is estimated to cost between $30m and $50m.

Implementation period: Three years (3)

Operational date: at end of 3 years

Work achieved so far

• Pre-feasibility study and business plan are in place

• Conceptual designs have been drawn

• A promotional brochure has been developed

Project site location: Ezulwini, Mbabane

Site characteristics: Ezulwini is a scenic valley along a tourism corridor. The area is well developed with other major establishments in the vicinity.

Basic infrastructure: Available land

Sector overview: Swaziland's tourism industry is growing rapidly to compete with neighbouring countries. The government prospects the year 2009 to be a record breaker for tourist numbers. Currently there are only a few five star hotels. This has been a draw back for foreign tourists desiring high quality accomodation. Therefore the government is inviting investors to participate in establishing a 5 star hotel and a international convention centre.

Benefits of project to initiator: The envisaged developments will help put Swaziland on the international map as a venue for major conferences and events. It is expected to boost the tourism industry and provide job opportunities.

Local market: Only one company is currently operating in this field.

Sector specific incentives include local funding, 10% corporate tax, 50% initial depreciation and unlimited carry forward.

Partnership options

• Potential investors have the option of entering into a public-private partnership (PPP) with a possible management contract on the ICC, and 100% government funding.

• Foreign investors wanting to build the 5 star hotel would have 100% ownership.

This project is co-ordianted by Project Millennium Unit (PMU) and Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA).

For further information on this investment opportunity, contact SIPA.

For more information: http://www.tradeinvestafrica.com/investment_opportunities/877459.htm