Skukuza Hotel Progress (Kruger National Park)

[H. erectus]

The content as was forwarded to the company assessing hoteling
and viable measures for sustainability in the greater Skukuza area
of Kruger National park as set aside by Sanparks for abuse!!!,....

Dear Chantal,
With reference to above subject, I was informed by my colleagues, of
Your company and its intention to further participate in the development of a hotel to be erected and situated in Skukuza restcamp, Kruger National Park.
And so this letter to you.

Firstly I wish to briefly introduce my colleagues and self.

Africa Wild, a forum on the internet, recently started as an independent group with their main cause aimed at nature conservation issues. With membership escalating fast this forum participates in many issues such as fund raising, game sanctuaries for distressed animals, poaching issues and many more other subjects. A forum with a broad base off knowledgeable members, always ready to assist in matters regarding conservation issues.
Concerned and lovers of natural heritage.

Myself, I go by name Fred de Groot and also a member of several other forums and social networking sites regarding conservation issues. I represent Africa Wild on issues regarding the commercialization, peripheral development zone and park/ride hotel facilities envisaged for the Malelane area by Sanparks. A venture linked to this endeavor with all due respect.

It is herewith that we wish to be noted on your list of participants when doing the EIA and/or further development, regarding the hotel venture. A reply
from yourselves and possibly more insight into the matter will be highly appreciated by us.

It seems that the company, you represent is of sizeable stature with representatives in all provinces as well as other African countries. With all your visions and missions intact you will therefore be able to deliver input of ethical standards. We would like to wish you a pleasant time and if need be you require
Assistance, please do not hesitate to call on us.

Yours faithfully,

Fred de Groot
Africa Wild.

[bigbird]

Does anyone know the usage rate of the white elephant, sorry Conference Centre in Skukuza. One of the arguments for the hotel was that there is not enough accomodation in Skukuza to meet the demand.
I did ask ther question in the SP site, but was fobbed off.

[H. erectus]

Does anyone know the usage rate of the white elephant

Such a rate/usage of facility will have been set there in order to win the contract!
However that info will remain confidential till such time public participation is called
for,....however then still facts and figures can be contorted!!!

A long shot dead honest question bigbird, all that info unfortunately lies in their hands,

What happens after the new born white elephants learn to wander, will by then be a
forgotten cause and subsequently become someone else's problem!!

But yah, camp occupancy rate, figures that must be attainable will prove a certain
standard lured along by a carrot!!!

[Richprins]

Have also been trying to get that usage info since 2011, Bigbird!

No dice!

[Toko]

Skukuza Conference Lodge Fact Sheet

[Richprins]

Thanks, Toko!

Looks to be from about 2010?

Some excerpts:

So what are the options?
•
As we only have limited scope to grow occupancies should we practice ruthless yield management which would result in much higher prices?
This strategy may provide a short term solution but we may also then turn away a large portion of both our current and e merging markets,
which may result in a smaller support base for cons ervation in the future?

Or
•
Do we diversify our product offering in a responsible manner to attract new markets such as the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and
exhibition) market?
We believe that the second option is the most prudent.


I would have thought a third option would just be to leave well alone, and look after animals?

[H. erectus]

It is quite clear that Sanparks suffer with identity crisis!!
I get the feeling that they gladly would stash the green robe
for black and white hospitality attire!!
At the cost of conservation. Perhaps .gov should rap some
knuckles as a reminder, of what your duties are!!!

[Richprins]

Agreed!

Any word from the EIA bunch?

[H. erectus]

None RP, both bunches!!!

[Richprins]

Seems fishy......