GOVERNMENT OF LESOTHO

PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVESS AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROJECT

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

TO OBTAIN EXCLUSIVE TOURISM RIGHTS AT

SEHLABATHEBE NATIONAL PARK

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Tourism is one of Lesotho’s potential growth sectors. The competitive positioning of Lesotho is based on the uniqueness of its spectacular mountainous landscape of exceptional beauty comprising dense vegetation cover with numerous endemic species of global importance that are confined to the mountain region. Over one third of the entire country is mountainous and is a biodiversity “hot spot”. The country also has extremely interesting geological formations and paleontological features that are unique to the region. The uniqueness of Lesotho is not only limited to its natural heritage, but also includes rich cultural heritage comprising numerous historical and archeological sites.

To unlock the tourism potential and to promote private sector participation in the tourism industry, the Government of Lesotho has drafted a Tourism Concessions Manual within the context of the Lesotho Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project (PSC project) which is jointly funded by the IDA and the Government of Lesotho.

The Tourism Concessions Manual provides national policies and procedures for the development of concessions in the tourism sector, and is aimed at meeting the needs of both concessionaires and Government authorities.

The Lesotho Tourist Development Corporation, duly authorised by the Lesotho Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture, seeks to enhance the benefits from tourism for the country by established market related tourism ventures in and around Lesotho’s natural and cultural resource base.

To this extend the Ministry and the LTDC have reached an agreement to seek the services of a reputed quality tourism entrepreneur to establish and operate a Mountain Resort within the boundaries of the Sehlabathebe National Park (SNP).

The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), therefore calls interested parties to express their interest in obtaining exclusive tourism rights at the Sehlabathebe National Park (SNP).

The LTDC aims to create benefits for the country’s national tourism industry and more specifically for the communities living around the park through the provision of a sustainable tourism product of international standard at SNP.

To achieve this, the LTDC seeks partners to operate one or more of the following business opportunities:

1. Mountain Resort facility (to be constructed) with a minimum capacity of 10 units (20 beds) and a maximum capacity of 20 units (40 beds) within the tourism use zone of the SNP.
    
2. Provision of nature based activities ranging from hiking, mountain bike trails, trout fishing pony trails and others in close cooperation with community residents as owners of the activity concession right.
    
3. The management of the (existing) Heritage Centre.

Successful entrepreneurs/companies will have a proven track record in operating tourism ventures in rural areas and/or establish client base that fits the profile of potential visitors to the park. Previous proven experience in the co-management of protected areas as well as private sector-community partnerships is a definite advantage.

For a general description of the SNP and a detailed description of the proposed concession options contact: ltdc@ltdc.org.ls and copy to cmokuku@psc.org.ls or visit www.ltdc.org.ls or www.psc.org.ls

Interested parties should submit a completed Expression of Interest Form to be downloaded on the following websites: www.psc.org.ls OR www.ltdc.org.ls and should be submitted (signed and scanned) to the address below by September 18th 2009. EOIs will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Individual Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (current edition).

The Project Manager
Private Sector Competitiveness Project
Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing
4th Floor LNDC Centre
Kingsway
P.O. Box 747
Maseru 100
Lesotho
Email: cmokuku@psc.org.ls