Fractional Ownership News

Africas largest hospitality resort is named

Date: 28/09/2009
Article source: IOL

By Suren Naidoo

It has finally been revealed: the R44-billion theme park and mixed-use development planned for the North Coast will be called AmaZulu World and has the support of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.

More details of the development earmarked for a prime 16 500ha plot of traditional land on the northern side of the uThukela River were disclosed by the Dubai-based developers Ruwaad Holdings at the official unveiling of the project at the Cityscape Dubai expo. Ruwaad chairperson Hanif Merchant said AmaZulu World would be the largest single (property) development in African history.

"It will have a perfect blend of development zones," said Hayan Merchant, his son and Ruwaad's chief executive officer. "Among the key elements are Africa's first world-class internationally branded entertainment theme park, as well as Africa's largest shopping destination, Africa's most comprehensive and advanced sports village development, Africa's largest lifestyle community and Africa's first dedicated education and healthvillage.

"This will be alongside hotels, resorts, spas, a marina, a variety of residential offerings, community facilities and nature reserves.The development has caused interest locally and internationally, with property and tourism experts describing it as "mind-blowing".

The developers said that if approved, AmaZulu World would rocket KZN and South Africa into a new tourism and property league.

According to South African-based consultancy Pam Golding Hospitality, which secured a lucrative contract from Ruwaad to conduct research for the project, AmaZulu World would incorporate a mixed-use development with 20 large hotels and two theme parks of international standard and size.

It would also have 1207nbsp;000 residences, golf courses and other hospitality-related offerings.

"South Africa and KZN must go out of their way to secure this development, which is unparallelled both in its stature and magnitude," said Pam Golding Hospitality managing director Joop Demes. "This will put KZN on the global tourism and property map. To put it into context, this development will be several times the investment made by another Dubai-based group in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront,"

Hayan Merchant said: "South Africa's hosting of the World Cup, its heavy investment in infrastructure and the recent surge of foreign investment in tourism projects will support AmaZulu World in becoming the destination choice of Africa."  Studies indicate that the development would create more than 200 000 jobs, and increase tourism to the region by almost 40 percent.

Premier S'bu Ndebele, King Goodwill Zwelithini and KZN Director-General Kwazi Mbangwa were in Dubai for the unveiling. Since being mentioned by Ndebele earlier in 2008, the project has faced opposition from the owners of the communal land earmarked. However, Zwelithini said: "Ruwaad has demonstrated to our community its firm commitment to developing a destination that fits with our area's unique natural, cultural and historical character.

"With confidence, the local community is hugely excited to welcome Ruwaad to our province, and we look forward to the future employment and economic growth that will contribute to the sustainability of our area."  A giant statue of King Shaka will be among the attractions.