The Conservation Corporation of Africa (CC Africa), a leading eco-safari operator of Africa, is planning 20 safaris in India in the next five years, in association with Tata Hotels and Resorts, its chief executive Steve Fitzgerald said in Chennai on February 17.
"India offers enormous potential for safaris. We had entered into a joint venture with Tata Hotels and Resorts last year. As per the agreement, we will have three safaris in Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Bandhavgarh before the end of this year," Steve said, in the presence of Jonty Rhodes, the former Test cricketer of South Africa, who is now a brand ambassador of the company.
The two companies have entered into a joint venture to undertake the projects.
"We will have the first one by October and the rest before the end of this year," he added.
"This will be our first project outside the African continent. Our aim is to have 20 safaris across India in the next five years," Steve added.
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Jonty Rhodes
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CC Africa will invest about $ 8 million for these three projects to set up lodges, camps and other facilities. "Some of the project works will be green-field and we will work closely with the Forest Department," Steve added.
The Taj group will take care of running day-to-day operations, administration and other distribution works.
Steve pointed out that some projects would be identified in south India as well, and in general India had lots more to offer than tigers.
Jonty Rhodes said he was happy to be in India, promoting his country in general and its eco-tourism in particular. “I have visited India as part of the cricket team but could hardly see the country.
All that we get to see during a cricket series is airports, hotels and cricket grounds. Now, my wife and I have a chance to travel and actually see places. We are having a great time now.”
India offers tremendous potential from the tourism point of view as a vast and truly diverse country, Jonty added.
CC Africa plans 20 safaris in India
