Objectives

The primary objective of the tender is to commission a feasibility study for the development of the Matatiele Mountain Lake Hiking Trail and Campsite. The study aims to assess the viability, sustainability, and practicality of establishing and operating the trail and campsite, with a focus on environmental conservation, community participation, economic development, and tourism enhancement.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Situational and site analysis, including land ownership and surrounding attractions.
• Environmental and biodiversity assessments, including impact assessments.
• Cultural and heritage evaluations.
• Market and demand analysis, focusing on outdoor recreation and camping.
• Technical feasibility studies.
• Socio-economic impact assessments, emphasizing community participation and beneficiation mechanisms.
• Financial and economic analysis, including funding and partnership models.
• Institutional, legal, and regulatory assessments.
• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Development of an implementation framework and operational model.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements specify that the service provider must:

• Apply a mixed-method approach, including stakeholder engagement.
• Deliver comprehensive reports covering all assessment areas in both electronic and hard copy formats.
• Complete the study within 12 weeks from appointment.
• Demonstrate expertise in eco-tourism, hiking trail development, and feasibility studies.
• Provide detailed methodology, including site analysis, environmental assessments, market analysis, and financial modeling.
• Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.

Skills Requirements

The bidder must demonstrate:

• Experience in coordinating and developing feasibility studies in tourism and eco-tourism sectors.
• Qualified personnel, including project leaders with a minimum of NQF Level 8 in Tourism Management, Environmental Management, or Urban and Regional Planning, with at least five years’ relevant experience.
• Team members with qualifications such as Hospitality Management NQF6 or Tourism Development NQF6, supported by certified copies of certificates.
• Proven track record in environmental, socio-economic, and market assessments related to tourism projects.
• Ability to produce comprehensive, evidence-based reports aligned with the project objectives and scope.