If it fails to meet these commitments, Jordan will lose the concession, which is set for an initial 50 years. Minister of Environment John Kachamila is one of the JV partners. He has openly declared his involvement, saying it is not a conflict of interests and has the approval of the Mozambique Cabinet. The town has Customs and immigration facilities at its airstrip, allowing direct access for international visitors. It is the gateway to the new development and to existing lodges on the nearby islands of Bazaruto and Benguerra.
Visitors can travel to the lodges by helicopter or high-speed motor boat.
Mozambican Tourism Minister Fernando Sumbana jnr says government is looking to develop the Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary as a model for future projects along the same lines. Mozambique, he says, is keen to promote tourism, but wants to link developments directly to the upliftment of its people so that material benefits flow immediately. The local communities, the Inhambane provincial administration and the Mozambican central government Cabinet were approached for their approval before the new sanctuary was declared. Jordan Properties is run by MD Trevor Jordan, who has established a number of successful wildlife and conservation projects in SA, such as the Thornybush and Welgevonden game reserves and the Millstream trout fishing timeshare scheme. The developers will be responsible for enforcing conservation regulations in the reserve and will have powers of arrest.