The initial design concept of the Delta Leisure Parks.

SarnerPFM, part of the United Kingdom-based Sarner Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Delta State government to construct two leisure parks. Jaco Maritz caught-up with Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, managing director of the company.

Please give us an overview of the planned leisure parks in Delta State?

The two Delta Leisure Parks will be one of the few water theme park resorts in Africa and will be located in the cities of Warri and Asaba respectively. The Warri Park will encompass a number of zones comprising hotels, an amusement park, water park, golf course, commercial areas, museum and service area. The Asaba Park will incorporate a wildlife park, restaurants and a service zone. The project is expected to cost US$250 million.

SarnerPFM is the African arm of the Sarner Group for its construction and operations throughout the African continent. The Sarner Group has over three decades of experience in the design and delivery of visitor attractions and leisure entertainment centres. This is the first project in Nigeria; however Sarner has been involved in other projects in Africa.

Why did SarnerPFM specifically decide on Delta State for the project? Given the problems in the Niger Delta, wouldn’t it have been better to do the project in one of the more peaceful areas of Nigeria?

Firstly the Niger Delta region is not only blessed with mineral resources but it has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Nigeria and West Africa. When driving from Delta State to Cross River State, one will see the beauty of nature and rich cultural diversity unfold. If this potential is properly harnessed and developed, the region could rival any of the world's top tourist sites.

Secondly, it is interesting you use the word "peaceful areas". The world is not at peace, so there is no such thing as a "peaceful area". We have seen for example that terrorism can strike any nation at any time. A relatively peaceful nation can quickly become a war zone, torn apart by either internal or international conflict. It has not stopped investment, development and people going about their daily duties because we cannot give up or give in.

We appreciate recent events in the Niger Delta with the amnesty programme and the declaration of a ceasefire. The Niger Delta is now enjoying relative peace and development. Projects such as this will help to sustain the peace programme because of its contribution to employment, development of the communities, revenue generation and empowerment of the people.

Who is SarnerPFM's target market for the leisure parks?

We will be looking to attract your everyday holiday tourist from anywhere in the world. However, the initial focus in the short term will be on Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora. We will also be looking to attract Africans from across the continent.

Nigeria with a population of approximately 150 million has a far larger potential tourism population than many countries such as the UK, France, United Arab Emirates and South Africa, yet we do not have a single world-class tourist destination. This is why we flock to places like Dubai, Paris, the UK, and Florida for our holidays. Your average middle-class Nigerian has been to more of these countries, or aspires to holiday in these countries, than any of the Nigerian states or even other African countries.

Although Nigeria has many affluent people, the majority of the country still lives in poverty. Will you have a large enough market for the leisure parks?

Based on our feasibility studies, the theme parks have been designed for the different classes of people in Nigeria. We have created something for everyone to enable them to visit the park and we have structured the entry to the parks to attract a large enough market. We need to understand that Nigeria has one of the largest populations in the world and the potential is there to attract investment. The intention is to put us on the international tourism market.

From research, statistics and feedback, your average visitor to a theme park is not your so-called affluent person but your ordinary working and middle-class citizen. A theme park is supposed to capture the magic for everyone – how spectacular you make your magic when you get there is down to you. An average Nigerian spends 30% of his/her income on entertainment and leisure, regardless of their social or economic status.

According to an earlier report the, Delta State government would apply for an Export Free Zone to enhance the success of the project. Can you please elaborate on this?

The Delta State government and SarnerPFM want a situation where we will have a place that business will be allowed to flourish without bureaucratic bottlenecks. Businesses that will be set up in the resort can only thrive with the right kind of fiscal encouragement. Those interested in setting up businesses in the resorts will know that they will only have to look after their main taxes without being discouraged by strict fiscal policies.

What role will the Delta State government play in the proposed leisure parks?

The Delta State government as a partner to the project is playing a very significant role in ensuring the success of these very unique parks. Although it is not providing physical cash and is not involved in the construction and operation of the parks, the government is providing the infrastructure. As the governor stated, this is a project the government intends to support to ensure successful completion because of the benefits to the people and the community. The government recognises that this is a project that will change the landscape of the state and when fully completed employ in the region of over 6 000 people.

How would you describe Nigeria's tourism industry?

Tourism in Nigeria is relatively untapped. What is currently on the ground are mostly just various cultural displays. Your average Nigerian in the diaspora cannot take their children on a family holiday to Nigeria because there is nowhere for them to visit. Holidays to Nigeria are not regarded as being suitable for the family but for adults only.

The tourism sector is begging to be developed because we have everything it takes: the population, the natural beauty, the cultural diversity and our democratic political system. Given the right kind of project, coupled with a rich cultural environment like Delta State, we believe that tourism in Nigeria can be positively developed.