ARUSHA, Tanzania, May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- In the news release, "Grumeti Reserves and Paul Tudor Jones Partner with Singita To Expand Eco-Tourism in Tanzania" to be issued on 5 May 2006 05:00 GMT, by Grumeti Reserves over PR Newswire, we are advised by a representative of the company that [Dateline city should read "ARUSHA, Tanzania" and the distribution time has been changed to 09:00EDT ] as originally issued inadvertently. Complete, corrected release follows:
Grumeti Reserves and Paul Tudor Jones today announced that they have invited Singita, the world renowned eco-tourism and leisure operation, to partner with them in the further development of Grumeti Reserves, the 340,000 acre (140,000 Ha) safari destination bordering the Serengeti National Park. In addition, Paul Jones has purchased a minority interest in Singita's management company to help foster eco-tourism efforts in the region.
Under the agreement, the tourism and affiliated operations of Grumeti Reserves will be managed and globally promoted by Singita to accelerate the growth of the hospitality industry and eco-tourism efforts in the Serengeti region.
Three exceptional lodges have been constructed in Grumeti Reserves: Sasakwa Hill Lodge, a hilltop lodge in the style of an English manor home with awe-inspiring views over the Serengeti plains; Sabora Plains Tented Camp, a lavish tented camp on the Serengeti plains decorated in 1920's grand campaign style; and the Faru Faru River Lodge, with a classic East African safari feel on the Grumeti River. Each of these three spectacular locations is positioned ideally on the renowned migratory route traversed annually by more than a million wildebeest.
Grumeti Reserves has also done a great deal of work for its neighboring community, establishing the Grumeti Community & Wildlife Conservation Fund (the "Grumeti Fund"), which has invested heavily in the region. Among the projects undertaken by the Fund is the planned reintroduction of 25 Black Rhino to the Serengeti eco-system.
"We are excited to partner with Singita, one of the world's top eco-tourism and hospitality operations," said Paul Jones, owner of Grumeti Reserves. Mr. Jones added, "We feel confident that the distinctive location, size and beauty of Grumeti Reserves will provide visitors with a 'once in a lifetime' experience, complementing Singita's unparalleled collection of locations and allowing us to increase tourism to the Grumeti Reserves and Serengeti region."
"Unique in its iconic location, exceptional game viewing, unparalleled amenities and genuine commitment to redefine eco-tourism, Grumeti Reserves is one of the most ambitious and finest eco-tourism projects I have ever seen," said Luke Bailes, owner of Singita. Mr. Bailes added, "Singita will work diligently to continue to foster Grumeti's relationship with the Grumeti community, the Tanzanian Government, the Grumeti Fund and our clients."
"Singita Group, under Luke's direction, is the ideal partner to help us achieve our goals in Tanzania," Mr. Jones added, "I have personally invested in Singita to ensure that we continue to fulfill our commitments to the people of Tanzania."
About Grumeti Reserves Ltd.
Grumeti Reserves, one of the world's most luxurious eco-tourism resorts, was established in 2003. Backed by American financier and environmental philanthropist Paul Tudor Jones, the 340,000 acre resort is located on the western boundary of the Serengeti National Park. The concession is comprised of Ikorongo Game Reserve, Grumeti Game Reserve and Fort Ikoma Open Area. Grumeti Reserves is, and will remain, the sole legal concession holder of these three concessions. As a privately held concession, it offers seclusion and exclusivity, highlighted by the annual wildebeest migration, which passes through these areas in the months of June, July and August and again in November.
The mission of Grumeti Reserves is to rehabilitate and improve the indigenous biodiversity of the western Serengeti-Mara system to the benefit of local communities and districts, as well as national, and international stakeholders, through practices that are financially sustainable, environmentally and culturally responsible, and politically acceptable.
About Singita
Formed 13 years ago by financier Luke Bailes, Singita is a world-class eco-tourism and leisure operation offering award-winning safari adventures coupled with specialized and sophisticated hotel experiences. Singita currently operates 5 distinctive lodges of varying sizes in and around the Kruger National Park. Notably, Singita was named the "Best Hotel in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler (USA Edition) in 2001, 2002 and 2004. Conde Nast Traveller (UK Edition) named Singita the "Best Hotel in the World" 2004. Travel and Leisure named Singita the "World's Best Hotel" for 2004 and number 1 in its "World's Best Service Awards" in June 2005. Harpers Hideaway named Singita "Best Resort in the World" for 2004.
Singita's mission is to create and operate exceptional products that are economically sustainable and environmentally responsible. Through an uncompromising dedication to service excellence, the group aims to be the most successful eco-tourism and leisure operation in Africa.
About The Grumeti Community & Wildlife Conservation Fund
The Grumeti Fund is a limited liability non-profit organization established in 2002 by Grumeti Reserves to operate community programs, concession area development and wildlife management efforts within Tanzania. Receiving funding from Grumeti Reserves, the Grumeti Fund has dedicated millions of dollars to create community-linked projects. Among these projects is the Fund's planned reintroduction of 25 Black Rhino over the next few years to the Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves, thus enabling Grumeti Reserves' visitors to see the Big Five.
Web site: http://www.grumetireserves.com
http://www.singita.com
for Grumeti Reserves, +255-28-262-2074 (Tanzania), +1-770-947-7049 (US), reservations@grumetireserves.com; for Singita, Luke Bailes or Mark Witney, (Singita Head Office, South Africa): +27-21-683-3424, reservations@singita.co.za; for Paul Tudor Jones: Steven Bruce, sb@abmac.com, or Kathleen Merrigan, kmm@abmac.com, or Gwenn Daniels, ghd@abmac.com, all of The Abernathy MacGregor Group, +1-212-371-5999
