SANDY HILL ECOTOURSBUSINESS PROFILE

Prepared by

Earlyn ShufflerFebruary 8th 2008ForThe Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Introduction It’s been a pleasure working with the IICA Team

and Mr Peter Watson, the owner of this farm, which we will discuss today.

Peter is as excited when he is discussing tourism, as when he is telling you about his life as a small farmer. He takes every opportunity to lead a tour group through his gully or shool kids through his vegetable gardens.

He is already selling to tourists, who stop at his fruit and vegetable stand.

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Site Description:Sandy Hill is a small farm of about 7 acres, which

is owned by Mr Peter Watson. He is currently producing crops of bananas, fresh vegetable and various herbs. He also maintains a fruit and vegetable stand, where he sells to “pass-through traffic” on the main road leading from Bathsheba.

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Location & Concept DesignThe site for Sandy Hill Ecotours is

located at Sandy Hill, St John near to Martins Bay.

The main feature of this project will be the Welcome Centre and Viewing Platform, which will be visible from the main highway.

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Location & Concept Design

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Site Description:The farm includes a mature gully, which is easily

accessible and would be ideal for hiking tours. There is an elevated area, which is ideally suited

for the construction of a Welcome Centre with Gift Shop, a small Restaurant and a Viewing Platform.

The farm is in a unique location, which would allow the Welcome Centre to be clearly visible from the highway and provide a great view of the St Martins, East Coast area.

View of East Coast

View of Martins Bay

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Business Opportunity:There is an opportunity for Mr. Watson to diversify

his business by creating an agritourism product, which would allow him to increase trade with the tourism sector and generate supplemental income streams with increased revenues from new activities and services.

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Concept Design

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Project Description: Welcome Centre, which will be

developed to include the following: Reception Area and Gift Shop Restaurant/Kitchen Viewing Platform Washroom facilities

Farm Entrance from Highway

Access to Sandy Hill Ecotours

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Project Description: Sandy Hill Ecotour, which will be

developed to include the following: A Gulley Hike Farm Tour (Banana Patch, Fresh Crop and Herb

Garden and Animal Encounter) Orchard and Woods with local fruit and trees. Relaxing on the viewing platform and enjoying

the unique scenery. Fresh fruits and juices will be provided by the restaurant as part of the daily menu.

Water Fall in Gully

Sandy Hill Gully

View of Woods

Mature Sea Grape trees

Almond Tree in Woods

Woods

Woods

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Project Description: Catering Services, which would

include the following: Moon-light parties Karaoke parties Special entertainment events

Martins Bay Rum Shop

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Financial Requirements: Estimated Project Cost include:

Development Cost = $230K Equipment Cost = $40K Total Initial Investment = $270K Start-up Operating Cost = $40K Total Project Cost = $310K

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Estimated Revenue/Expenses/Profitability

YearOne

YearTwo

YearThree

YearFour

YearFive

Rev. $39,100 $78,200 $117,300 $156,400 $195,500

Exp. $41,792 $55,546 $81,303 $101,608 $127,860

Profit ($2,692) $22,654 $35,997 $54,792 $67,640

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Investment Opportunity This project is expected to be profitable by year

two. It is estimated that an ROI of more than 18%

can be achieved by year four. The Owner will provide $180,000 for Capital

Development and start-up Operating Cost. An Investment Partner is needed to provide

$130,000 to assist with the initial Capital Development of this Business.

Sandy Hill Ecotours

Business Owner: Mr Peter Watson The design and development of this

project can start immediately. Any interested investors or finance

institutions can meet with Mr. Watson to discuss this opportunity.