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Dorze Lodge

Working towards opening of Dorze Lodge

About Dorze Lodge

Dorze Lodge - The team out in the field Dorze Lodge is a one man entreprise in a spectacular location close to Arba Minch. It will meet the needs of a growing and sophisticated tourist market whilst sustaining local cultural traditions and community life and fostering awareness of the importance of conservation. Featuring 9 large bamboo huts built in the Dorze tradition, the general manager Tsehai Bogale wants to promote several eco-tourism activities in the area. The social impact of Dorze Lodge is:

local employment and/or income generation for 20 employees and 60 community members
community involvement
positive environmental impact

Business case

Dorze Lodge asked SharePeople for a team of management and marketing experts to reflect on tourism opportunities and to assist in making a business plan for the lodge, involving the social and environmental factors. The outcome of the exchange had to be a business plan for the Dorze Lodge, including social impact indicators. Henk Loijenga (Waterschap Velt en Vecht), Kim Grinwis (Twijnstra Gudde) and Michiel Swinnen (Accenture) formed the team of experts to assist Mr. Tsehai Bogale, owner and entrepreneur of community based tourism lodges in Dorze.

Results

Analysis

The initial question of Tsehai was to write a business plan to present at the World Bank for a loan. After analysis, Tsehai was convinced that he did not need a loan and that growth is possible within it's own business. Analysis was done on the business plan, marketing plan and on the organisational structure of Dorze Lodge. Also, concrete stakeholders interviews and contacts were made for involving the tribal community in the plans of Dorze Lodge.

Advice

Tsehai was still investing and had 4 lodges nearly ready to open but the facilities were not ready yet. The team together with Tsehai calculated the plan to first finish the facilities, then open in January 2009 with these 4 lodges. In the second phase, another 3 tukuls (local houses who serve as lodge) will be built and then facilities will be extended.

Impact on the professionals

The Dutch team really enjoyed to work with a true entrepreneur on a hands on business case. Also, it was easier to cooperate as they expected: just be yourself. But also very practical powerpoint skills, presentation skills and plan-do-check-act structural working were practiced.

Impact on the overseas partner

For Tsehai, it became clear that his business will be profitable within a year as long as he opens as soon as possible. Also, it is clear that he has to be more involved with general management than just being owner on the side. Dorze Lodge - Nearly ready for the opening Finally, Dorze Lodge will create jobs 11 jobs in 2 years time and provide income to local associations for 60 persons. For Tsehai, it was very good to work in small details and to work in a very structured way. But as he puts it himself:

‘Developing Countries, Developing Leaders is for me, don't give the man a fish but teach him how to fish.' (Tsehai Bogale, general manager of Dorze Lodge)