Dear Sir,

Recently walking along the picturesque South Road I had an idea that I would like to share.

Recent travels have taken me to Central America, in particular Costa Rica and Mexico. During that time, my friends and I participated in some adventure activities.

Zip lining, canyoneering and other fun stuff. Along with many other tourists we had a blast. Not being as young as we once were, some things such as abseiling were a challenge but left us all with a thrill and a sense of accomplishment.

When I returned, I walked off the road by Southampton Rangers Club and up to the summit of “Mt Kilimanjaro”, that’s the hill directly opposite. We used to call it that when we had to run up it in our Regiment days during training. Oh, how I do not miss them days!

The view was breathtaking. Tourists on Horseshoe Bay, some swimming, others baking in the sun. The sea was stunning in its shades of blue and turquoise, and the dunes were covered with foliage such as those Spanish bayonets.

I thought, wow, what a perfect place to have a zip-line, one that could start up on the summit and traverse down to the eastern end of Horseshoe Bay Beach.

What an attraction for tourists and locals seeking a little adventure! Imagine whilst shooting down the zip-line what that beautiful scenery would look like. Breathtaking!

If done with care for the surrounding environment, the zip-line might hardly be noticed. Perhaps my friends at BEST may be willing to offer some advice on how it could be done, with little or no harm.

Maybe the supports could be painted green, they would blend in, hardly causing a blemish on that wonderful piece of nature we are so lucky to enjoy.

My mind was ticking, “could this be a viable business venture?” After much thought, “no reason why not”.

Setting up a zip-line company may not be that expensive for the return you could gain. One of our local banks or even a Government loan could provide required financing.

The countries in Central America seemed to be doing a very good trade as lines were long. Talking with some others after zip-lining, they all wanted to do it again and loved it.

All ages and sizes were doing it. Children, adults, big and small, even grandpas like me! With thousands of tourists visiting Horseshoe Bay, I would bet that as high as 25 per cent in number would go for a “zip”.

Youngsters would be bugging their parents to let them go up for the ride. Parents would not let them do it alone, and that resulting more people enjoying themselves. Imagine, you would not even have to advertise to get those folks to come and participate.

It could be the second biggest attraction for tourists and locals alike, the number one attraction being Horseshoe Bay Beach itself.

The zip-line would provide another activity that many would enjoy and help our ailing tourism product.

Employment would be created along with much needed revenue for the Island.

The land is owned by the Government, therefore it is fair to suggest that a percentage be paid to the landlord.

As a betting man, I would wager that some entrepreneur would take a chance and go for it provided that red tape does not kill the incentive.

Thanks for letting me share my zip-line dream, and to a budding entrepreneur. Save a zip for me!

ZIPITY