AccorHotels has today announced a strategic partnership with the South Africa-based Mantis Group, a collection of award winning, privately owned, managed and branded five-star properties and lodges located around the world.
From boutique hotels, eco lodges, game reserves and luxury houseboats to adventure tourism as well as a bespoke tour operating division, the agreement reinforces AccorHotels as a leader in curated one-of-a-kind experiences and resonates with the group’s conservation platform with Planet 21.
This partnership is accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa, a non-profit organisation which aims to amplify both groups’ commitment towards preventing the accelerating decline of Africa’s wildlife and bringing together three internationally renowned conservation organizations – Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
Sebastien Bazin, chairman, AccorHotels, said: “Mantis is a pioneer in customised one-of-a-kind travel services in some of the most imaginative hotels across the world.
“With this strategic partnership, we are reinforcing the group’s footprint in Africa and we have access to a brand with strong roots and heritage, recognised for its commitment to preserve the environment and its prestigious credentials in the hospitality space.”
The Mantis network features 28 managed properties, plus a global network of branded hotels and residences, including boutique villas and flagship properties such as Founders Lodge – a South African game reserve located in the Eastern Cape, Mantis St Helena – a boutique hotel on the remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Draycott Hotel in London, synonymous with Old World elegance and quintessential British luxury.
The brand is considered Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards.
Founder of the Mantis Group, Adrian Gardiner, commented: “AccorHotels is one of the fastest growing hotel and travel operators worldwide.
“This agreement presents an attractive proposition for the Mantis Group to utilise AccorHotels’ robust distribution channels and world-wide reach to further develop the hospitality concepts and sustainability projects we have worked so tirelessly to grow.
“We are excited to embark upon this new chapter alongside AccorHotels where we will act as ambassadors for the development of both our Groups’ portfolios and offerings.”
Celebrated for its far-flung experiences for the adventure curious, the Mantis Group also owns and operates a number of unique luxury houseboats and a lodge under the Zambezi Queen Collection brand.
This strategic partnership will strengthen AccorHotels’ leadership position in Africa and will combine the vision of embodying conservation and education into its operations.
Highlights of Mantis’ success in conservation include the support and sponsorship of initiatives for the Wilderness Foundation Africa, Tusk Trust and various other conservation organisations.
The partnership agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.