PARIS—AccorHotels has entered a strategic partnership with South Africa-based Mantis Group, a collection of privately owned, managed and branded five-star properties and lodges located around the world, across all seven continents.
This strategic partnership is accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a nonprofit organization (NGO) which aims to amplify both groups’ commitment toward preventing the accelerating decline of Africa’s wildlife and bringing together three conservation organizations—Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
“Mantis is a pioneer in customized one-of-a-kind travel services in some of the most imaginative hotels across the world,” said Sebastien Bazin, chairman/CEO of AccorHotels. “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, recognized for its commitment to preserve the environment and its prestigious credentials in the hospitality space.”
Founder and Chairman of the Mantis Group, Adrian Gardiner, said: “AccorHotels is one of the fastest growing hotel and travel operators worldwide. This agreement presents an attractive proposition for the Mantis Group to utilize AccorHotels’ robust distribution channels and worldwide 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.”
The Mantis network has 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.
The Mantis Group also owns and operates a number of distinctive 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, according to the company.