French hotel group, Accor Hotels, on Thursday announced a strategic partnership with the Mantis Group, acquiring a 50% stake in the Eastern Cape-based company which owns a collection of award-winning, privately managed and branded five-star properties and lodges across all seven continents.
The strategic partnership was also accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa, a non-profit organization, which aims to amplify both Groups' commitment towards preventing the accelerating decline of Africa’s wildlife.
It brings together three internationally renowned conservation organizations, Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
Sebastien Bazin, Chairperson and CEO, AccorHotels said: “Mantis is a pioneer in customized 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.”
Founder and Chairperson 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 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," Gardiner said in a statement.
"This strategic partnership will strengthen Accor Hotels’ leadership position in Africa and will combine the vision of embodying conservation and education into its operations," the statement said.
The partnership agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.
