Accorhotels has signed a strategic agreement to acquire 50 per cent stake in Mantis Group, a South Africa-based hospitality and travel company.

Mantis represents 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.

Along with the partnership agreement, Accorhotels and Mantis Group are launching the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a non-profit organization (NGO) which aims at 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 and CEO, 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 preserving 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 utilise 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 on this new chapter alongside AccorHotels where we will act as ambassadors for the development of both our groups’ portfolios and offerings.” - TradeArabia News Service