At a press conference on 5 April, Mantis Founder and Chairman, Adrian Gardiner, announced a partnership with Accor Hotels, which saw the world-leading travel & lifestyle group acquire a 50% stake in Mantis.
Gardiner said, “There are numerous synergies between the two groups – both operate global hospitality networks offering rare and unique experiences, and both have a focus on conservation. This partnership will strengthen the Mantis offering, as well as ensuring future growth and resilience in an ever-evolving and increasingly competitive market.”
Accor Hotels is a world-leading travel-and-lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4 000 hotels and resorts and over 2 500 of the private residences around the globe. Accor Hotels operates in 95 countries under luxury brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Onefinestay, Pullman and Swissôtel, the popular boutique brands of Novotel, Mercure, Mama Shelter and Adagio; and economy brands including Ibis, Grand Mercure, The Sebel and Hotel F1.
“Accor Hotels is one of the fastest growing hotel and travel operators worldwide,” Gardiner continued. “This agreement allows Mantis to utilize Accor Hotels’ distribution channels and worldwide reach to further develop the hospitality concepts and sustainability projects we have worked so tirelessly to grow.”
Olivier Granet, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of Accor Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), said, “Mantis is a pioneer in customized travel services in some of the most imaginative hotels across the world. This partnership provides us with access to an indigenous African brand with a strong heritage, ecological focus and noteworthy credentials in the hospitality space. This will undoubtedly accelerate Accor Hotels’ expansion across the Middle East and Africa, adding to our existing network of over 200 properties with more than 150 hotels in the pipeline across the region.”
Included in the announcement was a briefing on The Community Conservation Fund Africa, a foundation to be established by Mantis and Accor Hotels in partnership with renowned international conservation organisations The Wilderness Foundation Global, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
The initial funding of $600 000 will be sponsored by Accor Hotels and Mantis. The official launch of The Community Conservation Fund Africa will take place in May 2018.
