French hospitality giant Accor Hotels has today agreed a strategic partnership with the South Africa-based Mantis Group.
The announcement of the tie-up came with the launch of a Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a new not for profit group that will preserve African wildlife.
The formation of the NGO sees the bringing together of three internationally renowned conservation organizations – Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.
The Mantis Group is a collection of award winning, privately owned, managed and branded five star properties and lodges located around the world, across all seven continents.
Accor said the agreement reinforces its leadership in “curated one-of-a-kind experiences and resonates with the group’s conservation platform with Planet 21”.
Sebastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive of Accor Hotels, 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.”
Founder and chairman of the Mantis Group, Adrian Gardiner, added: “Accor Hotels is one of the fastest growing hotel and travel operators worldwide.
“This agreement presents an attractive proposition for the Mantis Group to utilise Accor Hotels’ 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 Accor Hotels where we will act as ambassadors for the development of both our Groups’ portfolios and offerings.”
The new partnership agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.