AccorHotels acquires a 50% stake in Mantis Group, the South Africa-based hospitality and travel conglomerate.

The European leader has announced a strategic partnership with the South Africa-based Mantis Group, a collection of upscale properties, privately owned and managed properties and lodges located around the world.

The Mantis network features 28 managed properties, plus a global portfolio of branded hotels and residences, including boutique villas and flagships properties such as Founders Lodge – the South African game reserve located in the Eastern Cape –, Mantis St Helena – a boutique hotel on the remote island of St Helena – and the Draycott Hotel in London. The group also owns and operates a number of luxury houseboats and a lodge under the Zambezi Queen Collection brand.

This partnership is accompanied by the launch of Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA), a non-profit organization, which aims to amplify both Groups’ commitment towards preventing the decline of Africa’s wildlife and bringing together three conversation organizations: Wilderness Foundation, Tusk Trust and African Parks.

In addition, Mantis seeks to conserve the biodiversity of the landscapes that host its properties and shares the ecotourism benefits with local communities via job creation.

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman 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, 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, 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 world-wide reach to further develop the hospitality concepts and sustainability projects we have worked so tirelessly to grow (…)"

This partnership agreement is subject to regulatory approvals.