Accor showcases future of eco-travel at the iconic Mantis Founders Lodge

by Sorcha O'Higgins | 15 Oct 2019 | Design

The Mantis Eco-Lodge Innovation Hub, a property pioneering sustainability. (Photo: Accor)

Accor commits further to sustainable tourism with their latest initiative in South Africa.

French hotel giant Accor attended the recent Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Addis Ababa to talk about its continued commitment to sustainability with its innovative eco initiative at the famous Mantis Founders Lodge in South Africa.

We find out more.

A sustainable concept with Accor in South Africa

Accor has a 50% stake in the Mantis hotel brand, allowing it to use the brand as a vehicle for the promotion and growth of its sustainable tourism strategy on the continent of Africa.

The French group attended the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Ethiopia recently, and they were on hand to explain their latest initiative in sustainability and development at the conference.

Accor took the opportunity at the AHIF to showcase their one-of-a-kind concept, the Eco Lodge Innovation Hub by Mantis, which will be launched in 2020 at South Africa’s famous Mantis Founders Lodge.

Mark Willis, CEO, Middle East & Africa, said, “Mantis, a global pioneer of conservation tourism, is once again pushing the boundaries, creating a hub where experts can collaborate to give investors and guests a glimpse into the future of sustainable hospitality models and eco-experiences.”

Mantis pioneers sustainability through conceptual design

The Eco Lodge Innovation Hub will consist of several new constructions at the South African Mantis property.

Five so-called “Innovative Hospitality Units” will be built at the luxurious Founders Lodge, consisting of tent structures, pods, tree houses, and log cabins. They will employ the latest in integrated sustainable technology designed to facilitate low impact and environmentally friendly hospitality solutions.

“As the heartland of conservation tourism, Founders Lodge is the natural home for our hub, providing an inspirational setting where suppliers can test, develop and showcase off-the grid accommodation and green energy innovations,” said Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis.

“At the same time, the new units tap into popular global travel trends including wellness tourism, multi-generational holidays and eco-education, offering future guests new travel and lifestyle experiences that are central to the Mantis and Accor hospitality offering.”

Together, Mantis and Accor commit to sustainability

In 2018, Mantis and Accor jointly decided to reinforce their commitment to sustainable development, practices, and tourism by founding the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) as part of their partnership deal. In the past year, the CCFA has donated $500,000 to approved community projects across Africa.

Accor is one of the biggest hospitality presences in Africa, and it plans to grow its portfolio on the continent to 13,642 in 61 properties.

“As one of the world’s fastest-growing continents, positioned as the next global market, Africa is a priority development region for Accor,” said Gaurav Bhushan, Global Chief Development Officer, Accor.

“With the industry’s most dynamic portfolio brands covering every market segment from economy to luxury and more than four decades of African market expertise, we can build on our position of strength to benefit guests, investors, local communities and the wider economy, taking a leading role in shaping a sustainable hospitality industry for the future.”

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