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Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
IN a major boost for Zimbabwe’s hospitality and tourism sectors, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, Accor has announced its imminent presence in the country after partnering with Victoria Falls-based luxury Mbano Manor Hotel through its Mantis collection.
Mantis is an Accor collection.
To be named Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls by Mantis, this will be the first internationally branded hotel in Victoria Falls in over a decade.
Nestled in an ancient teak forest, the highly rated luxury property Mbano Manor which opened in 2020, will be rebranded under the Mantis Collection in June this year.
Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group with luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterways experiences located across the globe and sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000.
In a statement, the group announced its first hotel in Zimbabwe, in partnership with Mbano Hotels Limited.
“Accor and Mantis are delighted to establish a presence in Zimbabwe, particularly in Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world — and particularly here at Mbano Manor Hotel — created by a remarkable woman and bold entrepreneur.
“We are honoured to be entrusted with supporting and continuing Dr Mati’s dream of offering this one-of-a-kind hospitality experience,” said Mr Paul Gardiner, chief executive of Mantis Collection.
Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls was built by Dr Matifadza Martha Nyazema and her passionate team of stakeholders.
She realised her dream of creating a world-class forest hotel amid the splendour of Victoria Falls, and this saw President Mnangagwa opening the boutique hotel which offers 18 luxury suites and a presidential villa in 2020.
The property whose construction saw none of the trees being cut, is surrounded by the wild beauty of a bird and tree sanctuary.
“In addition to creating exceptional guest experiences, Mantis brings a commitment to preserving its surrounding communities, wildlife and the environment — which is our top priority with the utterly unique Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls,’ said the hotel group.
The new Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls by Mantis will operate in accordance with Accor’s environmental and energy efficiency reporting tools, internal carbon price monitoring, eco-certification programmes, and brand standard sustainability criteria, the group said.
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food and beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces.
The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics and integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity and inclusion.
The group was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in France.
Mantis on its own is rooted in conservation and pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
It’s business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure, which translates to one-of-a-kind travel experiences.
Contacted for comment, Dr Mati, while confirming the development, could not comment on the matter in detail. — @ncubeleon
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