daniel chigunwe
Business Writer
Mbano Manor Hotel in Victoria Falls has announced it is joining global hospitality firm Accor, under the Mantis Collection franchise flag.
Accor is a major hotel operator, managing 5 400 properties across more than 110 countries.
In a statement issued by Mbano this week, the hotel will now trade as Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls (Mbano) by Mantis, effective from 01 June 2023.
Mbano was founded by Zimbabwe entrepreneur and tourism professional, Dr Matifadza Nyazema, and opened its doors to the public in January 2020.
The hotel is comprised of 18 luxury suites and a presidential Villa, located on a four-acre teak forest.
Commenting on the Accor partnership, Dr Nyazema said: “This is an exciting development for us and for the tourism industry in Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe”.
“Our hotel product and our team have been selected as ideal partners by an esteemed international hospitality chain. This means our guests will continue to benefit from local management and ownership while enjoying the added value of global hospitality and exceptional experiences.”
Dr Nyazema added; “The Mantis brand is guided by the principles of conservation, sustainability and community development. Our proudly Zimbabwean brand celebrates similar values. Yet there is always room to learn more and achieve greater heights in saving the planet and respecting communities and wildlife. We celebrate and share our rich African culture, while also protecting the world heritage site of the majestic Victoria Falls.”
“I am delighted to lead the team on this next exciting journey for our hotel. Mbano Manor Hotel by Mantis will grow our vision to become the bespoke and sought-after safari destination for discerning global travellers, who seek a tranquil and intimate eco-luxury experience while immersing in local stories. This franchise partnership with Accor is a great stepping stone towards achieving this vision” concludes Dr Nyazema.
Last week, Accor issued its own statement confirming the deal.
“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,” said Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis Collection.
“We are honoured to be entrusted with supporting and continuing Doc Mati’s dream of offering this one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.”
The partnership comes as Government in collaboration with Zimbabwe Tourism Authority are running the Invest in Zimbabwe campaign where they have come up with ways of engaging with the international market.
According to Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu the sector is sitting at more than US$300 million worth of investments for 2023 alone.
“This tells you that there is a high appetite to invest in the tourism and hospitality sector in the country and we are quite excited about it. In our view it sends a strong signal especially to potential investors, that they can come and invest in Zimbabwe because the first citizen himself has been very clear and consistent about opening the country for business,” said Minister Ndlovu recently.
According to ZTA, the initiative intends to create a tourism economy of at least $5 billion by 2025.
Significant downstream advantages have been seen as a result of increased investment in the sector.
Most of the expenditure has been invested in new hotels in Victoria Falls as the country still has a hotel room deficit and is keen to diversify its product offerings.
The collaboration is projected to improve Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe’s status as a tourism destination, providing the country with a competitive edge in terms of hospitality standards when compared to regional rivals.
Safari Operators of Association Zimbabwe (SOAZ) Dr Emmanuel Fundira said it is “always exciting to have a new product offering in the market which has a positive impact on the destination”.
“It should, however, be noted that Accor has been in this same market before jointly with Rainbow Towers, Stanley & Livingstone, and others and experience therefrom is instructive,” said Dr Fundira.
Bongani Ndlovu