Staywell forms JV to target sub-Saharan Africa

Staywell Hospitality Group has formed a joint venture with South Africa-based Mantis Collection to grow its hotel brands throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

The newly-formed hotel management company will operate all properties under the Park Regis and Leisure Inn brands in the region, which prime properties set to be procured by Mantis.

Staywell CEO and managing director Simon Wan said: “It provides a vital platform for Staywell’s expansion into a region that is accelerating in growth. It is widely recognised that Sub-Saharan Africa is outpacing North Africa in terms of development in the hospitality space which bodes well for the partnership.

“Using this platform, we will deliver proven hotel management, hospitality service and training skills, and position our new joint venture company to capitalize on lucrative opportunities as the regions hotel market grows and matures.”

Australian-owned Staywell began operations in 2006 with five hotels and now runs an international portfolio of 34 properties in Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Middle East and the UK.

The African deal follows StayWell’s recent hotel entry into China and its expansion in India, where it now has eight hotel agreements.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is where India and China were 20 years ago in terms of development and opportunity; the timing of this joint venture between Mantis and StayWell couldn’t be better”, said the Mantis chairman Adrian Gardiner.

“The opportunities are abundant, and with our expertise we’re looking forward to growing the Park Regis and Leisure Inn brands throughout the region – we already have a few propositions in the pipeline”.