South African-based hotel group Mantis has announced its expansion into the Middle East, with three new properties opening in 2025. Mantis is not the first hotel group to recognise the potential due to increasing tourism to the region and the need for luxury resorts.

Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis, says, “There has been a significant rise in tourism to the Middle East and a growing demand for unusual destinations that offer luxury accommodation alongside great guest experiences and adventures. This makes it an ideal market for Mantis. The Middle East has a strategy for economic diversification, where tourism is seen as the hero for future growth. This translates to substantial opportunities for hotel chains to develop new properties and cater to a diverse clientele. It’s a win-win situation.”

The surge in international travellers has created a need for more hotel options in a market where significant numbers of tourists to the Middle East and expatriates seek high-end luxury experiences. This drives the development of upscale hotels with premium amenities.

Governments in the region have adopted a holistic approach, actively promoting tourism through economic programmes and investment initiatives that encourage hotel construction. As part of broader economic diversification efforts, countries are reducing their reliance on oil, with tourism emerging as a key economic driver. Infrastructure investments, including airports and transportation hubs, further enhance the region’s appeal to international visitors.

Mantis’s upcoming Middle Eastern properties include Hawar Resort by Mantis in Bahrain, Mantis Al Baha in Saudi Arabia, and Mantis Saij Mountain Lodge in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Erasmus says, “This is our first venture into the Middle East region. Our other 16 properties are based mainly in Africa: Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, St Helena Island, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. We are delighted to have these three distinct destinations in the pipeline.”