Global Humane Launches Humane Tourism Certification Program

Global Humane, a leading organization dedicated to animal welfare and wildlife conservation, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking Humane Tourism™ program. In an era where millions of individuals worldwide are eager to connect with Earth's magnificent wildlife, Global Humane has harnessed its expertise to create a one-of-a-kind certification initiative in humane tourism.

Mantis, a prominent conservation-focused hotel brand operating under the Accor group, has achieved the distinction of being the first to receive the Global Humane Certified™ designation for Humane Tourism™ at four carefully selected locations. This certification attests to Mantis' unwavering commitment to comprehensive welfare criteria and stringent standards that prioritize both tourism and animal well-being.

Audits of Mantis facilities in Southern Africa, conducted in August 2023, confirmed that these properties met and exceeded the certification requirements. The certified locations include the Nyosi Wildlife Reserve and the following Mantis properties:

- Mantis Founders Lodge in South Africa

- Ichingo Chobe River Lodge by Mantis in Namibia

- Chobe Princesses by Mantis on the border of Namibia and Botswana

- Zambezi Queen by Mantis on the border of Namibia and Botswana

Looking ahead, there are plans to conduct audits of the remaining lodging facilities within the Mantis brand portfolio as Mantis aims to adopt this certification as a foundational brand standard.

Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane, expressed enthusiasm for Mantis' achievement, stating, "We are thrilled that Mantis has met the standards to attain the first Global Humane Tourism certification. Mantis has proven that it makes animal welfare a priority for their tourists who seek a unique opportunity to connect with our world's wildlife. I always say, you can't protect what you don't love, and you can't love what you don't know. It is my hope that this certification endeavor will encourage people to experience animals in their natural environment firsthand, and then join the conservation movement to protect these endangered creatures from extinction."

In the face of what scientists have labeled the "Sixth Mass Extinction," with species disappearing at an alarming rate, Global Humane underscores the vital role played by today's leading ecotourism operations, conservation centers, lodging facilities, and wildlife reserves in ensuring humane and essential practices that contribute to the survival of Earth's extraordinary species.

Craig Erasmus, Vice President of Operations at Fairmont Africa & Mantis, highlighted the commitment to conservation, stating, "Accor invested into Mantis just over 5 years ago, with a key objective of bringing a brand with real conservation credibility into the portfolio. In an industry where everyone is talking about ESG, Mantis has always focused on 'doing' and delivering credible outcomes at all our properties.

The Humane Tourism certification of four of our properties is another layer in this continuous journey and one in which we plan to work with Global Humane to achieve this accreditation for all properties within the portfolio."

Adrian Gardiner, Mantis Founder and Chairman, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying, "Having been involved in land and wildlife restoration for thirty years, the recognition by Global Humane for mine and my team's achievements is an endorsement we will be forever proud of. Sadly, many of my mentors are no longer with us, but I use this opportunity to say thank you to them all who I know would be very proud of this incredible recognition by Global Humane. I promise to make you proud."

Humane Tourism™ stands as a unique animal welfare certification program that evaluates and certifies wildlife reserves, lodging facilities, and tour operators for their humane responsibilities toward the animal life encountered and influenced by these operations. An esteemed Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of animal welfare experts specializing in this unique field, provided invaluable guidance to Global Humane on the intricate dynamics of this industry and the potential impact of various operations on wildlife. This scientific input informed the development of comprehensive welfare criteria and rigorous standards, all of which are subject to independent, on-site audits for any tourism operation aspiring to attain Humane Tourism™ certification.