St Helena Government (SHG) and The Department for International Development (DFID) have selected Mantis as the preferred operator of the 123 Main Street Hotel.
The 32-room hotel will be developed out of three historic buildings in St Helena’s capital, Jamestown, with construction due to start in July. The hotel is expected to open during the first half of 2016, offering a bar and restaurant facilities that will be open to the public.
Mantis Founder and Chairman Adrian Gardiner said: "We're so proud to be associated with this new and exciting venture on the Island of St Helena. Mantis is all about unearthing the exceptional, and we've undoubtedly achieved this here. Not many people have visited this remote part of the globe and now we've been given the opportunity to open the doors to this new destination.
“Aside from just developing a new hotel and operating the Island’s first four-star boutique hotel, we're going to assist with training local people in the hospitality sector and also bring in our strong conservation ethic.”
SHG has also appointed Comair Limited as the provider of air services to St Helena, with the Island’s first ever airport opening in 2016. Comair will operate a scheduled service between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport.
The weekly Saturday service will be operated using a new Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
“For a new and developing international tourism and investment destination, quality and trust are paramount. That St Helena is entering into partnership with two of the most respected and trusted brands in their respective fields - Comair and Mantis - sends out a very strong message. St Helena is open for business,” said Enterprise St Helena’s Chief, Niall O’Keeffe.
