In this Board Talk Paul Gardiner, CEO of the Mantis Collection & MD of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, shares his family’s journey of building a truly sustainable hospitality business over the last 30 years: The Mantis Collection. The Mantis Collection is a leading conservation-focused luxury hotel group that focuses on responsible business practices and developing tourism experiences that preserve the environment and communities in which they operate. Acclaimed for its pioneering work in development, management and education, their business model successfully combines responsible tourism, conservation and adventure into truly one-of-a-kind travel experiences. In addition to the Group’s story and his personal journey, Paul also provides insights into the impact of biodiversity, lessons learned and his outlook for the future.
Watch Paul’s Natural Born Runners YoutTube series, a project blending his two passions: running and conservation. What started as a personal journey—exploring remote locations on foot while scouting opportunities for Terra Nova, his company focused on designing and developing hotels, game reserves, eco-lodges, and hospitality experiences—has now become a series aimed at inspiring the next generation to connect with and protect our planet.
Paul Gardiner
CEO Mantis Collection & MD Bear Grylls Survival Academy
Paul Gardiner is the CEO of the Mantis Group, a group of luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterway experiences located around the globe. He is also the Founder and Managing Director of Worldwide Experience, and Partner and Global Master Licensee for Bear Grylls location-based entertainment. He serves as a non-executive director of Camp Kerala and Legacy Ventures. Prior to becoming CEO of the Mantis Group, Paul held multiple executive roles at the company in both South Africa and the UK. Paul started out as a game ranger on his father’s wildlife reserve, Shamwari in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 1996.
To read more go to: www.pauljgardiner.com