WeekendPost: WeekendPost

THE Eastern Cape's image as a prime international tourism mecca has been given a series of boosts with local hospitality industry tycoon Adrian Gardiner and the destinations under his company's control receiving a string of awards in recent weeks.

At the grand finale of the World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony held in London, Shamwari Game Reserve, between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, received double recognition.

On behalf of the Mantis group - controlled from a suite of offices in Deal Party - Gardiner accepted the World's Leading Safari and Game Reserve Award and the World's Leading Conservation Company Award for 2009.

Thousands of travel agents and industry members from around the globe voted for the winners of the World Travel Awards.

At home, Gardiner - founder and chief executive of the Mantis Collection which now operates worldwide - was named winner of the Tourism Business Leadership Award.

The citation for that commended him for his "pioneering spirit and his commitment and dedication to the growth and development of companies and individuals in the hospitality and tourism industry".

Shamwari reserve was also named the leading eco retreat at the Amarula Best Retreats in Africa Awards 2009 for its ecological and conservation principles.

"For our reserve to be acknowledged at the world awards and the best retreats awards is an outstanding achievement for all involved at Shamwari.

"The team has set out to elevate the guest experience at the game reserve, creating new benchmarks in delivering complete wildlife and hospitality offerings to our guests and travel industry colleagues.

"Going forward, we will continue to maintain the highest regard for our environment while remaining at the forefront of conservation and hospitality in Africa," Gardiner said.

On a Mandela Bay note, the new Shamwari Townhouse, near the city's beachfront, was named winner in the refurbishment category at the 2009 SA Property Owners' Association (Sapoa) regional awards for excellence.

Meanwhile, Gardiner announced yesterday that the group had acquired the 11-bedroom Lord Milner Hotel in London's Belgravia area. The group already owns the five-star Draycott Hotel between Chelsea and Knightsbridge as well as a number of five-star boutique hotels in Europe and similar hotels and game reserves in other parts of Africa.