Mantis Continues Gulf Expansion Despite Regional Conflict
Mantis Collection pushes ahead with its resort expansion plans in the Gulf region amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, focusing heavily on the domestic market.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Mantis Collection presses forward with its Gulf resort expansion despite the U.S.-Iran conflict.
- Regional demand has narrowed strictly to domestic travelers as international visitors stay away.
- Properties in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are maintaining room rates instead of discounting for volume.
- Project pipelines remain on track, with the Saij Mountain Lodge slated for March 2027.
Mantis Collection, the experiential resort brand 50% owned by Accor since 2018, is sticking to its Gulf expansion strategy even as the U.S.-Iran conflict reshapes demand across its growing regional portfolio.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions mean the brand's properties are currently serving solely a domestic customer base. Its long-term bet on building out a circuit tourism offer in the region ultimately relies on international travelers returning in the future.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis Collection, acknowledged that the conflict has taken a toll on operations. Although underlying trends remain positive, he noted that regional stability is required for a more diverse guest mix to return as local markets absorb the current capacity.
Examining specific properties, the 104-villa Hawar Resort by Mantis in Bahrain experienced complete temporary closures during the peak of the war before recovering quickly to draw mostly Bahraini guests alongside corporate travelers from Saudi Arabia.
"It would be naive to say the U.S.-Iran war hasn’t had an impact."
Craig Erasmus, CEO of Mantis Collection
In Saudi Arabia, the newly opened Gamra Mountain Resort in Al Baha is running at roughly 30% occupancy driven entirely by domestic guests three months into operations. While procurement challenges for fixtures and furniture have emerged, construction timelines for upcoming properties remain stable.
Mantis's replication of its African playbook—featuring multi-property circuits supported by an in-house tour operator—highlights a calculated strategy to capture niche experiential travel. By deliberately bypassing major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the brand is carving out a distinct position in emerging secondary tourism markets across the Gulf.
The brand's expansion roadmap includes the Saij Mountain Lodge in Ras Al Khaimah scheduled for March 2027, followed by the 220-key Basiqat near Riyadh in mid-2027, alongside a planned Saudi tour operator launch and a new project in a UAE emirate.
Source: Skift
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