Independent hospitality firm Banyan Group has signed a strategic partnership with Cape Town-headquartered Newmark Hotels & Reserves, acquiring a majority stake in the business under a phased agreement leading to full ownership.

The agreement introduces Newmark to Banyan Group as a collection brand. The move incorporates 26 managed hotels, lodges and reserves across South Africa, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Following the acquisition, Banyan Group’s portfolio expands to nearly 130 properties, more than 30 branded residences and over 140 spas and galleries across 28 countries.

Newmark will maintain its current brand identity, executive team and regional operational model. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Neil Markovitz will continue leading the company alongside existing management. Direct booking channels, property branding and owner contracts remain unchanged. Over time, Newmark properties will integrate into Banyan Group’s central reservation platforms and join the withBanyan guest loyalty program.

Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group, said: “We welcome Newmark to Banyan Group with confidence in the strength of the business it has built in Africa and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped it. We see in Newmark many of the qualities that shaped Banyan Group from the beginning: independence of thought, a long-term view and the conviction to build something distinctive. We look forward to what we can build together across Africa.”

Neil Markovitz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, said: “Over nearly two decades, Newmark has built its business through strong teams, trusted owner and partner relationships and a portfolio where each property retains its own identity. Joining Banyan Group gives us greater international reach and access to a wider network of expertise while retaining what has made Newmark successful. It also gives us greater scope to introduce travellers around the world to the destinations and experiences across our portfolio.”

Eddy See, President and Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Group, said: “Africa is a long-term growth market for Banyan Group. Newmark brings an established management business, long-standing owner relationships and strong operating capabilities that deepen our presence in the region and strengthen our asset-right model. Its local market knowledge and development pipeline, combined with Banyan Group’s international sales, distribution and development network, give us a stronger platform to pursue the right opportunities across Africa.”

Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Banyan Group, said: “Newmark’s hotels, lodges and reserves are closely connected to the places in which they operate. We want to preserve that local approach, particularly in nature-based and wildlife hospitality, where culture, communities and the natural environment are integral to the guest experience. As we grow together, we want each property to retain the character and sense of place that have shaped its success.”

Founded in 2007, Newmark’s portfolio spans urban heritage sites like Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Hotel, conservation projects including the 11,000-hectare QWABI Private Game Reserve, Motswari Private Game Reserve, Gorilla Heights Lodge in Uganda and wellness retreats such as Future Found Sanctuary. The transaction comes as UN Tourism reports Africa recorded 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, marking an 8% year-on-year increase.