The African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve & Spa near Port Elizabeth, already popular among both foreign and local tourists looking for unique safari experiences, recently received top international recognition when it was selected by CNN.com as a Top 10 safari destination across the globe.

The world media giant researched the safari establishments nominated for the international 2015 Safari Awards – described as 'the Oscars of the safari industry' – and developed its list of favourite destinations. The resorts selected are largely in Africa with one Asian resort included– and just two are South African.

The Safari Awards, now in their 9th year, acknowledge excellence in terms of location, animal encounters, social and environmental responsibility, and for offering something special or unique. More than 4 000 stakeholders such as travel agents, writers and tour operators provided their input into the resorts nominated for the Awards.

“What sets African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve apart is its white lion programme,” explains Nicholas Barenblatt, Group Marketing Manager of Protea Hotels and African Pride Hotels, a proud member of Marriott, a leading global hotel group. “The Reserve is home to this highly endangered species and operates a breeding programme geared to enhance the chances of survival of this unique and majestic animal. There is only one other reserve world-wide that focuses on this species, so it is a particularly special experience to see these animals and to gain an understanding first-hand of how the breeding programme works.”

The 5-star African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve also offers visitors the chance to see many other species of game, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant), as well as 60 mammal species and 250 species of birds. – all in a malaria-free environment.  Its sustainability programme, with an emphasis on the environment and conservation, also provides opportunities geared to boost the local community – the lodge has partnered with a training academy for displaced youth, and offers internship opportunities for those being trained in the ecotourism field.

Recognition of the excellence of its offering has come previously for Pumba with its 5-star rating for luxury accommodation and through the awarding of a Gold status by the Green Leaf Initiative for environmental responsibility. In addition, Pumba has been the recipient of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award on a number of occasions.

“Recognition at such a significant global level does not come without incredible work being done, and we heartily congratulate our colleagues at Pumba. Their efforts are good not only for our business, but also do a great deal to enhance the reputation of South Africa in the world tourist arena,” Nicholas concludes.

About African Pride Hotels, Lodges and Country Houses

Protea Hotels' superior luxury collection, African Pride Hotels, offers the highest international standards of service excellence, luxury accommodation and superior facilities, ensuring that GUESTS experience the best of South Africa, as well as the proud spirit of the continent, as the name implies.

African Pride's 11 hotels, safari lodges and country houses have a presence in popular tourist destinations, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Hermanus and the Cape Winelands. For more information, please visit www.africanpridehotels.com. The African Pride deluxe hotels, lodges and country houses comprise:

1. African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel
2. African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa - The winner of the Resort/Hotel Spa Category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2011
3. African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel – Winner of the House & Leisure Best Hotel in SA 2010
4. Arabella Hotel & Spa – Ranked number 1 golf course in the Western Cape and Top 5 in South Africa, Golf Digest 2014. The winner of the Best Hotel Spa Category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2014
5. African Pride Irene Country Lodge- The spa of special recognition of  Spa Category in the Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Spa Awards 2012 , as well as Spa of Excellence in 2014.
6. African Pride Pumba Private Game Reserve
7. African Pride The Sands at St Francis
8. African Pride Hacklewood Hill Country House
9. African Pride Audacia Manor
10. Mount Grace Country House & Spa

The African Pride Hotels brand was bought by Marriott International as part of the Protea Hotels acquisition in April 2014 and forms part of Marriott's global brand portfolio made up of 19 brands that operate more than 4 200 hotels in 80 countries.

About Marriott International:

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading global lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Protea Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments and Marriott Vacation Club. Marriott has more than 361,000 people working worldwide at managed or franchised properties and corporate offices. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 49 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.