Luxury safari group CC Africa (Conservation Corporation Africa) and joint venture partners Taj Hotels Palaces and Resorts, and Cigen, are to open two new lodges in India in 2008. The opening of Banjaar Tola adjacent to Kahna National Park and Pashan Garh near Panna National Park, both in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, will bring to four the number of lodges owned and operated by the company in India. The other two are Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park and Baghvan near  Pench National Park, in the same region. The group is considering other sites as well for further developments.

CC Africa has also simultaneously changed its name to &Beyond to more accurately reflect where and how they operate.

“Our former name, CC Africa, was far from ideal,” said Nicky Fitzgerald, Group Marketing Director, &Beyond “ Africa no longer accurately reflected the company’s operating regions, research indicated that while Conservation was an important value it was not a primary motivator for first time guests and Corporation was something of a dampener because no one wants to go on holiday with a corporation! “

&Beyond ’s  expansion rollout also includes new luxury lodges in northern Kenya and  southern Tanzania, and a move into Central and South America. In addition, the company is in discussions with the Madagascan Government about the construction and management of luxury lodges in that country’s national parks.

In August the company opened two new lodges in Botswana: &Beyond Xudum Okavango Delta Lodge and &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, in the Okavango Delta

The company’s choice of regions and countries for their expansion plans is based on several factors. These include the results of formal international research, research among past guests, on the ground research by senior company executives and the ability to fulfill known criteria that will successfully deliver the ultimate luxury adventure experience. Those three criteria are: a compelling natural location, the capacity for an interpretive guest experience, and the opportunity for Doing Well by Doing Good.

 “Delighting guests to make a difference is at the core of what we do and now we will be able to do so in more of the world’s most beautiful natural places,” concluded Nicky Fitzgerald.

Ends

For additional information, lodge and travel photographs, executive photographs, and maps please contact:

&Beyond
media@andBeyond.com
Tel: +27 11 809 4300/4456   Fax: +27 11 809 4511
Private Bag X27, Benmore 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa

About &Beyond  
&Beyond , formerly CC Africa, owns and operates 46 luxury lodges and camps in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and India. Many of their lodges and camps are regular recipients of prestigious international travel awards. The company was established more than 18 years ago and its commitment to outstanding local hospitality, sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.