All-inclusive resort operator Club Med held the first global event at its Lijiang Resort to help boost inbound tourism to China. About 100 tourism trade partners and media attended the event, including from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam and Belgium. As well as the Lijiang resort, they also visited Club Med Guilin. At Lijiang Resort, a host of activities were showcased both within and outside the resort. Highlights of the region include sunrise over the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town and the traditional art of Naxi tie dye. Guests from Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong can enjoy direct flights to Lijiang and Kunming. Club Med presented China's diverse tourism resources by integrating its "Premium All-Inclusive" package with the local culture and leisure activities of the region. Currently, Club Med operates 10 all-inclusive resorts in China including Lijiang. Other mountain resorts are located in Changbaishan, Beidahu and Yabuli providing comprehensive skiing and snow activities. In 2018, a new China product "Club Med Joyview" was launched offering premium short-distance trips with resorts located in Anji, Yanqing Beijing, and Thousand Island. In 2023, another new product line "Club Med Urban Oasis" was unveiled, including Nanjing Xianlin and Jiangsu Taicang all-inclusive resorts, marking a new chapter of urban vacations. To cater to a growing international clientele at Club Med China resorts, there is a new upgraded Mini Club Med +, French cuisine, diverse local activities and new evening entertainment. For the upcoming peak tourism season, Club Med has just rolled out an early bird booking promotion of up to 30% off for outbound travel. Andrew Xu, CEO of Club Med China, said: "We are thrilled to showcase our resorts and the beautiful destinations in China to media and travellers worldwide.” “Our mountain resorts in China have seen an 84% business volume increase for the 2023-2024 ski season." 

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Business Volume of Club Med grew to €1.06 billion, representing an increase of 32% compared to that of the same period of 2022 (€802 million), and an increase of 20% compared to that of the same period of 2019.

 

766,000 customers visited Club Med resorts in H1, an increase of 28% compared to H1 2022 and up 2% compared to pre-pandemic levels

  Today, the luxury all-inclusive travel brand, Club Med revealed their financial results for H1 2023, with the brand increasing its business volume by 32% (€1.06 billion) compared to H1 2022. The operating profit for this same time period equated to €159 million as the brand recovered to pre-pandemic levels and the adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) represented €265 million.   The impressive results were driven by a strong recovery across all business units in Europe, Americas and Asia, with particularly a strong performance for Mountain Resorts' winter season, representing over 40% of Club Med business volume in the first half of 2023. Resort capacity increased by 13% compared with 2022 and recovered to 99.2% of the 2019 level.   The outlook for H2 2023 also looks robust, with bookings up 6% for departures scheduled in the second half of 2023, compared to the same period last year.   Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med, commented: “Following a strong recovery since the second semester of 2022, we have achieved record high figures for the first half of 2023, despite the macroeconomic and inflationary context. Our Business Volume increased by 32% and our operating income reached a record high level.   These results are mainly driven by the remarkable performance of our Club Med Mountain Resorts this winter, thanks to the massive investment in recent years to upgrade the mountain’s Resorts portfolio, and the opening of new Resorts in the Alps, Canada and Japan. This winter, Club Med has seen the Business Volume of its Mountain Resorts increased by more than 45% compared to that of the same period of 2022. Its number of customers increased by 30%, and its ADR was up by 10% compared to the same period of 2022.   The outlook for the second half of 2023 is showing a strong momentum in “travel revenge” in Asia. Our successful strategy and profitable business model should enable Club Med to drive future profitable growth." Business growth taking place across multiple regions   Europe The business volume of Europe stood at €621 million and increased by 14.3% and 12.7% compared to the same period of 2022 and 2019 respectively, despite concerns stemming from the sensitive geopolitical and inflationary context. The capacity of resorts in EMEA increased by 12,5% as compared to the same period of 2022 and recovered to 91.4% of the levels in 2019. The number of customers amounted to over 314,000 customers, 8% more than in the same period of 2022.   The average daily rate in Europe was €253, growing by more than 9% over the first half of 2022, and by more than 32% over 2019, due to the evolution of the capacity of Premium Resorts in Europe and Africa, which represents a massive 20-point increase over 2019. Apart from the recovery of market demand, the newly opened winter Resorts in the Alps in December 2022: Club Med Tignes, and the first Exclusive Collection Mountain Resort, Club Med Val d’Isère, also contributed their upscale capacity to the significant growth in European business activity.   The Americas & Asia During the first half of 2023, The Americas region had a strong growth with the Business Volume increasing by 35%, as compared to the first half of 2022, and increased by 65% compared to the same period of 2019. The North America region benefited from the Canada rebound, as pandemic travel restrictions were maintained until February 2022. In South America, Club Med seized the opportunity of the strong recovery of the Brazilian domestic market, and the solid momentum of ski vacations in the Alps.   After a prolonged impact from the Covid-19 pandemic, Asia has seen a strong recovery with the easing of travel restrictions. The Business Volume in Asia increased by 247% compared to the first half of 2022 and recovered to 92.7% of the same period in 2019. This increase is due to several reasons: the “Revenge Travel” phenomenon in Asia-Pacific, ongoing momentum in domestic travel in China, and the success of the new Club Med Kiroro Peak, the third mountain Resort in Hokkaido, Japan.   Upscaling increases global ADR The Global ADR (average daily rate: average price per day) amounted to €234, representing an increase of about 11% and 32% as compared with the same period of 2022 and 2019.   This increase is mainly due to the implementation of upscaling and massive investments in recent years, which have upgraded the portfolio of Club Med Resorts, with 97% of capacity (+11 points vs 2019) now in the high-end (Premium) and very high-end (Exclusive Collection) categories. Club Med Exclusive Resorts Collection portfolio, one of the strategic product ranges of Club Med, has seen its Business Volume increased by 35% and its number of customers by 22% compared to the same period of 2022. This increase has been driven by the successful first winter season of Club Med Val d’Isère, the first Club Med Exclusive Collection Resort in the Alps, and the recent renovation of the legendary Club Med 2 sailing yacht.   Continued Investment in new Resorts In the second half of 2023, Club Med will continue to strengthen its upscale positioning with the opening of four new Premium & Exclusive Collection Resorts including La Rosière, Exclusive Collection Space in the French Alps, with its 43 luxury Suites-Apartments and Club Med Kiroro Grand, nestled in Kiroro domain, in Hokkaido, Japan. In China, there will be two new city hotels in Najing and Taicang, under a new product line Urban Oasis by Club Med.   In total, Club Med will open 17 new Resorts, and deliver more than 10 extensions or renovations of existing Resorts between 2023 and 2025 period, with a focus on Middle East and Southeast Asia.   A strong outlook for the second half of 2023 The trends for the second half of 2023 are positive, driven by a continued demand for Club Med in the Americas and Europe and the "travel revenge" phenomenon in Asia-Pacific. Bookings for departures in H2 23 (to 6th of August 2023), are up 6% compared to H2 22 and 21% compared to H2 19.

  Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept for more than 70 years, will open 17 new resorts by 2024. The new openings, along with Club Med’s destination-forward experiences, digital innovations, and new product novelties, will further solidify the brand as the leader in the booming all-inclusive market for families and upscale travelers. With such a wide range of locations and activities to choose from, Club Med invites guests to write their own vacation stories, emphasizing that “when everything is included, all you need to add are the memories.”   “Since 1950, Club Med has continued to shape the all-inclusive industry by introducing new destinations and experiences to travelers worldwide,” says Carolyne Doyon, President & CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “Throughout our 72-year history, we’ve successfully adapted our portfolio to appeal to upscale travelers and families, as well as demonstrated our leadership in the all-inclusive mountain experience. Maintaining our ambitious expansion plan, we are on track to open 17 new resorts, as well as complete 13 renovations or extensions of existing resorts, by 2024.”   Some of the upcoming openings, renovations, and upgrades from Club Med include:   Ambitious Expansion Plans + Introducing All-Inclusive Ski to North America Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Club Med continued its expansion momentum in 2021 with four resort openings, including Club Med Seychelles (Africa), Club Med Lijiang (China), Club Med Québec (Canada), and Club Med La Rosière (French Alps). The brand also completed four renovations, including Club Med Albion (Mauritius), Club Med Peisey-Vallandry (French Alps), Club Med Pragelato-Sestriere (Italian Alps), and Club Med Marrakech (Morocco).   Club Med has also established its commitment to further expanding its all-inclusive mountain product to new markets with the forthcoming December 2024 opening of Club Med Utah. This property will be the brand’s first new resort in the U.S. in more than 20 years, as well as its first-ever Exclusive Collection (5-Star) mountain resort in North America, which will be open year-round. Club Med’s Exclusive Collection portfolio, which features 13 of the brand’s most luxurious resorts and spaces around the world, is characterized by premium accommodations, exclusively beautiful locations, and refined dining concepts. Of the 30 development projects in the works for Club Med over the next two years, several of them will feature new additions to the Exclusive Collection portfolio, well-suited for both families and couples.   As the worldwide leader of the all-inclusive family vacation continues its global expansion through 2024, some of the upcoming opening, extension, and renovation highlights include:   NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN   NEW RESORT - Club Med Utah, USA (2024) The brand’s renowned all-inclusive mountain concept will be expanding to the United States with an Exclusive Collection (5-Star) resort in Snowbasin, Utah. Located 35 miles from Salt Lake City, the Snowbasin resort is one of the most accessible and oldest operating ski resorts in North America. The 320-room four season resort will combine American luxury with Club Med’s French savoir-faire, appealing to every type of traveler including families, couples, and meetings & events groups. Accommodations will include spacious 2-bedroom Deluxe rooms & Family Suites, while private Penthouse Suites will be available for those seeking added luxury. Club Med will also offer its award-winning children’s clubs from 4 months to 17 years old for families seeking a more tailored, family-fun experience. In addition to all-day dining available at the resort’s restaurants and lounges, guests can also enjoy included group ski and snowboard lessons with ski-in/ ski-out access, lift tickets, and a heated swimming pool during the ski season. During the warmer months, there will be opportunities to explore more than 3,000 acres of surrounding mountains and valleys through guided activities like hiking programs, mountain biking, and Club Med’s trademark circus activities.   EUROPE   NEW RESORT - Club Med Magna Marbella, Spain (May 2022) Located 45 minutes from the Malaga International Airport in the Andalusia region of Spain, Club Med has retaken one of Spain’s most mythic destinations to open a brand-new resort. With a focus on the cultural and natural richness of southern Spain, the resort will mix tradition and modernity to offer an experience focused on wellness, nature, family experiences, and discovery of the destination. Guests will find unique features in the 485-room resort, such as a family fun zone, garden parties, 14 hectares of Andalusian gardens, a Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes, and five different swimming areas.   NEW RESORT - Club Med Tignes, French Alps (Dec. 2022) A historic destination that has been home to Club Med since 1958, Tignes Val Claret is a natural sports paradise located at an altitude of 2,150 meters. The brand-new Club Med Tignes resort will be located in the center of the liveliest part of town, making it a hotspot for winter sports and nightlife. The resort will feature 430 rooms, including 25 Exclusive Collection (5-Star) suites, two restaurants, a full spa and wellness salt wall, the largest Club Med pool in the Alps, a full childcare program, and a ski domain suitable for every level.   NEW RESORT - Club Med Val d’Isère, French Alps (Dec. 2022) Located in the Tarentaise Valley at an altitude of 1,850 meters, this authentic village is home to an internationally-recognized ski mecca. The resort is undergoing a complete transformation worthy of its soon-to-be Exclusive Collection designation. As such, it will be the brand’s first entirely 5-Star mountain resort, with a total of 216 rooms available for booking in both winter and summer. As well as offering fabulous skiing, gourmet dining, childcare starting at age 4, and a welcoming spa and yoga program, the resort will redefine luxury by combining intimacy, conviviality, and relaxation.   NEW RESORT - Club Med San Sicario, Italian Alps (Dec. 2024) A new addition to Club Med’s mountain portfolio in the Italian Alps, the bi-seasonal Club Med San Sicario, will feature 200 rooms located on a prime ski location from the 2006 Turin Olympics.   EXTENSION - Club Med Pragelato-Sestriere, Italian Alps (2022) Nestled in the Piedmont region of Italy, Club Med’s Pragelato Sestriere resort consists of a hamlet of wooden chalets. The expansion plan will include 17 new chalets housing 105 new rooms. Construction will be completed following the architectural style of the region.   RENOVATION & EXTENSION - Club Med Gregolimano, Greece (2023) One of the brand’s flagship summer resorts in the Mediterranean Basin, located on the Greek Island of Evia, will undergo both a renovation and extension including newly renovated beachfront bungalows.   ASIA   RENOVATION & EXTENSION - Club Med Phuket, Thailand (2023-2024) Visitors traveling to Club Med Phuket, located on Kata Beach, can look forward to newly refreshed facilities and experiences aimed at recreating an authentic Thai atmosphere for everyone. Enhanced with an eco-chic, modern, and upscale twist, the refreshed resort spaces will include a redesign of the main restaurant, meetings & events center, pool and sun deck, and more.   NEW RESORT - Club Med Hokkaido, Japan (2023) Following the success of its two other mountain resorts in Japan, Club Med will open a third property on the northern island of Hokkaido. Known as one of Asia’s top travel destinations, Hokkaido offers a fun-filled family experience, perfectly powdered snow for skiing and trekking, natural landscapes, and local culinary delights.   NEW RESORT - Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu, Malayasia (Opening 2024) Adding to its portfolio in Southeast Asia, Club Med will build a new resort on the Malaysian side of the island of Borneo. The destination is known for its beaches, biodiverse rainforest, Mount Kinabalu (Southeast Asia’s highest peak), famed dive site Sipadan Island, and native species such as orangutans and clouded leopards. This forthcoming resort embodies Club Med’s pioneering spirit, as it will bring a brand-new resort to a secluded destination.   Dedication to Sustainable Practices Since its inception, Club Med has held a firm belief that memorable experiences cannot be lived at the expense of others or of nature, which is why the brand continues to devote itself to responsible practices. Club Med’s Happy to Care program, founded in 2019, features a range of commitments based on sustainable tourism.   For example, Club Med’s two newest resorts in North America,  Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda and Club Med Québec, were designed with sustainability in mind, from the design phase all the way to the resort experience. Today, Club Med’s worldwide objectives to address sustainable practices include:  

• Phased elimination of single-use plastics, including water bottles
• Eco-certifications from the best in the industry: BREEAM certification ensuring responsible construction and Green Globe certification ensuring a responsible hotel operation
• Construction of new resorts in harmony with nature, with built-up surfaces covering less than 10% of the total site surface
• Reduction of energy consumption and introduction of green energy sources
• Responsible, local, and ethical sourcing of food products and materials
• Employee uniforms created out of recycled plastic bottles; since 2019, 2.3 million bottles have been recycled for this initiative in North America, with 1.2 million more expected to be recycled by 2023
• Sponsorship of rural farming development projects to increase the efficiency, quality, and demand for local farmers
• Promotion of animal welfare by prohibiting experiences involving captive cetaceans, large cats, and elephants
• Food waste and hazardous waste management
• Community outreach via the Club Med Foundation, founded in 1978
• Partnerships with organizations focused on environmental preservation

  Happy To Care continues its purposeful objectives in 2022 to achieve the above ambitions. Looking ahead, Club Med’s North American resorts will see more ecological menu options featuring plant-based proteins and an increase in both local and organic products. Club Med North America has also set an objective to source 100% fair trade coffee by 2023 and 100% cage-free eggs by 2025.   New Product Novelties and Digital Innovations   NEW PROGRAMMING FOR TEENS As family travel evolves, Club Med is enhancing its existing teen programming (Club Med Passworld for teens ages 11–17). Club Med’s new teen program will feature unique activities and social-forward events that give teens the opportunity to have exciting vacation moments and experiential content to share online. As part of this new programming, teens will also be able to take part in Club Med’s Happy To Care CSR mission. The pilot program is launching this spring in Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda.   NEW RESORT EXPERIENCES Over the past year, numerous studies have shown that travelers are eager to get outdoors in destinations that offer plenty of room to roam, are prioritizing health and wellness, and are interested in vacation options that cater to the entire family. With this market research in mind, Club Med enhanced its existing resort experiences, including:  

• Circus School by Club Med, an acrobatic playground with activities like flying trapeze, tightrope walking, and aerial silk in Club Med Punta Cana
• New and/or upgraded pickleball courts in all resorts in Florida, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Coast of Mexico
• Club Med Amazing Family Program, a fun-filled agenda of weekly activities designed to help families bond and reconnect, launched in all resorts across Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico
• Club Med Spa by Sothys opened in three resorts including Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med Québec, and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Wing foil watersport activity in Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda
• All-day yoga programming in Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda and Club Med Québec, with planned expansion to other North American resorts
• The “sunset ritual”, a weekly lifestyle experience on the beach in Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, with planned expansion to Club Med Cancun and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• New dining concepts in existing resorts:
  • “Lucky Lime”, an all-day Mexican taqueria at Club Med Sandpiper Bay
  • “From Jungle to Table”, a sustainable dining concept at the Coco Plum Beach Lounge in Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda
  • “Altamar”, a premium seafood restaurant in Club Med Punta Cana
  • “Le Chalet”, a gourmet lounge in Club Med Québec featuring locally-sourced, family-style dinners “a la bonne franquette” – meaning cozy, friendly, and without any fuss

  DIGITAL INNOVATIONS Touchless travel and contactless amenities are critical. To ensure guests feel well prepared and taken care of before and during their vacation, Club Med continues to enhance its digital, touch-free offerings. In 2021, Club Med’s  Easy Arrival  contactless check-in/check-out service, which prepares guests to get vacation-ready before vacation begins, was deployed in all Club Med resorts in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Through the app, guests can sign their children up for childcare services or book ski equipment before they arrive to their respective Club Med resort. The  My Club Med  app features options to create a personalized itinerary, preview the daily activity schedules and, launched in 2021, guests can now book spa appointments at Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med Québec, and Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda. In 2021, the “room ready” feature was also deployed in North America, so guests can be conveniently informed upon check-in when their room is ready.

  Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept and leader in family vacations, announced today new enhancements to its existing family and wellness programming. Just in time for summer vacations, Club Med is deploying its new Mini Club Med + children’s programming across its resort portfolio in North America, Asia, and Europe. While kids enjoy Mini Club Med +, parents can take advantage of unique and immersive wellness experiences under Club Med’s new Wellness Fusion concept for the ultimate peace of mind.   “Since the pandemic, we have seen sharp growth in the demand for both all-inclusive family travel and wellness experiences,” said Kevin Armstrong, Senior Director of Brand & Communications for Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “More than ever, our guests are looking for experiences that enhance their well-being and quality of life, as well as that of their children. Through our Mini Club Med +, we have created a unique approach to our children’s programming that spurs both the social and emotional development and creativity of our youngest guests while their parents can benefit from a complete 360-degree approach to their wellbeing with our Wellness Fusion offer.”   New Mini Club Med + Programming   In 1967, Club Med founded their first Children’s Club – the Mini Club Med for children ages 4-10. To continue supporting kids’ growth and empowerment as well as give them the tools to foster positive relationships with their peers on vacation and at home, Club Med has enhanced its existing Mini Club programming to offer even more engaging, fun-filled, and educational activities that encourage children to make new friends, expand their imaginations, and experience the freedom of childhood.   The new Mini Club Med + experience will feature activities including:  

• Nature Detective: Embark on a treasure hunt outdoors and learn more about the surrounding flora and fauna.
• Happiness Builders: Children practice random acts of kindness like leaving kind messages on guest doorknobs and writing each other happiness cards – sowing little seeds of happiness to develop empathy and positive energy.
• Giant Caterpillar: Using teamwork and a gym mat, children need to work together to get the caterpillar moving.
• Ninja Bootcamp: Race to the finish as children and their teammates hop, skip, and jump over obstacles to get to the finish line.
• Happiness Expo: Sharing time for kids and parents as kids share the best moments of their eventful day at Mini Club Med +.

  Built on the six pillars of creativity, courage, connection, cooperation, cheerfulness, and self-confidence, the enhanced Mini Club Med + provides children with the vital tools needed to foster their unique strengths, connect with others, and develop with confidence.   For more details, please visit this link.    Introducing Wellness Fusion by Club Med   While kids enjoy time in their respective Children’s Clubs, parents can take advantage of diverse wellness experiences that fall under Club Med’s Wellness Fusion umbrella. Combining a harmonious fusion of wellness experiences designed to harness ultimate peace of mind, guests can enjoy a well-rounded itinerary filled with active sports, natural reconnection, mindfulness and yoga programming, nutritious dining, and spa experiences:  

• Active Sports: Enjoy more than 20 included land and water sports including pickleball, standup paddle, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and Club Med’s must-try flying trapeze experience.
• Natural Reconnection: Surrounded by nature and spread across an average of 50 acres, each Club Med resort offers plenty of room to roam and enjoy dining al fresco in airy outdoor restaurants and lounges, exploring pristine white sand beaches, and embarking on cultural excursions to further explore the surrounding destination.
• Mindfulness and Yoga: Guests can partake in a comprehensive yoga program that includes up to 4 hours of classes in unique environments. Popular options include treetop yoga, beachfront sunset yoga, power yoga, and family yoga. New meditation experiences include sound bowl meditation, forest meditation, and gentle epicurean hikes.
• Spa Experiences: Find bliss with Club Med’s wide range of wellness experiences at each resort’s dedicated spa with treatments including hydrotherapy, temezcal, moonlight massages, and oceanfront massages using products inspired by the native flora.
• Healthy Dining: All-day dining is included for every Club Med guest, and on-site Chefs use the highest quality of ingredients when preparing well-balanced meals. Locally sourced produce are combined with local specialties as well as Club Med’s trademark French savoir faire. For breakfast, enjoy an extensive selection of fresh fruits, fresh green juices, and breakfast favorites like acai bowls, omelets, and avocado toast. New plant-based dishes are also available at select properties courtesy of Beyond Meat.

Club Med applauded the further easing of Covid restrictions in France, which it hopes will spark a flurry of last-minute bookings. From March 14 requirements to show a Covid-19 vaccine passport to access venues will be scrapped. Face masks will also no longer be needed indoors, except on public transport. “We’re delighted at the recent announcement that France is suspending the health pass, meaning that unvaccinated children and teens will no longer need to test daily. We know that this has been a huge roadblock for many families this winter ski season and a number of them will be eager to make last-minute bookings,” said Estelle Giraudeau, Managing Director, UK & Northern Europe at Club Med. “With families being our core audience, we expect a boom in sales throughout March and April, particularly around the Easter break as customers look to take advantage of the relaxed restrictions.”

  Today, Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, shared details on upcoming developments -- including 17 new resort openings, 13 resort renovations, and innovative resort programming -- that further solidifies their position as the leader in the booming all-inclusive market. Highlights include:  

• Ambitious Development Plans With 17 New Resort Openings by 2024: Since 1950, Club Med has shaped the all-inclusive industry by pioneering new destinations (like Punta Cana!) and vacation experiences to all types of travelers. Looking ahead, the brand is on track to launch 17 new resorts and 13 resort renovations by 2024.

 

• Continuing to Drive Sustainability Efforts: Club Med has always held a firm belief that memorable experiences cannot be lived at the expense of others or nature and offers a range of commitments to sustainable practices. Examples include the elimination of single-use plastics, reduction of energy consumption, and sponsoring rural farming development projects.

 

• New Resort Experiences for Every Traveler: In addition to adapting their portfolio to appeal to affluent travelers and families, the brand is also enhancing its existing resort experiences like: Circus School, an acrobatic playground with activities like flying trapeze and tightrope walking; adding new pickleball courts to cater to the demand of the fastest growing sport in the U.S.; and new teen programming to ensure exciting vacation moments.

Club Med will open a new all-inclusive resort in 2024, marking its first new resort in the US in more than 20 years. Located in Snowbasin, Utah, it will be the brand's first 'Exclusive Collection' five-Star resort in the US. It is slated for December 2024. Featuring 320 keys, it will have Club Med's signature all-inclusive experiences, ski and snowboarding lessons and ski-in, ski-out access. Summer activities include hiking and mountain biking. "We are delighted to bring Snowbasin their very first lodging property and introduce the spectacular region to travelers from all over the world," President and CEO of Club Med, Henri Giscard d'Estaing said. The resort will have various accommodations types, such as two-bedroom deluxe rooms and Family Suites, children's clubs and a heated pool. The Snowbasin Resort is about 35 miles from Salt Lake City. It comes the same week it marked the opening of Club Med Quebec-Charlevoix in Canada.  

Club Med is transforming its Great Advisor Appreciation Month into an all-summer-long happening. The launch of Great Advisor Appreciation Summer is to recognize travel partners for their continued support throughout the rebound of travel and runs throughout the entire summer season. It has kicked off with the launch of Club Med's new travel advisor booking engine, which has a modernized digital interface and added accessibility and tools to book travel for their clients online with ease. It continues throughout the summer with more perks and prizes, including Booking Engine Bingo, a month-long reward program which is now live, where advisors can earn points when completing specific booking engine tasks. At the end of the month, the first 20 winning advisors that complete the game will win an exclusive Club Med prize pack. Later in the summer, Club Med launches a new educational platform, providing advisors with the latest details on Club Med's resort portfolio and certification as a Club Med Travel Advisor Specialist upon completion of the training program. "Travel advisors have been essential to our business and our most valued partners for more than 70 years," says Amélie Brouhard, Club Med's Vice President Marketing Omnichannel North America and USA Sales. "As the travel industry navigates its rebound, and as our resorts continue to welcome travelers with increasing momentum, we want to offer our travel advisors ample tools to ensure they feel equipped for success." "We also want to formally recognize their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to revive travel." Full details can be found on http://traveladvisors.clubmed.com/

An unprecedented 2020 led the brand to emerge with solutions that will reshape the face of travel this year   An unprecedented 2020 was challenging for the travel industry, and also provided valuable insight into travel trends for the year ahead and beyond. Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive resort concept, lends its expertise by sharing insights from the previous year and predictions for travel trends in 2021.   "As the leader in all-inclusive vacations, Club Med continues to innovate through this challenging time by offering our guests the best in flexibility and safety," says Carolyne Doyon, CEO and President of Club Med North America. "We're utilizing our thoughtful and strategic analysis of 2020 learnings and 2021 market trends to deliver on travelers' evolving wants and needs."   A projected return to travel
Americans have started seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel" when it comes to travel. A recent Skift Research study reported that beginning in September 2020, for the first time during the pandemic, more Americans planned to increase their travel spend over the next 12 months. The most popular destinations include beaches and coastal drive-to markets.   While domestic travel continues to be preferred by the majority of travelers, a recent study conducted by Club Med found that 56% of travelers are looking to travel by Spring/Summer 2021 with most looking forward to returning to Turks and Caicos (47%) and Mexico (31%). Club Med has also seen significant interest in travelers who are booking for the 2021 holiday season. Considered "revenge bookings," the trend indicates a strong interest in families getting together after canceled plans this last holiday season, with advance bookings for holidays at a 17% increase versus 2019.   As Club Med anticipates seeing a return to travel to the Caribbean islands and Mexico, resorts such as Club Med Cancún, Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda and the adults-exclusive Club Med Turkoise are poised to provide travelers, whether families, couples or singles, a restorative and safe experience to escape to in 2021. Domestically, Club Med Sandpiper Bay remains the brand's top-selling resort for those looking for an escape closer to home.   Increased interest in international travel
The pandemic spurred increased domestic travel with Americans looking for shorter escapes closer to home. Through data compiled from recent sales, Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida saw a substantial increase in bookings in 2020 from travelers in drive-market regions. From June to December 2020, the resort reported 40% of travelers were from Florida.   However, according to The New York Times, while interest in domestic travel is likely to continue through 2021, interest in international travel has increased since the news of the vaccine. Club Med is well equipped to meet this demand for years to come through the consistent growth of their international portfolio, marking three to five new resort openings or renovations per year, including a new Alpine ski resort annually. Each resort is constructed with a low-density layout – which is defined by low-rise buildings that are spread out across 50+ acres and respectfully integrated in their surrounding natural environments – leaving plenty of space for guests to roam freely and comfortably.   Exemplifying their eco-friendly positioning, Club Med is set to open their eco-certified Seychelles (Indian Ocean) resort in March 2021. This will be its newest Exclusive Collection luxury resort, respectfully integrated along a preserved Marine National Park. In harmony with nature, the resort will offer nature conservation experiences, like marine conservation and turtle nesting. Club Med Québec Charlevoix is also opening in December 2021, with bookings already well underway. Located just outside Québec City in Le Massif de Charlevoix region, the all-inclusive resort is Club Med's first four-season mountain property with unparalleled waterfront views of the Saint Lawrence River, amazing year-round outdoor activity options, full ski-in/ski-out access, and spacious accommodations. Club Med anticipates seeing a high level of bookings from Americans, as the resort is easy for them to get to and more cost-effective than a do-it-yourself ski vacation – for example, a 7-night do-it-yourself ski vacation for a family of 4 to Whistler would cost approx. $9,900; while at Club Med Québec Charlevoix, a similar vacation would cost $4,500.   Working remotely with extended stays
Travelers have shown an appetite for escaping the pandemic restrictions at home and extending their stays at all-inclusive resorts where they can work or study remotely while also relaxing. In June 2020 Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida reported a 9% increase in bookings for "short week" getaways – meaning a 4 to 5-night reservation during the week rather than the traditional long weekend getaway. According to the Skift Megatrends report, the pandemic and the rise of remote work will likely further blur the lines between business and leisure travel. A significant hike in the length of stay in vacation rentals highlights how travelers have been looking at other places to stay and work during the pandemic. Club Med is adapting to this trend by setting up Workation, a hybrid stay between working remotely and a vacation with the all-inclusive service à la Club Med. This remote work and learn option has been available at Club Med Sandpiper Bay since October 2020, delivering adults and children the tools they need to work remotely, including: premium wi-fi, dedicated workspaces (or free to roam and setup beachside!) and printer access. Club Med is looking to launch the concept in additional resorts soon.   Low-density resorts with safety protocols
Travelers will continue taking increased precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19 and expect the travel industry to provide them with peace of mind by offering increased safety precautions. Worldwide, Club Med's Safe Together program has established a range of enhanced health and safety protocols that include protective face coverings for staff, hand sanitizer available throughout the resort, deep cleaning and frequent sanitizing of surfaces and facilities, social distancing, capped resort capacity, increased amount of already-existent single plated foods in main dining area buffets, and temperature checks on arrival and periodically during the stay. All Club Med properties in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico are POSI-Check certified, receiving recognition from Cristal for the Prevention of the Spread of Infection.   Travelers will also continue seeking destinations surrounded by nature, offering a variety of safe outdoor experiences. All of Club Med's global resorts, including those in Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico, meet this demand as they are low in density, spread across 50 acres of land and wide stretches of beaches, creating a sense of privacy and freedom. Each resort features multiple low-rise buildings that are only three stories high, sitting just below the treetops. To further accommodate social distancing practices, dining tables and lounge chairs throughout the resorts are more spaced out with an increased amount of outdoor seating, and activities and entertainment are also predominantly outdoors.   Contactless technology
Travel in 2021 will be more touchless than ever. A recent Booking.com study showed 64% of travelers agree that technology will be important in controlling health risks when traveling and 63% say that accommodations will need to use the latest technologies to make travelers feel safe. Club Med's Easy Arrival contactless check-in/check-out prepares guests to fully enjoy vacations immediately. From signing up children for childcare services to booking ski equipment ahead of time at Club Med's ski properties, everything will be ready for guests as soon as they arrive at the resort. The My Club Med app also allows guests to enjoy a seamless experience from the start of their trip to the end, with options to create a personalized itinerary, preview the daily activity schedules and, at select resorts, guests can book spa appointments and order room service. Coming soon, in order to abide by the CDC's new requirements for entry into the United States, travelers will also be able to schedule their PCR/Antigen testing.   Wellness seekers
Skift predicts travelers will continue seeking outdoor and wellness-centric destinations. An unspoiled paradise hidden in the heart of a Dominican palm grove, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is the first and only resort in Michès, offering guests a sense of intimacy and personalization. Set upon 93 acres with a 2,000-foot stretch of untouched beach, the resort's architecture seamlessly and respectfully blends into its surroundings, featuring four boutique villages with distinct concepts designed to deliver tailored experiences for various segments. This 'resort within a resort' concept includes:  

• Explorer Cove, a dedicated section designed for families with activities and kids clubs nearby
• Caribbean Paradise, the alluring heart of the resort surrounded by lush tropical gardens and colorful décor designed for both families, couples and singles alike
• Emerald Jungle, designed for wellness seekers with a natural Zen pool, spa, wellness bar and treetop wellness canopy
• Archipelago, created exclusively for adults featuring floor-level oceanfront suites with private pools, outdoor showers and infinite views of the ocean just steps away

  Sustainability
The pandemic has made many people aware of impacts on the environment and local communities. A Booking.com study found that more than 69% of travelers expect the travel industry to offer more sustainable options. Avid globetrotters are quickly getting behind the 'go green' initiative in tourism decisions and Club Med is proudly supporting the cause. In 2018, Club Med launched its Bye-Bye Plastics program, and is on track to ban single-use plastic products from bars, restaurants and rooms by 2021.   Tourism has a growing impact on the environment, which is why Club Med has always devoted itself to sustainable practices. Club Med's Happy to Care program features a range of sustainable commitments based on values and practices which reflect sustainable development.   Club Med's newest Exclusive Collection resort, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, acts as the catalyst for Club Med's environment-friendly positioning. Devoting its design, activities and elements to the surrounding region, the resort pays homage to the Dominican Republic's ecological essence so guests who visit the resort can understand the natural beauty that first attracted many locals to the destination. The resort's eco-chic concept is based on five core pillars: agriculture, immersion, waste management, energy and people.   Sustainability is at the heart of the resort with special programs and initiatives, including:  

• No single-use plastics in the resort
• Locally sourced coffee and cacao products in the resort's Coffee House, in partnership with local farmers
• Employee uniforms are created out of recycled plastic bottles (currently more than 200,000+ bottles have been recycled for this initiative)
• Programs have been implemented to provide more than 900 locals with language, vocational, and hospitality skill trainings
• Strict eco-friendly certifications from the best in the industry: BREEAM certification for the construction process, and Green Globe certification for the operations
• Solar panel project – an estimated 45,000 square feet of solar panels are being installed in the resort to generate renewable energy
• Programs to stimulate the local economy are underway via various farming development projects to increase the efficiency, quality and demand for local farmers
• In-resort plant nursery currently houses 30,000+ new plants, and more than 2,000 trees were preserved or re-planted during the construction process
• Family environmental workshops offer interactive, fun and educational sessions for parents and children to learn about the environment together and participate in hands-on gardening activities

  Flexible travel options
According to the United States Tour Operators Association, the most frequently asked question by travelers who made new bookings this fall was regarding cancellation or refund policies. Flexible booking policies are anticipated to continue into 2021 and beyond. To ensure added flexibility and peace of mind for travelers, Club Med offers:  

• Free Cancellation Policy: For new bookings made on or after May 18, 2020, guests can receive a full refund should they need to cancel their stay (up to 15 days prior to the anticipated travel date) for stays on or prior to December 16, 2021.
• Emergency Assistance Program: All guests traveling before December 31, 2022 will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to COVID-19.
• PCR + Rapid Antigen Testing: As required for re-entry into the United States from international destinations, Club Med offers complimentary Rapid Antigen COVID-19 tests either on-site or off-site (dependent on the resort). PCR testing is also available at an additional cost.

  Full details on the above policies can be found here. For resort images, please visit this link.   About Club Med
Club Med, founded in 1950 by Gérard Blitz, is the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, offering approximately 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Each Club Med resort features authentic local style and comfortably upscale accommodations, superior sports programming and activities, enriching children's programs, gourmet dining, and warm and friendly service by its world-renown staff with legendary hospitality skills, an all-encompassing energy and diverse backgrounds.   Club Med operates in more than 30 countries and continues to maintain its authentic Club Med spirit with an international staff of more than 23,000 employees from more than 110 different nationalities. Led by its pioneering spirit, Club Med continues to grow and adapt to each market with three to five new resort openings or renovations per year, including a new Alpine ski resort annually.   For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional. For an inside look at Club Med, follow Club Med on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.   MEDIA CONTACT
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