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.  

Credit: Club Med Club Med has unveiled details of its wellness experiences available at new resort Club Med Québec. Just a month ahead of its highly-anticipated opening, guests can look forward to rest and relaxation through an expansive wellness area which features a 25-yard heated pool, 1,000+ square feet outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi, and the Club Med Spa by Sothys. All the facilties overlook the Charlevoix region. Club Med Québec offers all-inclusive activities, with an entire floor dedicated to wellness. It comprises a variety of workout classes, like hot yoga and spinning, in the fitness room, yoga room, and gym. Guests can then soak in the indoor heated pool, Hammam or outdoor Jacuzzi while enjoying views of the St. Lawrence River. The resort's Club Med Spa by Sothys, is a French luxury spa brand, offering a la carte treatments, which incorporate natural ingredients. All spa goers will have access to a hot and cold therapy pathway which offers a relaxing journey including a snow fountain, cold shower, and cold bath as well as an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna which is designed to increase energy, boost overall mood, and improve circulation. Guests will also find several tranquil areas, like the relaxation area and outdoor terrace,. Club Med Québec will also provide over 35 hours of yoga and meditation programming each week. For more information or to book, visit: https://www.clubmed.us/l/quebec-charlevoix.

To continue supporting travel partners, Club Med recently launched its educational platform Club Med University. It is a designed to support travel advisors in developing their knowledge about the Club Med brand, products, and novelties - facilitating advisors' abilities to increase their sales and revenue. It comprises a comprehensive seven-course training program. On completion, advisors will receive their certification as a Club Med Travel Advisor Specialist. On the back of Club Med's recent September Flash Sale, which offered 50% off, air credit, a free stay for kids under 4, room upgrade, and no single supplement at select Club Med resorts, the company has extended its Flexible Cancellation policy, which will now be offered to guests booking a stay through 30 June 2022. Guests can claim a full refund should they need to cancel their stay up to 15 days prior to the booked travel date. Club Med also offers an Emergency Assistance Program valid for travel before December 31, 2022. Customers will receive coverage for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those related to Covd-19.  

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/

All-inclusive operator Club Med has unveiled a new training platform for travel agent partners called 'Club Med Experts'. The platform has been designed to ensure agents get a better understanding of the Club Med brand and its product offerings. The program is aimed at those travel partners who are looking to diversify their Club Med offerings to their customers, as well as new agents who would like to build their knowledge of the Club Med brand. There are five levels being offered within the platform, with each level containing a selection of short training videos focussing on various topics, including the brand, resorts, activities and special tips. Once the training videos are complete, travel agents are able to test their knowledge with an online test and those who score 85% and over will receive a diploma and may progress to the next level. Level one of Club Med Experts is now available for agents to access and the next level will be shared in the coming weeks. The first level covers a number of topics such as the all-inclusive package, Club Med ski, the new Club Med travel agent booking tool, Kids Clubs, Spas and must try experiences. It also explains the new holiday concept Zenventure. In addition, Club Med has also introduced a brand new booking tool, which will replace Easy Club Med, making indirect bookings easier with less time spent on the phone. Travel Agents will now be able to find the best offers, compare products and services as well as add additional services to their bookings and check and confirm all their options. Clarisse Chapolard, Head of Indirect Sales csaid: "The platform will offer agents two new trade developments, which we hope will give them a better understanding of what our brand has to offer, and to ultimately make the booking process easier." The Club Med Experts platform can be accessed through the main navigation bar of the Club Med travel agent website.

All-inclusive resort operator Club Med has just launched The Trident 2021, an interactive digital brochure for travel advisors. It covers all the need-to-know Club Med product and service news in detail for the upcoming year. In years past, Trident brochures were mailed directly to advisors. As part of Club Med's Happy to Care program, outlining its sustainable commitments, all Trident brochures will now be distributed digitally. This new format allows advisors to share essential information about each property and swiftly refer to top activities, amenities, dining options, and more at each Club Med resort when advising clients. Also included is additional information on Club Med's Safe Together program, the enhanced safety and hygiene measures implemented in all of the brand's resorts as they reopen, including those in Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The new interactive concept also features details about three brand new resorts, including the recently opened Club Med Seychelles, and Club Med La Rosière, as well as Club Med Quebec, which launches in late 2021. Club Med Quebec, a year-round all-inclusive mountain resort, becomes Club Med's first resort in Canada, just an hour away from Québec City in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region. It features more than 300 rooms, a private 5-Trident (5-star) Exclusive Collection space, views of the scenic St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains, and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access. Year-round activities on offer include skiing, biking, and hiking, as well as winter activities such as ice skating and dog sledding.

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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