Club Med creates happiness

In 2010, major milestones are being observed by Club Med—its 60th year of existence, and three decades of operations in Asia. Since the creation of Club Mediterranee in 1950 by Gilbert Trigano and Gerard Blitz, it has been offering revolutionary styles of holidays to clients who have a desire for the outdoors, sports and leisure. Mr. Blitz’s idea gave birth to the philosophy: “Our purpose in life is to be happy. The place to be happy is here. And the time to be happy is now.”

This pioneering spirit has seen Club Med evolve in innovative, fun ways. Its expansion beyond the Mediterranean region started in 1980 when Club Med resorts were opened in Malaysia, Mexico and Brazil. Club Med 1, the world’s largest passenger ship with sails, was launched in 1989, followed by Club Med 2 in 1992. With over 80 resorts across five continents, and staff representing about a hundred nationalities, Club Med continues to emphasise its multicultural aspect.

There has also been a strong growth in the number of corporate bookings to conduct meetings and incentive trips in Club Med resorts. More companies are maintaining the ‘HR Quotient’ of their teams and have benefited from the quality of bonding between their staff in Club Med’s All-Inclusive environment where sumptuous meals, free flow of beverages, activities and conference facilities are provided.

Kenny Lim, General Manager of Club Med Singapore, said they adopted a strategy in 2004 that saw extensive renovation works across its resorts. This included the reinforcement of the “All-Inclusive Holiday” concept that is the signature of Club Med resorts today.

Exclusive 5-Trident luxury spaces were introduced in 4-Trident resorts at Val d’Isere (French Alps), Kani (Maldives), Cancun Yucatan (Mexico), and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic). Luxurious 5-Trident resorts were created to cater to demanding clients in La Plantation d’Albion (Mauritius), Marrakech Le Riad (Morocco), and Club Med 2 (cruise ship). In April 2010, La Plantation d’Albion Villas will be launched in Mauritius.

More commercial offices have been opened in China and India, making Club Med accessible to new markets in Asia. Mr. Lim said: “Ultimately, Club Med is, fi rst and foremost, a resort chain that offers all-inclusive holidays to families, couples and friends open to anyone who desires a true vacation in beautiful locations.”