RECORD YEAR FOR CLUB MED

CLUB Med has reported a spike in bookings for its nor thern hemisphere ski resor ts, with general manager Australia and New Zealand Madeline Clow attributing the trend to Australians’ growing affinity for allinclusive travel. Sales for Club Med’s northern hemisphere ski resorts have doubled over the past three years, with its Japan offering comprising 55% of total bookings. The popularity of its European resorts has also continued, with resorts in the French Alps dominating bookings outside of Japan. Speaking with travelbulletin, Clow said 2014 was a “record” year for the company’s ski resorts, a trend which was driven by growing awareness of Club Med’s all inclusive offering. “Australians like the charm of European ski. They love après ski and the simplicity of resort holidays, and the popularity of our allinclusive offering is really growing,” she said. Clow also noted a growing trend for Australians to book early to lock in the best availability and competitive rates. “People are booking earlier than ever before – even before airlines release their early bird fares,” she said. “Australians know what they want and they are really getting in early for the best fares over the Christmas period.” Club Med is opening the doors to its latest addition in December, the new Val Thorens Sensation resort in the French Alps. Located in the centre of the Trois Vallees, it has been marketed as the highest ski resort in Europe at 2300m and brings Club’s Med European portfolio to 22 resorts.