With bold expansion plans and focus on family-oriented, all-inclusive experiences, Club Med is set to capitalize on Asia's growing demand for seamless vacations
As demand for all-inclusive vacations surges, Club Med is setting its sights on expanding across Asia. In an interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul, Rachel Harding, CEO for East and South Asia & Pacific markets, shared insights into this growing trend and the company's future plans.
"People are eager to reconnect with their families. During the pandemic, many missed out on family celebrations and quality time together. This desire for connection has led to a boom in the all-inclusive travel market," Harding explained. She was in Seoul to celebrate Club Med’s 75th anniversary and promote the upcoming renovation reveal of its resort in Phuket next month.
Founded in 1950 by Gerard Blitz in France, Club Med pioneered the concept of all-inclusive holidays, offering vacationers everything from accommodations and meals to activities, entertainment, sports and childcare — all for a single price. Today, the brand is recognized globally for its premium resorts focused on relaxation, activities and family bonding.
Harding also highlighted another key trend in the tourism industry — wellness. "Many people are seeking to recalibrate and realign both their mind and body," she said. "At our resorts, guests can pursue their passions, whether it's golf, scuba diving, skiing or other activities they love."
Club Med resorts offer more than 20 different activities, including skiing in Japan, Thai boxing classes in Phuket and cooking workshops in Indonesia. The company strives to integrate local culture into its offerings, from food and beverages to the souvenirs and cultural events.
"We host cultural nights that showcase the cuisine and traditions of the region. A lot of the products we sell in our boutique come from local suppliers, bringing a taste of the area to our guests. We're also committed to sourcing as much local produce as possible, partnering with local farmers and distributors. Additionally, 75 percent of our employees come from the region," Harding explained.
As a family-focused brand, Club Med sets itself apart with its emphasis on activities that the entire family can enjoy together. "Whether it's games, workshops, arts and crafts or excursions, everything is designed for parents and children to bond and create lasting memories. Our all-inclusive approach extends to wellness, sports, food and beverage and childcare," she added.
To mark its 75th anniversary, Club Med plans to aggressively expand its presence in Asia. The company is focusing on developing high-end resorts and renovating older properties to meet growing demand. "Next year, we're opening a brand-new resort in Borneo, which is particularly attractive for Korean travelers due to the many direct flights between Korea and Kota Kinabalu," Harding said.
The company is also investing in digital innovations, using data and AI to personalize the guest experience from arrival to departure. "We’re working on offering tailored experiences for every guest, ensuring they have the best possible time at our resorts," Harding noted.
In South Korea, Club Med is actively looking for locations for future resorts, ideally in areas that offer both sun and ski experiences. "Finding the right location is a thoughtful process, and it’s not always easy, especially in Korea. However, we are exploring several potential sites, including mountain resorts and coastal islands," Harding said.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
