Club Med invited media to its headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they were immersed in an exquisite winter wonderland experience during which the all-inclusive holiday specialist shared updates on its ski resort offerings.
Ski resorts offered by Club Med were an “exotic and magical change of scenery” for South Africans interested in the winter sport, said Club Med’s Paris-based mountain resort travel expert, Cristophe Carraud. He painted a picture of mountain havens that are ideal for families seeking adventure and breathtaking vistas.
Club Med also revealed its South African Ski Report for the 2023/24 season, which unpacked travel expectations, trends and booking profiles for the local market.
A survey by the company of 800 South African respondents, over half of whom were from Gauteng, revealed that 80% craved family escapes, and 17% sought adventures with friends, solidifying skiing as a cherished family and leisure pastime. Notably, the 36-45 age group dominated the slopes.
The survey went deeper into the factors that influenced these travellers, such as the fun of group travel, the yearning for authentic cultural immersions, the desire to visit multiple cities in one trip, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. These snow seekers also valued the ease and joy of all-inclusive adventures.
The French Alps, with its 22 Club Med resorts, reigned supreme. Yet, Carraud assured, Club Med was ever-evolving, ready to embrace the trends that the report revealed.
The French portfolio offers epic ski runs and walks through forests, snowshoeing amidst sparkling mountains, or the exhilaration of dog sledding across pristine landscapes.
For those with sustainability at the heart of their travel, the resort at Tignes has an outdoor bar where visitors can see the solar panels on the building and watch energy being made, said Carraud.
Club Med confirmed that positive growth in the South African ski market was, even amidst economic hurdles, and provided a sneak peek of new Club Meds in Europe, Japan, the Americas and Africa in the near future.
