SOUTH Africans strive to
travel internationally at
least once a year, says
Club Med md for Southern
Africa, Stuart de Bourgogne,
who revealed some trends in
the travelling preferences of
local customers at a recent
event at The Marion on Nicol
in Johannesburg.
“South Africans want value
for money when travelling,”
he says. “They want more
than to just visit a destination
– they want their journey to
be a worthwhile experience,
without the hassle. We found
that 73% of consumers love
exploring new places, with
two-thirds seeking a beach
holiday.” This is according to
a survey carried out in June
by Club Med, in collaboration
with research specialist
Columinate.
The event touched on
how the concept of ‘style’
was perceived by locals.
“South Africans see style as
something unique, indulgent,
elegant, tasteful, and hasslefree,”
says Stuart. Since
2004, Club Med has spent
more than €1 billion (R14bn)
renovating and upgrading
resorts, with more than 75%
of its capacity now of a fouror
five-Trident standard, which
is the company’s own star
rating based on comfort and
amenities.
Stuart says the location of
the destination and the view
it offers (i.e. sea, mountain
and skyline) is another factor
that plays an important role
in how travellers experience
a holiday. “Furthermore,
South African travellers prefer
doing what they want to do,
when they want to do it, with
the option of socialising or
enjoying moments of privacy,”
says Stuart.
He adds that locals look
for an experience where
everything is taken care of.
“Ease of access to facilities
and convenience are two
important factors for South
Africans going on holiday. They
seek a package that does
not present extra ‘surprise’
costs,” Stuart says
What SA travellers want – Club Med
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