“As we approach year end, our customers are always eager to see what is up and coming for the year ahead,” said Carolyne Doyon, Senior Vice President of Club Med Canada and Mexico. “We are thrilled to be able to share the forecasted trends for the upcoming year and assist in making their travel planning that much easier and exciting.”
With Italy earning top rank as the most popular destination for summer travel in 2017, Club Med predicts the interest in this luxurious and romantic European country will only continue to rise with its highly anticipated Cefalu resort, re-opening this year as the first 5-Trident Resort in the Mediterranean. Nestled atop rugged cliffs with a breathtaking view over the bay, this Mediterranean island gem is elegant, charming and ready to inspire.
For those looking for a more unexpected and experiential destination, Japan is quickly becoming the new hotspot for North American travel. Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido offers a selection of snow sporting adventures on the pristine slopes of Champagne Powder, complemented by sweeping mountain views of the Northern Japanese region.
Transformational and Wellness Travel
Multi-career lifestyles, packed schedules and on-the-go regimens have led to an increase in stress and limited time to get away from regular routines. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Club Med reports seeing a spike in transformative travel over the last year. Transformative travel focuses on shifting perspectives and disconnecting from day-to-day experiences, allowing travellers to return rejuvenated, relaxed and with a clear state of mind. Partnering with some of the world’s most luxurious spas and wellness brands, including L'Occitane En Provence and Carita Paris, Club Med predicts these wellness retreat experiences will be some of the top spots to unwind in 2018. Immersive and unique activity offerings, including Club Med’s flying trapeze, allow travellers to challenge their comfort zones and stir the senses.
Millennial and Multi-Gen Travel
Club Med reports that their largest growing market in recent years has been millennials, travelling an average of 35 days per year. Prioritizing ‘worry-free’ vacations, local cuisine and staying active, all-inclusive packages are a top pick for over 80 per cent of millennial travellers. Each Club Med resort offers authentic dining experiences, tailored to reflect the individual resort’s culture, alongside its comprehensive and thrilling activities lineup, including circus schools, tennis, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and cycling. Millennials can have their locally-sourced cake and eat it too.
Another trend that is holding strong is multi-generational travel - three generations travelling together. Having a strong family-focused brand model and offering a wide selection of resort all-inclusive activities and excursions, Club Med expects to see a surge in larger family group bookings in 2018.
With mobile platform traffic and bookings increasing by more than 50 per cent in the last year, it’s apparent that technology is reshaping travel behaviours and trends. Club Med recently launched resort apps for more than 49 of their most popular destinations, each offering designated resort maps, event schedules, restaurant or excursion bookings, online chat services and VR tours, allowing curious travellers to explore before arriving. Functional tech at its finest? The Club Med electronic bracelet serves as a room key, locker key, method of payment, and so much more.
Website: ClubMed.ca
Instagram: @ClubMed
Twitter: @ClubMedCA
Facebook: Club Med Canada
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About Club Med
Club Med, founded in 1950, is recognized as the pioneer of the all-inclusive market, offering nearly 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean.
Club Med operates more than 70 resorts. Established in 26 countries across five continents, the group employs more than 23,000 employees comprised of 110 varied nationalities. Club Med has had a corporate presence in Canada for over 40 years and employs a staff of more than 50 team members in their Montreal head office.
