Club Med’s Dancing with Yulong Event Opens New Chapter in World Travel and Culture in China

Friday, March 29, 2024

Club Med, renowned for its “Premium All-inclusive” vacation experiences, recently hosted its inaugural global event at the Lijiang Resort under the theme “Dancing with Yulong (Jade Dragon)”.

Benefiting from China’s welcoming inbound tourism policies and the gradual recovery of the global tourism sector, Club Med extends its invitation to international visitors to explore China’s rich cultural heritage, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, dynamic urban scenes, and diverse local lifestyles, while also experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people.

EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF CHINA THROUGH GUILIN & LIJIANG RESORTS

The event welcomed approximately 100 tourism industry partners and media representatives from various markets, including Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Belgium. Participants had the opportunity to visit Club Med Guilin and Lijiang resorts, immersing themselves in the unique allure of China.

Visitors at Guilin Resort marveled at the natural splendor of the Li River and the fusion of modern art with cultural landscapes. They were greeted warmly by Club Med’s iconic G.Os (Great Organizers), adorned in traditional Eastern attire resembling dragons, symbolizing a genuine Chinese welcome.

Meanwhile, at Lijiang Resort, guests indulged in a plethora of activities both within the resort and in its surroundings. They witnessed the breathtaking sunrise over the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, explored the ancient wonders of Baisha Ancient Town (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site), delved into the traditional art of Naxi tie-dye, and learned about the unique Dongba script, the only surviving pictographic writing system worldwide. Additionally, Club Med’s Discovery excursion series offered guests immersive journeys not only within Lijiang but also to Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La. Direct flights from cities like Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong SAR to Lijiang and Kunming facilitated convenient access for guests, enhancing their exploration of Club Med’s diverse offerings in the region.

By seamlessly integrating its “Premium All-Inclusive” package with China’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and leisure activities, Club Med showcased the country’s diverse tourism resources, enticing global guests to discover its unique destinations.

EXPANDING INTO NEW TERRITORIES WITH A GLOBAL-LOCAL STRATEGY AND INTRODUCING JOYVIEW AND URBAN OASIS IN CHINA

Currently, Club Med operates 10 resorts across China, with Lijiang and Guilin standing out as iconic destinations. Additionally, the three mountain resorts located in Changbaishan, Beidahu, and Yabuli offer professional skiing facilities, instruction, and a variety of snow activities, making Club Med a sought-after winter destination in China.

In 2018, Club Med introduced the “Club Med Joyview” product line in China, providing premium short-distance trips with resorts situated in Anji, Yanqing Beijing, and Thousand Island. In 2023, the brand unveiled a new product line tailored for Chinese urban families called “Club Med Urban Oasis,” featuring resorts in Nanjing Xianlin and Jiangsu Taicang, marking a new chapter in urban vacations.

The increase in inbound tourist arrivals can be attributed to visa exemption policies and simplified entry procedures. Data reveals that from March 29th to 31st, 2024, inbound guests constituted 70% of the guests at Club Med Guilin Resort. By adopting a development strategy that balances internationalization with localization, Club Med has successfully attracted a significant number of overseas guests, contributing to the growth of China’s leisure vacation market. Club Med’s unique offerings, including its “Premium All-inclusive” vacations, international G.O team, upgraded Mini Club Med +, renowned French cuisine, diverse local activities, and captivating evening entertainment, provide visitors with a hassle-free vacation experience, allowing them to savor China’s scenic beauty and cultural charm while preserving the essence of Club Med’s global lifestyle holiday brand – the l’Esprit Libre spirit.

“EARLY BIRD BOOKING” PROMOTION CATERS TO BOTH INBOUND & OUTBOUND MARKETS, ENSURING A HASSLE-FREE VACATION EXPERIENCE

According to the “China Outbound Tourism Development Report (2023-2024)” by the China Tourism Academy, the tourism market in China is gaining momentum, with an estimated 130 million outbound tourists projected for 2024. With nearly 70 resorts across 26 countries and regions worldwide, Club Med serves as a premier leisure lifestyle holiday brand offering “inbound” and “outbound” tourism products.

In anticipation of the upcoming peak tourism season, Club Med has initiated a proactive promotion targeting outbound travel among domestic guests. The promotion “Early Bird Booking Helps You Enjoy a Stress-Free Vacation,” which commenced on March 26th, provides discounts of up to 30%.This promotion allows guests to select their preferred room types, benefit from worry-free cancellations up to 30 days before the trip, and enjoy greater accommodation flexibility during public holidays. The campaign aims to facilitate a seamless “two-way journey” for both Chinese and overseas guests, ensuring a hassle-free vacation experience for all.

Andrew Xu, CEO of Club Med China, expressed: “we are thrilled to utilize this global brand event as a showcase for our resorts and the beautiful destinations in China to media and travelers worldwide. It’s with great pleasure that our business receives continuous growth. Club Med hosted over 1.5 million guests worldwide in 2023. Our mountain resorts in China have seen an 84% business volume increase for the 2023-2024 ski season compared to 2018-2019. The business volume in the Club Med Chinese market for the first two months of 2024 surged by 74% compared to the same period last year. With a robust demand for skiing and summer vacations across all regions, we anticipate a sustained increase in bookings throughout 2024. China is one of Club Med’s most crucial markets. Leveraging Club Med’s global channels and resources, and supported by favorable entry and exit policies, we welcome more overseas guests to China. Simultaneously, we encourage more Chinese consumers to venture abroad, embarking on wonderful journeys with Club Med.”

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