CLUB MED CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
As the first implementer of the all-inclusive holiday concept, Club Med, which started its journey in 1950 with its first beach village opened in Mallorca, Spain, serves globally today in its 75th year with more than 70 premium and luxury facilities in 40 countries.
Club Med, which started its activities in 1950 with the first beach village founded by Gérard Blitz in Mallorca, Spain, became one of the pioneers of the "all-inclusive" model with its facility structure that expanded in different regions over time. In its early years, the structure, which hosted its guests in thatched huts, gradually turned into modern facilities.
Club Med, which has developed many applications from payment systems to services for children since its establishment, has gradually transformed the cashless payment method, which started with colorful beaded necklaces, into digital wristbands. These wristbands are used today for functions such as room access, reservation and payment.
Club Med, which introduced the open buffet system in 1965, started offering the first club services for children in 1967. Today, the company operates five separate children's clubs for different age groups from 4 months to 17 years. The brand, which has been in the winter holiday segment since the first ski village opened in 1956, serves with a total of 23 ski villages in Europe, North America and Asia. According to Club Med data, 3425 Turkish guests had a ski holiday in these facilities last season.
Club Med, which started to provide services in the luxury segment from 2004, differentiated some of its villages under the name "Exclusive Collection". The services offered in this context include applications such as room service and personal consultant. Club Med Seychelles, which opened in 2019, and Magna Marbella, which started operating in 2022, are among the examples of this segment.
The brand's destination portfolio will expand with a new facility planned to be opened in South Africa in 2026. This facility is aimed to combine both beach and safari experiences.
Club Med is also investing in data analysis, digital customer service and sustainability. It is reported that 85% of its facilities have Green Globe certification.
In the "75 Years of L'Esprit Libre" themed campaign launched within the scope of the 75th anniversary, the brand's past and development are explained with archival images. The campaign film refers to some concepts related to holiday habits.