The Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report South Africans and Snow Holiday Trends
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The Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report South Africans and snow holiday trends #ThePlaceToSki 2 3 Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report Winter 2017/2018 SIGNATURE N 55 Step out of bed, step onto the slopes With our Club Med resorts located steps from the slopes - we have brought the mountains literally to your doorstep. #WakeUpAndSki Welcome to the first South African Snow Holiday Report by Club Med Southern Africa. Until now, not much has been researched or made available on South Africans’ snow holiday behaviours and trends. And while it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of South Africans going on snow holidays across the globe, from a Club Med-only perspective, we have seen the amount of South Africans booking international snow holidays (with us) increasing steadily each year. When looking at Club Med’s Winter 2017 season, we achieved a 29% growth compared to 2016. As the market leader in all-inclusive (and hassle- free) snow holidays, many South Africans trust us with their snow holiday needs each year at one of our many snow resorts in some of the most incredible locations around the word. Contents Our goal is to educate more South Africans on snow holidays; debunk any myths related to snow holidays; and ultimately, get more South Africans P04 South Africans and snow holidays booking snow holidays and ensuring that this P06 The popularity of the snow holiday number continues to increase year on year. experience – a growing trend This report provides a wealth of information that’s specifically relevant to South Africans P08 Snow holiday demands and is something we’re extremely excited to P10 Why choose all-inclusive launch. We hope you’ll find the content and insights interesting and – most importantly – P12 Club Med is the all-inclusive that it inspires you, your family, your clients or snow/ski holiday leader your colleagues to take a snow holiday in the near future. Olivier Hannaert, MD of Club Med Southern Africa 4 5 Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report Winter 2017/2018 Club Med South Africans Beidahu, and snow holidays China Located in Jilin When it comes to South There are also misconceptions province, a region Africans picking holidays around the cost of snow famous for its or destinations for a trip, holidays. Many South Africans long winter snow more often than not a sun look at the DIY snow holiday season and or beach destination will option - i.e. putting their trip fairytale beauty of come out on top as these are together themselves - which “rime ice” crystals, “familiar” options. Mauritius becomes very costly very the brand new is a firm favourite for South quickly. They are perhaps not Club Med Beidahu Africans, considering its aware of the fact that an all- resort promises great weather for most of inclusive package is the more an unforgettable the year and the convenient cost-effective option. snow holiday. four-hour flight to get there. The Beidahu ski Many other sun destinations And finally, there may be some domain has runs follow hot on its heels. apprehension around the cold to suit all members weather. (How on earth will I of the family. In Snow holidays are foreign keep warm?) these magnificent (both literally and figuratively) snow-covered to a large portion of the South Having said all of that, South landscapes you’ll African market. There are Africans are an adventurous feel the perfect many possible reasons for bunch who are keen to try new harmony between this, including the fact that things - and so a snow holiday Man and Nature. South Africans do not see should fit perfectly into this spirit! An all-inclusive snow (unless in the Lesotho/ holiday in China Drakensberg region), which Afriski Mountain Resort in that combines means a snow holiday is not Lesotho is one snow destination tradition with top of mind. A snow holiday close to home that South originality, in a also seems like more of a Africans visit either to try their contemporary “mission”, with a lot more prep hand at skiing, snowboarding or resort inspired by and planning required than, other snow sports, or simply to cinema and nature. say, a beach holiday or a trip to see and experience snow. the bush. Google search stats There are many factors that drive South Afriski stats Africans to choose snow holidays, including: Six most searched for snow Gauteng, Western Cape, Northern Cape holiday-related words on and KZN are where the most snow They are keen to try something new Google are holiday-related Google searches come and exciting 11 000 day visitors during the 2016 winter from in South Africa. season (June, July and August 2016) • Tiffindell ski resort JAN FEB MAR APR • Afriski packages They want to see snow for the first time of which about 60% actually • Ski Italy • Ski holidays 60% skied or took part in some MAY JUN JUL AUG form of snow activity • Livigno ski They are snowboarding or skiing enthusiasts • Club Med ski and keen to get back on their board or skis Roughly 24 000 bed nights were sold (7 600 guests SEP OCT NOV DEC They are interested in an alternative who stayed for three or honeymoon option four nights) 61% 38.6% 2015-2016 saw a 10% May, June and July are They are looking for an outdoor holiday increase in the number of the times of year where guests staying at Afriski, About 61% of research we see the highest amounts of snow holiday- which is testament to is done via phone. Club Med receives the most snow They want an alternative, exciting option the fact that more South related Google searches holiday-related traffic by far, when for a group holiday with family, colleagues Africans are entertaining the 38.6% is done by South Africans compared to any other non-SA ski or friends idea of a snow holiday. via desktop booking site. 6 7 Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report Winter 2017/2018 Club Med Grand The popularity of the snow holiday Massif Samoëns experience – a growing trend Morillon Resort, French Alps Skiing and snow holidays resort’s spa treatments, hopping owners of trading boardrooms were arguably once an on and off chair lifts to discover for snowboards and spa The latest addition to the Club Med elite and exclusive pastime. the best views of the region for days for ski days, seeking family is a 4 Trident family resort, However, in recent years the perfect Instagram picture, out new experiences for their opening in December 2017, which is snow holiday culture has tobogganing, snow-shoe conferencing and incentive already expected to be one of Club featured prominently in film, walking, enjoying the Jacuzzi in trips. Voluntarily spending time Med’s best-selling ski resorts. In a music, interiors and fashion the snow, or simply sitting at the in below-freezing temperatures region renowned for its picturesque – transforming it into an fireplace with a good book with may not sound conducive hamlets, this resort with its experience that’s more majestic mountains spread out to business brainstorming, fabulous panoramic view of the accessible than ever before. in front of you – there’s so much or ideal as an incentive, but mountains has been designed to to offer everyone. you’d be surprised at how blend in harmoniously with nature, Head off on a snow holiday inspiration can strike atop a while at the same time providing an these days and you’ll see More South African families chair lift heading from one authentic mountain-ski experience. people of all ages enjoying the are opting for snow holidays, ski slope to the next; or how snow; ski and snowboarding too. They are looking for business relationships are Located on the Plateau des Saix lessons are filled with toddlers resorts that cater to the whole strengthened while sipping (a 75-minute drive from Geneva to teenagers, and twenty- family. Club Med offers the on a chocolat chaud during a and Annecy) this ski-in ski-out something to people in their perfect solution for families spontaneous après-ski session, resort has it all: 148 km of pristine 60s and beyond. as children stay free at select as the sun sets over the slopes; exceptional views over snow resorts! This includes mountains. There is evidence the mountains from the hotel; a While snow holidays are daily ski or snowboarding that such informal encounters gourmet lounge restaurant; a pool; typically assumed to be for lessons for the little ones with like-minded people can Club Med Spa by CARITA; wine snow sport enthusiasts, they are and adults, with professional be the key to unlocking some corner; pilates – and more! becoming extremely popular instructors every day and a of the most valuable business as a holiday option for those variety of in-resort and out-of- conversations any sales teams, Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon looking for a wellness, health resort activities, allowing the business owners and top is a new architectural concept and relaxation retreat. That may whole family to enjoy the snow management executives are combining a chalet atmosphere sound surprising, but there is and the slopes. likely to have. with modern design. so much to do at a snow-filled destination other than just Club Med has also noticed a Whether it’s a corporate group If you have families with children ski or snowboard. Whether growing trend among sales or a big bunch of friends, a within your incentive trip or it’s shopping, indulging in the teams, CEOs and business snow holiday offers something conference, Club Med’s experienced completely different.