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. The G.Os will take care of the little ones magic is enhanced when from 4 months to 17 years old to it’s experienced in a group. ensure they are looked after and Groups also enjoy better have as much fun as the adults do. discounts when it comes to snow holiday bookings, Club Med offers the perfect particularly when booked six to solution for families as children 12 months in advance. SIGNATURE Globally there is high demand stay free at select snow resorts! for snow holidays, which means snow holiday resorts N 65 are also in need. Club Med has made a concerted effort From kindergarden to to make snow holidays more With snow resorts across Europe and Asia, the ranking accessible to a larger part of Snow Garden in terms of where South Africans are booking to go on the population, and with more snow holidays with Club Med is as follows: than 20 all-inclusive Club Med snow resorts around the world, With Club Med’s Snow Garden, 1. French Alps and one new snow resort watch your little ones take their very first snow-steps. Young 2. Italian Alps opening each year, Club Med is providing a wider variety starters, fast learners! 3. Swiss Alps for the South African traveller 4. Japan keen to try something new, #SnowGardenStars 5. China somewhere new. 8 9
Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report Winter 2017/2018
Authentic Most popular Club Med snow experience resorts during the Winter 17 and Winter 18 season, which tick all of Snow holiday demands Snow holidays provide a truly authentic the above boxes: experience with a These are some of the factors that South Africans look out for cultural exchange like 1. Val Thorens Sensations – French Alps when they go on a snow holiday: no other. While they 2. Grand Massif Samoëns – French Alps are generally linked to • The quality of snow snow sport enthusiasts, 3. Val d’Isere – French Alps Higher altitude resorts are proving most popular as there is there’s a whole lot more 4. Cervinia – Italian Alps more snow in these areas. The snow at these altitudes is also they have to offer the better for skiing, snowboarding or general snow sport activities. average Joe who may 5. Tignes – French Alps not be interested in 6. Peisey Vallandry – French Alps • Short distance to the slopes strapping on a pair of 7. Valmorel – French Alps South African snow holidaymakers are looking for resorts close skis, but rather, who may to the slopes, with major preference for ski-in ski-out resorts – just be looking for a new 8. Pragelato Vialattea – Italian Alps no need to waste time and energy shuttling to the slopes with experience of a lifetime. heavy equipment.
• The number of slopes With so many incredible snow destinations around the world, South Africans are spoilt for choice. Apart from location, a big deciding factor when it comes down to picking a snow holiday is the number of slopes (also known as ski trails or ski runs) within an area. The bigger the ski domain, the more ski runs of varying difficulty – from green to black – it’s likely to have. One of the biggest and most popular is Les Trois Vallées.
SIGNATURE With Club Med’s in-resort ski facilities, gear-up & sign up instantly. Drop your bags and N 41 hit the slopes! Access it all, here #EverythingInOnePlace
Ski trail difficulty Les Trois Vallées (English: The is measured by Three Valleys) is a ski region in the percentage of slope, Tarentaise Valley, Savoie département of France, to the south of the town not the degree/ of Moûtiers, partly in the Vanoise angle of the National Park. Since 1973, it has been slopes. possible to ski the interlinked valleys using a single ski pass – making Les Trois Vallées the largest ski area in the world which is connected solely by ski lifts and slopes. of ski slopes km resulting in 18.5 km² 600 of groomed runs
for cross-country 120 km skiing In general, beginner slopes (green) are between 6% and 25%. ski lifts, which183 can transport Intermediate slopes (blue) are between 25% and 40%. 260 000 Difficult slopes (red and skiers per hour
black) are 40% and up. Source: http://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/sorted/slope-length/ 10 11
Club Med Southern Africa Snow Holiday Report Winter 2017/2018
Why choose all-inclusive Club Med all-inclusive vs DIY snow holiday
When it comes to snow sets Club Med apart from other foreign exchange surprises! The below is worked out based on two people on a snow holiday for one week to the French Alps in early December. holidays there is a fair amount travel brands, particularly when Once you have booked and Currency rate worked on: 1 Euro = R14,50 of planning that would need it comes to snow holidays. Club paid your deposit for a Club to be done. For this reason Med knows everything there Med holiday, the price is the best (and most hassle- is to know about the perfect locked in and won’t be affected Club Med all-inclusive snow holiday DIY snow holiday to the French Alps free) way to do it is all- snow holiday; they take care of negatively should the rand take to the French Alps (based on a Club Med quality equivalent) inclusive, letting the experts everything. That carefree feeling a dive. take care of it. All-inclusive ahead of an exhilarating holiday will also ensure you get the is something money can’t buy. When you leave for your holiday, Accommodation (7 nights) Included (based on Club Med Val d’Isere R20,000.00 best value (and quality) for you could quite literally leave resort) Average cost for x2 people sharing x1 what you pay for a snow The best equipment your wallet at home. When you room holiday – which really will be arrive at the resort, all meals and a holiday of a lifetime! The ski and snowboarding drinks are at your disposal – all Meals Included (buffet) R5,110 p/p for the week x2 equipment at all Club Med day. You don’t need to worry +R10 220 Why all inclusive? snow resorts is the best quality about converting from rands and brand new. So you’ll hit the to euros (which we are all too Everything is taken care of slopes looking and feeling like familiar with when travelling) Drinks Included (unlimited drinks) R250 p/p (based on x4 drinks – alcoholic a pro, even if you’re a beginner. to figure out how much that and non-alcoholic, daily) What better way to enjoy a chocolat chaud is going to set x7 days snow holiday than having Exchange rate-proof holidays you back. It’s all included in what =R1,750 everything covered and paid you pay upfront. for in advance before you leave With the unpredictability of the Ski pass (6 days) Included R4,100 p/p SA? Imagine not having to deal rand, more South Africans are This peace of mind is a big with organising your flights, looking for travel packages that value-add on top of the vibe transfers, accommodation, all don’t come with any surprises and one-of-a-kind holiday meals all day, all drinks all day, or hidden costs, including nasty experience Club Med provides. Professional ski/snowboarding Included R7,500 p/p entertainment, activities and lessons (daily for 5 days) sports, ski or snowboard hire, ski boot and helmet hire, ski pass, daily ski or snowboarding Lockers for skis Included n/a lessons with professional instructors, and child care facilities (if travelling with little When you leave for your holiday, you can ones). This is a big element that quite literally leave your wallet at home. Activities besides ski/snowboard Included R500 p/p snow shoe hike
Transport to the slopes Not required – all resorts are on the Included with ski pass SIGNATURE slopes with most being ski-in and ski-out
Transfer from the airport to the Included R2,000 p/p N 32 resort Hike, swim, climb, play... and ski Return airfare (from JHB-Geneva- Included R9,415 p/p JHB) With a large choice of activities beyond the slopes, including Total cost (average) per couple R72,384.00 R98,720.00 snowshoe walking, fitness, indoor rock-climbing, skiing, Furthermore, should you book a snow snowboarding and more, you’re holiday with Club Med in advance, you spoilt for choice. Get a rush qualify for an early booking bonus of 15% beyond the slopes! (per person). In this case, it would mean a discount of R5,428.80 per person (x2). #MountainsOfActivities Total cost per couple would then be R61,526.40