TravelManagers Joins Exclusive Luxury Club Med Program
Featured photo: Rain or shine, Club Med Finolhu turns on its unique charm for members of CT Partners’ Club Med Ambassador Program, including TravelManagers’ Katy Hurd (5th from left) and Alyssa Pretorius (right)
Demand for luxury travel experiences is stronger than ever according to TravelManagers Australia, who recently had two personal travel managers (PTMs) take part in a luxury famil program in conjunction with Club Med, Singapore Airlines and CT Partners.
Katy Hurd, who is TravelManagers’ representative for Mount Eliza, VIC, was among the participants who flew via Singapore to the Maldives for a taste of luxury, Club Med-style, at its two iconic resort properties.
“I had been to Club Med 11 years previously,” Hurd reports, “and although I loved the concept back then, it was wonderful to see for myself the many improvements and enhancements that have happened since then. In particular, The Exclusive Collection is a spectacular concept that delivers a stunning, upmarket vibe to the holiday experience.”
Hurd says she was also impressed by the changes to dining options at the resorts since her last visit, particularly with the serving of the food in the restaurants via plated meal stations instead of the old-school buffet approach.
“Of course, in classic Club Med style, you can still eat as much as you want and try absolutely everything on the menu at every meal: I’m happy to say I gave it a good crack!” she laughs.
Hurd was accompanied by fellow Warrandyte Victoria-based PTM, Alyssa Pretorius, who is TravelManagers’ representative for, VIC. Pretorius says she was particularly grateful for the opportunity to compare the different accommodation options on offer, both in terms of what they offer and for their locations within the wider resort.
“Club Med Kani and Club Med Finolhu are very different resorts that will appeal to different customers, and being able to make comparisons based on personal observations makes all the difference, especially for the high-end customers that Club Med is targeting,” she explains. “For example, the pricing of a beach villa at Finolhu is comparable to that of an overwater bungalow at Kani, so it’s important for me to be able to help customers decide which option best suits their needs.”
The famil was the outcome of a collaboration between Singapore Airlines and Club Med, entitled the ‘Ambassador Program’. According to Club Med’s Head of Sales, Lisa Bacon, the aim of the program is to provide participants with an opportunity to experience both suppliers first-hand while showcasing Club Med as a brand for the luxury leisure traveler.
“TravelManagers was specially selected to take part, with participants also taking part in business planning sessions and marketing initiatives after the trip was completed.”
TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager, Michael Gazal, says he expects that both PTMs will continue to reap the benefits of the famil opportunity for some time: in addition
to the invaluable knowledge they now have of these two luxury holiday offerings, they will also enjoy ongoing sales support from Club Med and each will have the chance to earn Club Med Advantage Points equivalent to a five-night Club Med stay.
“The opportunity for these PTMs to expand their knowledge of this perennially popular luxury product is just one of the benefits of TravelManagers’ relationship with key partner suppliers.”
