Club Med believes Southeast Asia will see a sharp rebound in travel once borders reopen and is currently looking for opportunities in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. The all-inclusive holiday club pioneer recently launched Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia as it looks to tap into both the potential of this location and the region as a whole.
Southeast Asia has been slow to restart travel when compared to other places globally, but this has allowed international resort operators, such as Club Med, to understand what works elsewhere. The company’s successful reopenings in China, Maldives and North America can provide a template for when tourism resumes across the region.
The potential of domestic tourism is another reason Club Med is eyeing more opportunities in Southeast Asia. Club Med’s resort in Malaysia recorded an increase of more than 60 in business volume percent in the weeks following the relaxation of interstate restrictions before the recent Movement Control Order.
“We entered the pandemic with a strong economic position and are well-placed for a swift, decisive and impactful rebound. Club Med has a demonstrated track record spanning more than 70 years as the pioneer of new destinations and untouched locations,” Jean-Charles Fortoul, CEO APAC Resorts, Club Med, reports. “Following these successes, we have also identified Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as markets that are well-positioned to leverage this rebound and we are on the lookout for investors and partners to tap into the potential of these destinations.”
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Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu launches in Malaysia
Club Med will open its first Southeast Asia greenfield beach resort in 2023. Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu will allow the company to capture the vast untapped potential of this pristine location.
The resort operator worked closely with project owner Golden Sands Beach Resort City on the new property which is six hours from key Asian markets. According to Club Med, this will be one of their most upscale retreats in Southeast Asia.
“Club Med has been an outstanding partner in our collaboration for the Club Med Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort. They bring expertise in crafting unique experiences at resorts, and they have the right savoir faire to bring them to life and elevate stays in the resort,” Peter Wong, Managing Director of Golden Sands Beach Resort City, noted. “We have utmost confidence in Club Med’s capabilities of creating a sense of destination at the Borneo Kota Kinabalu resort with upmarket designs that evoke emotional connections for guests.”