Competition is strong in the accommodation sector with hotel groups regularly updating their product to meet then needs of all travellers. So what did Club Med do over the past year to outdo others?
It was a question we asked all-inclusive resort group, Club Med, after they were named ‘Best Hotel Group’ at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs).
CONGRATULATIONS ???
Haven’t seen the full list of winners yet? Click here.
According Tony Soden, Club Med’s National Sales Manager for Australia & New Zealand, Travel Agents played a LARGE role in the brand’s success over the past year, as did working hard to reposition the brand.
If he could offer one tip for other accommodation providers hoping to achieve the same amount of success, it would be to ensure the product remains relevant and to always listen to Travel Agent partners.
Read on for more of what he had to say:
What does being recognised by the industry in this way mean to you?
CONGRATULATIONS to…
@CLUBMED_AU
for winning…
BEST HOTEL GROUP#KARRYONTRAVEL #ntia2018 pic.twitter.com/OtSDRySCVW
— KARRYON (@karryontravel) July 21, 2018
We are truly appreciative and humbled by this win, and of the support by our trade partners which are crucial to the success of our brand. To be recognised by others in the travel industry is a huge feat – it means that we’re on the right track and that we’ve listen to what the industry want.
What are some little or big touches you and the team make to ensure you leave a positive impression on Agents/clients?
We are heavily invested in our Agents, those who are dedicated brand-lovers, and those interested in learning more – the most important thing is to provide an amazing product that Agents can confidently stand behind, as well as tools to sell and benefits / incentives to inspire!
Attendance at Conferences and Expos also provides a great opportunity to meet more Agents. Club Med has come a long way since Lindeman Island closed in 2012 and we have a premium, all–inclusive product, for both sun and snow lovers!
What are some changes the brand has made over the last year that would have contributed to your success this year?
We have worked very hard to reposition ourselves as a leader in all-inclusive, and our inclusions in particular are unlike anything our competitors can offer.
We have been focused on branding, listening to the market, Agents, and delivering a premium product that ticks all the boxes.
What would you recommend to other brands hoping to win in future years?
Listen to your Agents – they are the ones selling your product. Take their feedback, both positive and negative, and ensure your product remains relevant.
How important is your organisation to the industry?
Club Med is pushing the industry to rethink what they know about all-inclusive holidays.
With a unique French flare, focus on high-quality service, active holidays where everything is taken care of so you can truly let go, and family care; Club Med provides a product which caters to most clients, whether it’s families, honeymooners, singles or groups. There truly is something for everyone, in the most beautiful places around the world.
What do you love about the industry?
We love being part of an industry that is so fast-paced, ever-evolving, and constantly challenging us to evolve with it. There’s so many good products out there in our industry, we love seeing what suppliers are bringing out next. And of course, who doesn’t love getting paid to do what you love best – travel!
What do you think the future holds for the travel industry?
Technology and E-distribution will be an important part of the future for all in the industry, retail/wholesaler/supplier etc. Payment methods/ways we search for our next holidays/read reviews, it’s all changing very quickly ad we need to keep up with the next generation of travellers and meet their demands.
What’s your advice for people thinking of joining the industry?
https://www.instagram.com/p/Blg0bv_lsyz/?taken-by=kassscarlett
It’s a great industry to work in and not just for the famils! It’s an industry where you can learn Sales, Marketing, Finance, Pricing and Revenue Management, IT, HR…the list goes on.
There’s a lot of great development programs out there to get you a taste for the industry, but of course the best knowledge is hands-on experience, and whether you start in Reservations, or as a Travel Consultant, or even a BDM, it’s not an industry that judges purely on how many letters you have after your name on your CV.
It’s an industry that gives people a go.
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