MONTREAL — Club Med recently marked its impressive 75th anniversary with an elegant celebration in Montreal. The event truly captured the essence of Club Med—chic, understated, and visually stunning.
“Looking around, you all look beautiful in white, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Club Med’s theme nights,” remarked Carolyne Doyon, the President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. Doyon, who traveled from Miami for this special occasion, beamed in front of an audience of approximately 100 guests, including key executives from Club Med’s top travel agency partners and tour operators.
The evening kicked off with a delightful cocktail reception in the picturesque garden of La Toundra at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. This unique location, adjacent to the famous Formula 1 track, served as a reminder of Club Med’s recent rapid growth and its flair for memorable venues. Attendees enjoyed stunning views of Montreal while mingling in a cloud of white attire.
As the guests settled in with a glass of white wine, the event transitioned to a presentation tracing the history of Club Med, from its humble beginnings to its current multinational status.
FROM NON-PROFIT TO MULTINATIONAL SUCCESS
Doyon began by recounting the origins of Club Med as “a non-profit organization,” emphasizing how significantly the company has evolved since its establishment in 1950. She highlighted key milestones in the company’s journey, including:
- The inauguration of the first ski village in Leysin, Switzerland, in 1957.
- The introduction of the buffet concept in 1965.
- The launch of the mini-club in 1967.
- The formation of the world’s largest sports academy in 1970.
In 2004, a pivotal transformation occurred as Club Med underwent an upscale repositioning. Doyon stated, “This major shift was fully realized by April 2024,” signifying a commitment to high-quality resorts, with a focus on offering at least four-star accommodations, including their Exclusive Collection.
The first Exclusive Collection village debuted in 2007 in Albion, Mauritius, followed by the opening of Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic in 2019, marking a significant milestone in North America. “This resort has become our flagship on the continent,” said Vincent Giraud, GM of Club Med Canada and Commercial Operations in North America. This location was also chosen as the launch site for Club Med’s 75th-anniversary celebrations earlier this spring.
EXPANSION IN CANADA AND NATIONALLY
In 2021, Club Med opened its first mountain village in Canada, located at the base of the Le Massif ski resort in Charlevoix, Quebec. Doyon proudly noted that the project’s success was even more remarkable considering it launched amid a pandemic. The impressive performance of Club Med Charlevoix is paving the way for further development, including a proposed second mountain village in Tremblant, with updates anticipated by the year’s end.
The loyalty of Club Med’s clientele in Quebec is significant, but the brand is also experiencing exciting growth across Canada. “Canada has emerged as Club Med’s third-largest market globally, with Michès being its leading source country,” Giraud mentioned. Additionally, Jacinda Lowry, Associate VP Sales for Canada, pointed out that half of all Canadians skiing in the Alps choose to do so at one of Club Med’s 15 resorts.
As Club Med prepares for its next chapter, its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation continues to attract a growing clientele in both Quebec and beyond. For more information on Club Med’s offerings and history, visit the official Club Med website.
