Club Med
Justin Heckman
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Tell us a little about Club Med: With over 70 resorts worldwide, from sun to ski, the new Club Med is the perfect choice for families to discover the world. Club Med offers more activities included, top notch child care, gourmet dining and more. Closer to home Club Med Sandpiper Bay Florida offers an all-inclusive experience in the US. Please share a little about the culture of your organization and what resonates with you most as a team member: |
What unique value proposition sets your brand apart from the competition?
We offer so many activities in each resort, and instruction – there is always something to do. Plus, there is such a personal attention to each client: people feel like they are part of the family.
If you offer an online specialist course or other training program, please share details where advisors can learn more or sign-up:
coming soon to Clubmedta.com
What are your traditional commission structures?
Commission ranges from 10-15% depending on sales volume.
Tell us about a success story (and the WOW factors) when working with travel advisor(s):
An advisor recently had to rebook a group scheduled to be on a cruise, which was cancelled. Instead, she sent her clients to Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida. They had such a great time, they are looking to come back next year with more people than this year.
What is new and exciting that you’re looking forward to sharing with this year’s Owners CONNECT delegates?
We have an all-inclusive in the US and an industry leading plan in place for guest safety worldwide. We are also opening our first new resort in North America in Quebec for 2021.
In light of the ongoing Covid19 situation, are there protocols you think are essential for travel advisors to be aware of when booking your brand?
First I think it’s important to give clients the freedom to determine their own risk tolerance – educate but empower. At Club Med, we launched a series of safety protocols called “Safer Together” to maximize client safety in resorts, including enhanced sanitization and standards around mask use and minimizing gatherings. We offer lower density construction to maximize available space – we don’t crowd people into highrises, there is lots of room to spread out and distance.
The travel industry is forever evolving. What are some of the trends you’re seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel agency owners and their teams sales efforts?
I am seeing agencies that were once specialized (e.g. Cruise or “mouse”), now diversifying products and looking for new avenues to grow business. We are working to educate advisors and help educate clients on the value of using all-inclusive for worldwide travel – not just Caribbean and Mexico. It is profitable but also an easy way to book otherwise complicated destinations, and a great experience for clients.
Why should travel agency owners encourage their frontline sales force to book your brand as a preferred partner?
Club Med has been around for over 70 years. We have seen a lot of ups and downs and have the infrastructure in place to weather this storm. Club Med has fantastic children’s programs and a high standards worldwide.y the benefits of earning commission while your clients save by booking directly with us, avoiding costly extra booking fees on other sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel advisors? And, do they integrate into current available technologies? If yes, which ones?
We offer an advisor portal at www.clubmedta.com
When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
Our wait times are very low and advisors can get all their questions answered at our contact center by calling 1-800-CLUBMED. For groups, we can usually provide a group quote within 24hrs.
What advice can you share with agency owners as we prepare for 2021?
1) Now, more than ever, having a portfolio of products to offer is key to success. There is a lot out there, and clients need help navigating all their choices. 2) While budgets may be tighter in 2021, suppliers are looking for owners who want help in growing new business – find products you can believe in and ask for help in promoting them.