TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Club Med's innovative "Exclusive Collection" is redefining luxury travel in the post-pandemic era.

In the wake of the global pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a paradigm shift, with travelers seeking more meaningful and immersive experiences. Club Med, the renowned French luxury resort group, is at the forefront of this transformation with its high-end resorts.

The Exclusive Collection marks a significant departure from Club Med's traditional focus on family-oriented vacations. CEO of Club Med's Southeast Asia and Pacific markets, Rachael Harding, said that this new offering is particularly appealing to couples and adventurous travelers.

While maintaining the hallmarks of privacy and quality that Club Med is known for, the Exclusive Collection moves away from the material excesses often associated with luxury travel. Instead, these resorts prioritize experiences that foster a deeper connection with the environment and local traditions.

The collection has quickly become a cornerstone of Club Med's global strategy, comprising 20 locations worldwide and accounting for nearly 30% of the company's global portfolio. Recognizing the immense potential of the Asia-Pacific region, Club Med has ambitious plans for expansion, including the upgrade of the Kiroro Peak lodge in Hokkaido, Japan.

Taiwan has emerged as a particularly enthusiastic market for the Exclusive Collection, with order volumes surging by nearly 50% compared to the previous year. This growth is accompanied by a 30% increase in guest numbers, underscoring the strong appeal of Club Med's new concept among Taiwanese travelers.

While Hokkaido remains the most popular destination for Taiwanese guests, there is growing interest in other locations. General Manager of Club Med Taiwan Trista Liu (劉育慧) said there has been a doubling of inquiries about resorts in the Indian Ocean and European Alps, signaling a shift in traveler preferences toward more diverse and immersive experiences.

To showcase the unique appeal of the Exclusive Collection to the Taiwanese market, Club Med organized a five-day experiential event in Taipei, which concluded on Tuesday (Sept. 17). Titled "L'esprit Libre: Unboxing Dream Holidays," the event at Huashan 1914 Creative Park offered visitors a taste of six popular Exclusive Collection resorts, including the Finolhu Villas in the Maldives and the Seychelles resort located in the world's oldest marine national park.

The success of the Exclusive Collection in Taiwan has naturally led to speculation about the possibility of Club Med establishing a resort on the island itself. While no plans have been announced, the flourishing demand for high-end, experiential travel in Taiwan makes it an attractive prospect for future development, per Harding.