Skiing in Asia is often associated with Japan and South Korea. But now, China is touting its slopes as this market is predicted to boom. According to China's Ski Association, there will be 20 million skiers in the country by 2014, compared to just five million, five years ago. Skiers in China's Heilongjiang Province can expect powdery slopes, efficient facilities and a great run. In Yabuli, one of the most popular skiing destinations in China, the local government reportedly spent US$400 million upgrading the facilities last year. Being the main training base for China's ski team, Yabuli has Asia's longest Alpine ski run here. It has 11 primary, intermediate and advanced ski runs.
This year, it garnered a top 10 ranking in China's skiing industry and more foreigners are heading to Yabuli to ski. And hoping to cash in on this potentially lucrative market is Club Med.
It has teamed up with Melco China Resorts to open the first Club Med snow resort in Yabuli in November.
"Why China? Because it is the largest country in the world and Club Med since 60 years has always been a pioneer, and we wanted to be the first to establish an all-inclusive upscale resort in China," said Henri Giscard d'Estaing, Chairman and CEO of Club Mediterrane.
The resort will mark the beginning of Club Med's expansion into mainland China. It plans to open five resorts in four years in key locations like Hainan and Yunnan Province.
That´s good. I mean, they are right, China is the largest country and it is a great location to have all kinds of resorts and spas. The ski associations must be right, and having efficient facilities and a good run seem to be the best way to lead to success in this sport in China.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to Club Med opening in this country, I can just say: It was time!
Everybody knows that Club Med would really strike a chord with China citizens if it opened there.
Now they realised it´s profitable and are going to make it happen.
Anyways, I hope people will enjoy it!
Cheers,
Laura