Club Med was voted ahead of strong competition from heavyweights Voyages, Mantra, Peppers and Stella to take the award for the first time, and, on the first time having ever been nominated. Voted by the Travel Industry and validated by a panel of judges, the win is a vote of confidence in the value of the all inclusive holiday concept and a timely win for Club Med which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2010.

Thrilled and congratulating her entire team, General Manager for Club Med Australia and New Zealand, Heidi Kunkel was at the awards ceremony to collect the prestigious Award.

“This is the reward for many years of dedication and commitment from the entire Club Med team which has constantly strived to improve the brand and the experience for our guests, who will always will be our priority,” said Heidi.

“Our product offering has improved steadily, since we implemented our new strategy to move upmarket in 2004, and our guests are enjoying a greater level of refinement in their holiday experience, in exotic locations around the world.  The award is further confirmation that Club Med’s truly all-inclusive experience represents excellent value for money, especially during more challenging times” added Heidi.

The AFTA Awards are held each year and recognise the industry’s best of the best, as voted by the industry. To win an AFTA award is considered the pinnacle in the industry due to the process of voting, and quality of the products being presented.

Club Med has its regional head office based in Singapore, with a Australian office of 25 employees in Sydney managing its Australian business. With over 80 resorts worldwide, Club Med’s aim is to be the specialist in all-inclusive, friendly, multicultural and upmarket holiday experiences.