The tourism sector is everywhere at a standstill. Present on five continents, with its 75 holiday villages, Club Med is undergoing the coronavirus pandemic head on. "During this period, we have no visibility," explains Thierry Orsoni, its communications director, at the microphone of Europe 1.
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Thierry Orsoni claims to be in "close contact" with the authorities, as well as with other tourism professionals. Monday evening, the President of the Republic announced a specific aid plan to help this sector, particularly affected by the health crisis. Only one "resort" of the Club is currently open, located near Shanghai. "It was able to reopen in early April, in compliance with strict health rules," he said.
5,000 partially unemployed employees in France
But "a lot will depend on customers' desires" to go on trips. "I'm not sure that their daily concerns are at the moment ..." agrees Thierry Orsoni. In the meantime, 5,000 Club Med employees in France are partially unemployed. "But 20% of their business remains. We don't want to shut the business down completely."
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How much are Club Med's financial losses so far? "Difficult to give figures", answers Thierry Orsoni. In any case, he says, Club Med does not plan to close any establishment. "The question is more about when we can leave. It will be done according to health guidelines."
A Club Med at home
In the middle of a period of containment, Club Med is launching "Club Med at home", a website offering ideas for activities to do at home. "There are yoga classes, entertainment for children, mime games, cooking recipes ...", lists Thierry Orosoni.
Club Med gives appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on its site and on its social networks. "We still want to keep in touch with customers and more generally families.