International leisure group, Club Med, announced today the inevitable closure of its New Caledonia resort, Chateau Royal in Noumea.

The closure is part of a global restructuring the company is undertaking of its 120-plus resort properties in Europe, North and South America, Africa and Asia.

The company has spent more than $500 million over the past three years refurbishing and redeveloping resorts while rationalising those properties that do not match its fresh 21st century Club Med brand image.

Club Med General Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Franck Gueguen said the recent deterioration in global tourism had accelerated Club Med�s decision to close the resort in Noumea for an indefinite period.

The dramatically diminishing number of Asian tourists to the region was also a major factor.

Club Med will continue to operate its other resort, New Caledonian �villa� style resort, at Hienghene, on the north coast of La Grand Terre, the country�s main island.

Club Med continues to look for new opportunities for a future resort in New Caledonia.

For further information and access to Club Med�s image bank, contact:

Rea Francis RF Media Tel: 02 9660 8000 Email: rfmedia@ozemail.com.au