An official ceremony commemorating the laying of the first stone of the new Club Med Buccaneer`s Creek village took place on the island of Martinique on Saturday January 8. Club Med Chairman and CEO Henri Giscard d`Estaing and Club Med Americas CEO John Vanderslice hosted the capacity crowd of local dignitaries and tourism officials, who hailed the rebirth of Club Med on the island as a crucial component of efforts to rebuild U.S. tourism to the French West Indies island.

Club Med Buccaneer`s Creek was the first Club Med village in the Americas, opening in 1971 and quickly establishing the legend of Club Med in the U.S., which was based on the shared experiences of thousands of Americans who visited the village in the 70’s and 80’s. The village will reopen in December 2005 after a multi-million dollar rebuilding and renovation, increasing the room count to 293 rooms including 44 new suites. The entire property will have a fresh, upscale look with a new spa, pool, updated and expanded restaurants and new bars -- all set on one of Martinique`s most beautiful beaches.