The collapse of tourist bookings world-wide since 11 September has forced Club Méditerranée to close 15 of its villages for the winter.

The company will also suspend three resorts in Mexico next summer and close two villages permanently.

After a promising start for the winter 2002 season, bookings slowed dramatically, extending over a three weeks to a lag of 50 per cent against those recorded last year.

Philippe Bourguignon, chair of Club Med's Executive Board said the closures were necessary, while retaining strategy and capacity for future growth.

Club Med's 30 ski villages will now be the main focus with a new European advertising campaign and the opening of two new Neige three Trident villages in France and Italy.