How is Exotissimo developing in South-East Asia?
Olivier Colomès - With my partner, Éric Merlin, we set up Exotissimo in Vietnam in 1993. Then, after Indochina - Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia - we added Myanmar and Thailand. Indonesia is our new destination for 2010, with Bali and then Java.
What are Vietnam's strong points for incentives?
O. C. - Firstly, there are direct flights by Vietnam Airlines between Paris and Saigon or Hanoi. Secondly, it's a country with a strong identity for the French because of its history and colonial past. There is a wide variety of places and landscapes, with some very striking sites such as Hanoi, Halong, Hué and Hoi An, and it is possible to combine culture, activities and seaside resorts. When it comes to hotels, there is a very wide choice.
What type of trip do you offer for an operation?
O. C. - Most often, a group arrives in Hanoi for two nights, sleeps in Halong Bay, either in a fleet of junks or on the Emeraude (76 people). It then heads for the centre of the country, to Hué and/or Hoi An, and finishes in Saigon. You can also combine the North, with Hanoi and Halong, and finish with Angkor.
What does Exotissimo offer for responsible travel?
O. C. - Exotissimo is involved in many local initiatives. In Hanoi, for example, a training centre for the disabled was financed as part of the Noetour/VM Matériaux operation. Other initiatives include donations of pumps and water filters for schools, financial and material assistance for orphanages and hospitals, and the purchase of a buffalo for a village... There is no shortage of ideas or needs in our destinations. Responsible business tourism adds a whole new dimension to travel, and it's often these moments that remain the highlights of a programme.
How is the market developing?
O. C. - After a mixed year in 2009 - with a good first half and a poor second - we have seen an upturn in requests and confirmations since the start of the 2009 autumn break. 2010 looks set to be a good year, particularly for Vietnam and Cambodia, but also for Thailand and Myanmar, which is making a comeback as an incentive destination. We're also betting big on Indonesia, with a creative and original approach.
