Isn't Mongolia a bit far?
F. R. - As far as it takes to enter another world... The destination is promising because we can offer very good quality services. This was not the case ten years ago. What's more, it fits in perfectly with our customers' desire to add an initiatory, authentic and ecological dimension to their projects, and with themes such as nomadism, which is very much in fashion.
Doesn't air travel put a strain on budgets?
F. R. - As with most long-haul destinations, the cost of air travel is a major factor. But at the moment this is offset by the dollar rate, to which the tugrik, the local currency, is indexed.
What is the average length of a stay?
F. R. - Between three and six nights, depending on the options and flight rotations. A trip combined with the Gobi Desert is part of a six-night package.
How many groups have you received?
F. R. - Three groups recently. We will soon be welcoming two more. We can accommodate up to 300 people.
What is your typical programme?
F. R. - We offer total immersion in a luxury version of a reconstructed yurt camp, of the four-star eco-lodge type. You live there for three or four days. In terms of activities, it's a concentration of the immense wealth that Mongolia has to offer: shamanic rituals, mask dancing, Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, horse capture, traditional fashion show, Buddhist ceremony, private visit to a cashmere factory...
Why do you offer handsets?
F. R. - Because it reinforces the "time-lag" effect, which is often the key to success for incentive operations. We offer two types of combination: the first with a Moscow outing to cut the return journey in half with, for example, a gala evening at the Soviet residence; the second with a modern, imperial Beijing, which has once again become China's showcase, thanks to the efforts made for the Summer Olympic Games. Step'In has also teamed up with the Passport China agency, represented by Safran, to manage the handsets in China.
