How many trips do you make a year?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- I travel almost every week, mostly to destinations within the Cambodia or in neighbouring countries. I travel to Italy twice a year to meet my suppliers. After the Covid period, there was a very strong upturn in travel.to reaffirm my trust in my partners and the need to renew physical contact.
Why is business travel crucial?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- In my view, travel is essential. It helps to strengthen existing links or to forge a cordial, long-term working relationship. Meeting each other means better negotiations, better prices and better relationships.. It is therefore an investment for the company. What's more, it allows you to show off Phnom Penh and CambodiaI feel a bit like an ambassador when I travel!
How many people travel within your company?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- We have 15 employees in total, including 5 who travel to Cambodia, a general manager who travels regionally and myself who travels all over the world if necessary.
What bothers you today when you travel?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- Frankly, what I miss is the ecological approach to travel. I'm really sensitive to this and I don't think it's highlighted enough. I know that this requires effort on the part of both the traveller and the service provider. But this does not necessarily include a financial component.
So what steps can you take to minimise the environmental impact of your travels?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- For example, doing without plastic on board an aircraft. I think that packaging for a meal is totally unnecessary. Or all the gadgets in a toiletry bag offered on board when travelling in business class. Admittedly, this is part of the "class effect", which is particularly important in Asia. But frankly, I wouldn't feel personally 'neglected' if my meal was served straight from the plate or if the blanket for sleeping was given to me unwrapped. During Covid, we succeeded in imposing strict hygiene rules. Why not do the same for the environment? We know that flying has an impact on the sustainability of the planet. But beyond the increase in ticket prices in the name of ecology, it's time for consumers to become aware of the ecological gesture too which it can initiate on its own initiative.
Faced with rising air fares, have you changed your travel habits?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- Today, I'm inclined to say travel economy class but with total flexibility to be able to change or cancel a journey. To rest, I actually prefer a stopover of several hours for an intercontinental flight and either book a lounge or take a hotel room for a few hours at the airport. There are lots of great options, such as pods (a cabin bed) in Kuala Lumpur or Saigon airports. And I know that I find it hard to sleep on a plane or work, whatever the class of travel! So if I can sleep during a stopover for a few hours and be operational as soon as I arrive at my meeting place, that's perfect. One hour of my working time actually has a very precise value...
What are your favourite airports and hotels?
Jean-Benoît Lasselin- In Asia, without hesitation for airports, Singapore remains unbeatable for its offer. But also Tokyo Narita, Seoul-Incheon with its free city tours, and also DohaI really like the climbing wall and the food court in the terminal. As far as accommodation is concerned, in EuropeI would prefer a solution airbnb. In Asia, on the other hand, hotel prices are still very affordableThere are plenty of lifestyle establishments. And the Asian service remains excellent, with staff who always remember the customer's habits. I really appreciate that!
