How do you see 2011 in terms of business?
Christian Camos - We coordinate sales of Albert Bichot's Burgundy wines in France and abroad, and we expect business to continue to pick up in 2011. Of our 35 million euros in annual sales, 70 % is generated abroad. We are present in over a hundred countries. And alongside mature markets such as the UK and the US, we're banking on emerging countries, particularly China via Hong Kong, which has abolished import duties on French wines.
How will this upturn in business affect your travel arrangements and those of your sales team?
C. C. - The improvement in the economic climate will no doubt have no impact on the conditions under which we travel on business, either in France or abroad. In the absence of a formal travel policy, the rule of thumb is to travel at the best value for money. This means travelling second class on French and foreign trains. And economy class on planes, whatever the length of the journey.
On long-haul routes, aren't these conditions too harsh?
C. C. - On a professional level, I travel between 80,000 and 100,000 km a year by plane. In Asia, for example, I arrive on a Sunday to make the most of my meetings. Spending an extra night in a hotel is cheaper than travelling business class. However, on a recent trip, Air France upgraded me to Premium, a very comfortable class. Our foreign customers and importers choose our hotels according to their location in relation to their offices. They are rated 3 or 4 stars and are equipped with a business centre, so you can send messages and make telephone calls in excellent conditions.
Is the business travel budget a cost or an investment?
C. C. - There's no doubt about it, it's an investment. Each year, a provisional travel budget is defined by geographical area, and even by country. In mature markets, we calculate the impact in terms of sales every year. For example, Japan, where we've been exporting our products for 20 years, has reached cruising speed. In emerging markets, we know that the return on investment will take longer. For reasons of both time and cost, tours are organised over a minimum of two weeks in distant countries.
