Good news for travel agencies which have recorded an exceptional recovery over the past 2 months.
With vaccination progressing well and the reopening to tourists of many destinations, departures are rebounding across the world.
Asked by
BFM Business,
the CEO of the Voyageurs du Monde group, Lionel Habasque, shared the current promising results.
Read also: World travelers fears another difficult month
Voyageurs du Monde points out that "
for 2 months, we have made as many sales as in 2019
".
“
We will make a lot of departures to France, southern Europe, northern Europe, or Norway, which will open.
We have more and more countries!
“, Justified Lionel Habasque.
Destinations even exceed their pre-Covid score, such as Iceland "
which has been above since 2019
".
"
But I have only been repeating it for 2 months
" he assured cautiously.
These results compensate for the closure of the American borders which represents "
the 1st destination for departures normally
", lamented Lionel Habasque.
Health pass, individual tourism
This revival is undeniably explained by the introduction of the health pass according to the general manager.
"Many have registered knowing the rules: vaccination passport and if you are not vaccinated, take a test
." In addition, Lionel Habasque supported compulsory vaccination for travel, which "would
encourage the French to receive their doses
". Examples such as Malta would therefore be a good thing and could stimulate similar initiatives in other countries. "
This is already happening with yellow fever in some African countries,
" he recalled in passing.
It can also be explained by the rise of individual tourism as pointed out by Lionel Habasque. “
People go alone and can adjust their trip
” which is even more “
suitable
” in times of Covid. This “
niche business
” has been developed “
for 20 years
” by the company, which now takes advantage of its large network of concierges to organize trips as close as possible to customer requirements. "We
manage to attract customers, with trekking and tailor-made trips
" in France, said the director.
The landscape is therefore clearing up for this sector which has suffered from repeated confinements. Today, Voyageurs du Monde says “
still receive minimum aid
.” “We
can say that in our case the government has been extremely responsive,
” said Lionel Habasque, gratifying. However, this recovery will not yet allow the company to regain its pre-crisis level this year. Ultimately, he has forecast results that are 75% lower than those of 2019 and waits for 2022 to return to pre-crisis figures.
"The year 2021 should be roughly similar to the year 2020
" and this exceptional rebound should not be enough for the moment.
