Exotismes kicked off its 2026 roadshow with a traditional launch evening in Marseille on September 8. The event, held in partnership with the Dominican Republic, drew 350 attendees, including 180 travel agents.
The evening’s highlights included a workshop where hoteliers, airlines, and tourism offices presented their latest offerings. Julien Cisneros, Exotismes’ director general, emphasized the importance of human interaction in the travel industry, saying “No algorithm can replace the listening, advice, and empathy of real people.” This emphasis on human interaction is particularly significant in the context of Exotismes’ 40th anniversary next year, as the company seeks to reaffirm its commitment to personalized service and support for its clients.
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Focus on Human Interaction
Cisneros noted that while Exotismes is developing technological tools, their primary goal is to support sales teams. “Travel is not a product you can put on a shelf… we need more human interaction, especially in this period of constant change,” he added. The development of these technological tools is designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between Exotismes’ teams and its partners, ultimately enhancing the overall travel experience for clients.
The event also featured a prize-giving ceremony, where Guillaume, the winner of Exotismes’ annual “Ruée vers l’Or” challenge, received a gold trophy from Julien Cisneros. The challenge, held in partnership with Air Caraïbes, Colonial Tours, and several hotels, took place in Mexico. In addition to Guillaume’s award, several other travel agents received prizes, including Marion, Manuelle, and Myrto, who won trips to the Dominican Republic courtesy of Air Transat, Air Caraïbes, and Air France, respectively.
Roadshow Schedule
The roadshow will continue in several cities, including Lyon, Annecy, Montpellier, and Paris, with each evening featuring a workshop followed by a cocktail reception. The events will offer travel agents the opportunity to exchange ideas with partners and enjoy a convivial atmosphere. The schedule includes stops in Deauville, Nice, Toulouse, and Rennes, among other cities, ensuring that Exotismes’ roadshow reaches a wide range of travel professionals across France.
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Other winners of the “Ruée vers l’Or” challenge included François, Alexandra, and Lisa, who received a special jury prize. The roadshow will run until November, with the final event taking place in Lille on November 19. Throughout the roadshow, Exotismes will provide travel agents with exclusive offers, surprises, and gifts, supporting a sense of community and cooperation among industry professionals.
Exotismes’ 2026 roadshow aims to provide travel agents with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. With its focus on human interaction and support for sales teams, the company is well-positioned for its 40th anniversary next year. By emphasizing the importance of personalized service and human connection, Exotismes seeks to differentiate itself in a rapidly evolving market and reaffirm its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences for its clients.