Cercle des Voyages brings together a community of enthusiasts who all share the same original vision of travel: that of a unique, emotionally-charged experience capable of transporting us intensely.
It’s often said that what makes a trip worthwhile is what you put into it. That’s why Cercle des Voyages takes the time to co-design its customers’ next trip, the one that’s exactly like them.
For over 25 years, Cercle des Voyages has been taking its customers to the 4 corners of the world, to more than 90 destinations, thanks to the expertise of its consultants, all specialists in the destinations they sell.é
Today we meet Rose-Marie FARRUGIA, CEO of Cercle des Voyages.
1 – Can you tell us a little about yourself and the history of Cercle des Voyages?
As a business school student, I’ve always wanted to pursue an international career.
During my vacations, my student jobs were already closely linked to tourism: I accompanied groups of travelers around the world and also worked in the luxury hotel industry and in marketing in Canada.
This is where my passion for the North American continent was born.
In 1992, I took over the management of Air Canada’s tour operator, and in 2002, at the height of the Internet boom, I took over the company with a strong entrepreneurial spirit: Cercle des Vacances was born.
Thanks to a policy focused on development and customer satisfaction, Cercle des Vacances rapidly broadened its horizons, offering tailor-made trips to the four corners of the globe.
In 2020, a wind of change is blowing through the agency.
Sometimes a single word changes everything.
Cercle des Vacances becomes Cercle des Voyages.
Today, we support our customers in the increasingly personalized realization of their travel plans, to co-construct with them a travel experience that’s just like them, and that will leave them with unforgettable memories.
2- What are your top destinations ?
Do you plan to expand your destinations?
Historically, Cercle des Voyages has specialized in North America.
Canada and the United States are still our flagship destinations today.
But that’s not all: every year we offer new destinations to our travel-hungry customers.
We now offer over 90 destinations!
3 – In your opinion, what are your competitive strengths ?
Our specialist advisors have a real knowledge of the destinations they sell, and regularly return to their destinations for a perfect understanding of the products they offer.
Most of them are even natives, or have lived there for several years, which is an invaluable asset when it comes to knowing a destination inside out!
What’s more, the time we devote to getting to know each of our customers, so that we can offer them a trip that perfectly matches their expectations, is essential to our approach of co-designing a trip with our customers.
4- What message do you want to communicate to your target ?
In the wake of the recent health crisis and the current geopolitical instability, let’s demonstrate our resilience.
Let’s adapt and renew ourselves, and think together about the travel of tomorrow.
This is what the Cercle des Voyages teams are already doing on a daily basis.
So, entrust us with your travel project, and we’ll take care of it with complete peace of mind, in line with your aspirations.
5 – Why did you choose Travel-Insight to help you manage your social networks ?
Social networks are an ever-changing world that requires constant updating.
It’s a subject we can’t ignore in our communications, and we’ve chosen to call on Travel Insight’s professionalism.
Their day-to-day support – both in terms of monitoring and consulting – is invaluable to us!
6 – What are your plans for 2022?
In this post-Covid period of transition, we’re rediscovering travel as we like it.
Now, more than ever, is the time to re-invent travel and listen to our customers.
Decarbonizing our travel will be one of the major challenges of the coming year.
7 – What message would you like to convey to tourism professionals?
Let’s adapt to the rapid changes in society and the new aspirations of our customers, like ecology, slow travel, ecotourism, travel close to home…
There are 1001 ways to reinvent travel and make it even more exciting!
8 – The final word ?
And why with a quote?
In particular, I like to apply Steve Jobs’ quote to travel: “Innovation is what distinguishes a leader from a follower.”
