New offices in Brie-Comte-Robert

The travel agency Votre Voyage opened new offices on October 15 in Brie-Comte-Robert, a town where it has operated for many years. The new location replaced a former bookstore and is part of the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the region.

ChatGPT brings customers to the agency

Franck Clérgeot, co-founder of Votre Voyage, reports that some customers are arriving at his agencies after consulting ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool that helps users find information. This marks a new development for the company as it adapts to digital trends in customer engagement.

Dual business model with Club Med

Votre Voyage operates alongside Club Med franchises through a dual business model. While Votre Voyage maintains a stable but slightly declining activity, Club Med has shown growth. The company has 32 employees and runs nine sales points, including four of its own agencies and five Club Med locations.

Online presence and wedding travel

The company has an online platform, MyHoneymoon.fr, which focuses on wedding trips. Created during the pandemic, it was designed to replace a canceled event and now serves as an additional sales channel. Votre Voyage also has a more modest online presence in the business travel sector.

Store design and customer experience

Franck Clérgeot emphasizes the importance of store design in attracting customers. He prefers locations that are visible and welcoming, comparing the approach to traditional marketplaces in Marrakech. The layout of the stores is designed to encourage customers to enter and stay to discuss travel plans.

Technology in customer interaction

The company uses WhatsApp extensively for customer communication, favoring it over email for its responsiveness. This approach helps maintain a close relationship with clients even after they leave the store. Votre Voyage also uses technology in its operations, including Iata accreditation for air ticketing and platforms that connect itineraries with travel suppliers.

Custom travel and ChatGPT integration

Positioned as a custom travel agency, Votre Voyage works with tour operators and manages its own air ticketing. The company has also acquired ChatGPT licenses for its advisors to improve communication, particularly in rephrasing emails. However, Clérgeot remains cautious about the use of AI in travel recommendations and the need for employees to understand destinations.

Future plans and physical presence

Despite challenges in the travel industry, Franck Clérgeot remains open to opening new locations if opportunities arise. He is skeptical of predictions about the decline of physical travel agencies and continues to value the in-person experience as an essential part of the customer journey.