Transat is us

Each year, nearly half of Vacances Transat (France)’s 130,000 customers visit Canada on packages, stays and tours that Stéphane Michel has been developing since 2005.

When he became Product Manager, he achieved one of the major goals he had set for himself when he embarked on his studies in tourism. But by the time of his appointment, he had learned every facet of the travel organization. “I started as a guide,” he says. “It’s very instructive to see what goes on in the field with the customers.”

Today, his extensive experience helps him choose the hotels, activities and air services that will best meet his customers’ needs and expectations. “Canada is known for its wide-open spaces and friendliness. To interest different kinds of travellers, we’re now trying to highlight other aspects of its personality, like its culture, its historical heritage and its cities.” His greatest challenge? Highlighting all the assets of his destinations in the restricted space of a tourism brochure.

Because he always has an eye open for trends, he visits Canada regularly to check out new activities, such as hiking, which is currently very popular in France, or environmental tourism products, which are increasingly in demand. “I also take advantage of the trips to visit some of the suppliers and to reassure myself of the quality of the services provided.”

Stéphane believes working for a tour operator of Transat’s size holds many advantages. “Besides having access to a variety of resources, the departments all have a great desire to share knowledge. It’s also a company that constantly goes the extra step to convey good values, such as sustainable tourism.”