Exotismes confirms its trajectory and the strength of its model.
In 2025, the tour operator wrapped up a “good year” according to Gilbert Cisneros, president of Exotismes, during his traditional year-start briefing with the trade press. But he adds: “good, without being exceptional.”
The target remains the same: prioritize profitability over revenue. Operating income rose by 93.58% compared with the pre-COVID period, and EBITDA stood at €8.7 million in 2025. For reference, it was €9.3 million in 2024 and €9.8 million in 2023.
After the rebound from the health crisis and the “revenge travel” wave, the long-haul travel market returned in 2025 to a slower, more measured pace, notes the executive.
The French Antilles remain Exotismes’ number-one destination: Guadeloupe and Martinique accounting for 18% and 15% of revenue respectively. In the Top 5, the Dominican Republic is gaining ground and now represents 16% of revenue, catching up with Mauritius (16% as well). Réunion closes the ranking (15% of revenue).
In 2025, the tour operator wrapped up a “good year” according to Gilbert Cisneros, president of Exotismes, during his traditional year-start briefing with the trade press. But he adds: “good, without being exceptional.”
The target remains the same: prioritize profitability over revenue. Operating income rose by 93.58% compared with the pre-COVID period, and EBITDA stood at €8.7 million in 2025. For reference, it was €9.3 million in 2024 and €9.8 million in 2023.
After the rebound from the health crisis and the “revenge travel” wave, the long-haul travel market returned in 2025 to a slower, more measured pace, notes the executive.
The French Antilles remain Exotismes’ number-one destination: Guadeloupe and Martinique accounting for 18% and 15% of revenue respectively. In the Top 5, the Dominican Republic is gaining ground and now represents 16% of revenue, catching up with Mauritius (16% as well). Réunion closes the ranking (15% of revenue).
For 2026, Gilbert Cisneros does not hide that geopolitical tremors in Venezuela and the Middle East conflict will have an impact on revenue and results, “but it will remain a profitable year,” he adds.
Beyond the general context, what dampens demand is also the rise in the average price, which has climbed 54% between 2020 and 2027.
“The Caribbean benefited from a pull-forward effect, however the increase in the average price slowed that momentum, notably in the family segment,” analyzes Didier Sylvestre, deputy CEO in charge of sales.
Also to read: Maldives, Sri Lanka: how Exotismes chartered a special flight to repatriate clients
“Where we lost ground, in April, May and June, was at the entry-level prices, with fuel surcharges, as well as at the top end of the baskets, with the premium clientele, such as SME owners and executives, who had means and who told themselves: ‘We won’t go far, just in case something happens.’” continues Gilbert Cisneros, who notes that “what is lost is lost.”
In this economic environment, Exotismes is betting on all-inclusive packages. “We have reworked all our purchases across all axes and crafted a selection of products in an all-inclusive formula. It includes at a minimum: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals with drinks included,” details Sylvain Cisneros, managing director.
Beyond the general context, what dampens demand is also the rise in the average price, which has climbed 54% between 2020 and 2027.
“The Caribbean benefited from a pull-forward effect, however the increase in the average price slowed that momentum, notably in the family segment,” analyzes Didier Sylvestre, deputy CEO in charge of sales.
Also to read: Maldives, Sri Lanka: how Exotismes chartered a special flight to repatriate clients
“Where we lost ground, in April, May and June, was at the entry-level prices, with fuel surcharges, as well as at the top end of the baskets, with the premium clientele, such as SME owners and executives, who had means and who told themselves: ‘We won’t go far, just in case something happens.’” continues Gilbert Cisneros, who notes that “what is lost is lost.”
In this economic environment, Exotismes is betting on all-inclusive packages. “We have reworked all our purchases across all axes and crafted a selection of products in an all-inclusive formula. It includes at a minimum: flights, transfers, accommodation, meals with drinks included,” details Sylvain Cisneros, managing director.
The Best of the Islands: an all-inclusive offer to manage the budget
This specific offering, named “The Best of the Islands,” benefits from a dedicated website and includes 80 products.
It features the tour operator’s best-sellers on destinations that have long offered this format in the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Also added are the Caribbean, Réunion, Polynesia, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka, “destinations not yet seasoned to this kind of formula.” (see boxed note below)
A offering that could be close to a club-style product?
“No,” answers Gilbert Cisneros, “this is not a Club formula and we do not want to create a ‘Club Canada Dry’ version.”
Launched in early August, Didier Sylvestre confirms that this new product “is well received on the ground with already some initial sales.”
It features the tour operator’s best-sellers on destinations that have long offered this format in the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
Also added are the Caribbean, Réunion, Polynesia, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka, “destinations not yet seasoned to this kind of formula.” (see boxed note below)
A offering that could be close to a club-style product?
“No,” answers Gilbert Cisneros, “this is not a Club formula and we do not want to create a ‘Club Canada Dry’ version.”
Launched in early August, Didier Sylvestre confirms that this new product “is well received on the ground with already some initial sales.”
The Serenity Guarantee for more flexibility
In response to geopolitical uncertainties, Exotismes launched on June 1, 2026, the Serenity Guarantee for clients booking a stay in Guadeloupe, Martinique or Réunion, a guarantee the tour operator intends to make lasting.
“In the face of the geopolitical environment, customers are anxious; we must reassure them in terms of price, on-site expenses, and ‘disengagement’. It is also a real selling point for travel agents,” summarizes Gilbert Cisneros.
This option guarantees the price paid at booking, regardless of any potential increases in fuel costs or exchange-rate fluctuations, and allows cancellation without fees and without justification up to 15 days before departure.
On another front, Exotismes continues to accelerate its use of AI, always in service of travel agents.
“We have a certain maturity in artificial intelligence. We have taken it out of day-to-day operations as such, with a mission: to make agents more autonomous. The tool allows automating certain tasks so that travel agents can devote more time to sales and to customer relationships,” explains Julien Cisneros, CEO who leads the technology service and the R&D department within Exotismes.
“In the face of the geopolitical environment, customers are anxious; we must reassure them in terms of price, on-site expenses, and ‘disengagement’. It is also a real selling point for travel agents,” summarizes Gilbert Cisneros.
This option guarantees the price paid at booking, regardless of any potential increases in fuel costs or exchange-rate fluctuations, and allows cancellation without fees and without justification up to 15 days before departure.
On another front, Exotismes continues to accelerate its use of AI, always in service of travel agents.
“We have a certain maturity in artificial intelligence. We have taken it out of day-to-day operations as such, with a mission: to make agents more autonomous. The tool allows automating certain tasks so that travel agents can devote more time to sales and to customer relationships,” explains Julien Cisneros, CEO who leads the technology service and the R&D department within Exotismes.
AI at the service of travel agents
Specifically, this translates into tools. AI-powered digital brochures allow selling day and night, on both smartphones and computers. Agencies benefit from a real CRM to follow up on quotes, and they can also generate QR Codes and connected storefronts, as well as create mini-sites.
In short: an augmented phygital journey boosted by AI tools.
“Replacing humans with AI is a mistake; we are betting more on the augmented travel agent,” stresses Julien Cisneros.
AI as a tool, yes, but what about the competing artificial intelligence used by travel agencies themselves?
“Travel is not a purchase like any other. Clients save all year to go on vacation. Buying a stay with AI does not value the person. Clients search online, on ChatGPT, but to finalize: they want a human, because AI somehow undermines the product’s aura,” analyzes Gilbert Cisneros.
The offering is, of course, not left behind. Exotismes continues to broaden its production with several new products in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
In short: an augmented phygital journey boosted by AI tools.
“Replacing humans with AI is a mistake; we are betting more on the augmented travel agent,” stresses Julien Cisneros.
AI as a tool, yes, but what about the competing artificial intelligence used by travel agencies themselves?
“Travel is not a purchase like any other. Clients save all year to go on vacation. Buying a stay with AI does not value the person. Clients search online, on ChatGPT, but to finalize: they want a human, because AI somehow undermines the product’s aura,” analyzes Gilbert Cisneros.
The offering is, of course, not left behind. Exotismes continues to broaden its production with several new products in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean.
The 2027 departures are well underway
Best of the Islands: a few examples in the “soft all-inclusive” format
Polynesia: 3-island combo / 9 Nights
This combo includes 2 nights in Tahiti at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort & Spa ****, 3 nights in Moorea at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa **** and 4 nights in Bora Bora at the Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts *****.
From €5,599 per person, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Seychelles: stay at Coco de Mer & Black Parrot Suites ****
Located in Praslin, at Anse Bois de Rose on the southwest coast, this recently renovated hotel offers 40 rooms and 12 comfortable suites with balcony or terrace.
From €2,139 per person for a 7 days/5 nights package, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Caribbean / Guadeloupe
Located in Gosier, 7 km from Pointe-à-Pitre, on a white-sand beach, the Canella Beach ***, offers 143 studios and duplex apartments.
From €1,599 per person for a 6 days/5 nights package, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
This combo includes 2 nights in Tahiti at the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort & Spa ****, 3 nights in Moorea at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa **** and 4 nights in Bora Bora at the Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts *****.
From €5,599 per person, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Seychelles: stay at Coco de Mer & Black Parrot Suites ****
Located in Praslin, at Anse Bois de Rose on the southwest coast, this recently renovated hotel offers 40 rooms and 12 comfortable suites with balcony or terrace.
From €2,139 per person for a 7 days/5 nights package, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Caribbean / Guadeloupe
Located in Gosier, 7 km from Pointe-à-Pitre, on a white-sand beach, the Canella Beach ***, offers 143 studios and duplex apartments.
From €1,599 per person for a 6 days/5 nights package, double occupancy, soft-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Published by Céline Eymery Editor-in-Chief – TourMaG.com See all articles by Céline Eymery
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