Laurent Abitbol (Selectour): Tailor-Made Travel and Upgrading to Premium Are Our Future


Laurent Abitbol, entouré d'une partie de l'équipe de Selectour - Photo: TB

CroisiEurope


After a lengthy hiatus, the Selectour Receptives Salon is being relaunched, with the intention of making it a fresh, annual gathering.

For the occasion, the hippocampus-branded network brought together 115 receptives from France and from around the world who are listed as members, along with 220 affiliated agencies, under the dome of the Intercontinental Hotel in Paris, on May 20, 2026.

In an environment shaped by the rising power of AI and the ever-stronger competition from online agencies, “custom travel and moving upmarket are our future,” stated Laurent Abitbol, the board’s president, in his opening remarks.

Tailor-made journeys are particularly appealing to agencies that typically enjoy an average margin of about 20%.

Also read : Laurent Abitbol: after the businessman, the politician?


Legal framework and liability under the microscope


Le workshop, sous la coupole de l'hôtel Intercontinental - Photo : TB

This Receptives Salon enabled attendees to take part in an information session on the legal framework (liability, sales contracts, etc.) governing tailor-made travel, the risks, points to watch, and best practices, followed by a round-table discussion and a giant workshop.

Assurever also presented its Protexio product. Priced at 1.99% of the travel cost, which allows agencies to insure against the risks of a tailor-made trip (cancellations, strikes, bad weather, natural disasters, supplier failures, etc.) and to safeguard their margin.

Also read : 2026: a year of structuring, commitment, and projection for Assurever


« It’s not an economic crisis, but a psychological one »

In 2025, Selectour recorded a turnover of €36 million with the receptives it lists, up 3.5% from 2024. From January through the end of April, growth reached 6%, totaling €11.5 million.

A positive trend that runs counter to the broader market. Tourism bookings within Selectour show a 24% decline for March, April, and May, mirroring the industry as a whole.

Every month, it slides a little further. It’s not an economic crisis, but a psychological one,” says Laurent Abitbol, who urges members to weather the storm as much as possible in the hope of a rebound, should the hypothetical reopening of the Strait of Hormuz occur.

The client wants to travel; it’s not a matter of price. Our enemy is the 24/7 information cycles. It’s a drug…” he adds.

He also takes the opportunity to advise TOs not to slash prices for the summer, for fear of muddying benchmarks and of losing the ability to sell at the right price in the coming years, but rather to reduce their capacities.


An expanded and improved receptive offer

Growth in receptives activity is linked to agencies that are increasingly receptive to the idea of building customized and differentiating products to meet client expectations, with full control over the offering.

It also depends on an expanded portfolio. For the 2026/2028 period, Selectour lists 137 foreign receptives and 13 French receptives (Selectour agencies that offer itineraries within France, such as Girardot Voyages in Burgundy).

Behind an apparent stability lies actually a scene with roughly thirty outgoing and as many incoming partners, with a goal to reference luxury specialists offering personalized or concierge services, as well as receptives deeply committed to sustainable and responsible tourism.


Polishing for the Hip Réceptif platform

The refreshed selection also enables Selectour to add new destinations (Albania, Germany, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua) and to strengthen its presence in Mauritius, Japan, and the United Kingdom. In total, 134 destinations are covered.

To boost efficiency, the offering is consolidated on the internal Hip Réceptif platform. Operational for ten years, it will receive a makeover at the end of May.

Beyond a new design, functionalities will be enhanced (agency feedback on receptives, training on destinations, visualizable route maps of itineraries, etc.).


In addition to the TO offerings

Xplore Mexico: Unique Experiences and Tailor-Made Itineraries


© Unsplash - Camila Vazquez

CroisiEurope


A Premier Partner for Selling Mexico

With a clearly experience-driven approach focused on creating authentic and deeply human experiences, Xplore Mexique positions itself as a key partner for discovering Mexico in a different, authentic way. A specialist in tailor-made travel, the agency designs exclusive, high-value itineraries for tour operators and tailor-made travel agencies, enabling them to offer their clients unique, personalized, and safe stays. Because of a lack of knowledge or fear of promoting the destination due to security concerns in certain regions, travel agencies often focus on beach stays along the Riviera Maya, offering only a few excursions from the hotel. Xplore helps agencies offer more than a simple beach stay, with alternatives such as self-drive circuits or chauffeur-guided private tours with a French-speaking guide. Xplore can guide the travel agent according to budget, the clients’ desires and their expectations, taking the time to explain each step and providing a quote with a highly detailed day-by-day program.


The Treasures of Yucatán

Far from the country’s busiest zones, Xplore Mexique offers an immersion into the heart of a more authentic and preserved Yucatán, where Maya traditions still express themselves fully within generous nature. Travelers discover places of charm and mystery such as the colonial towns of Mérida and Valladolid or the secret cenotes scattered through the jungle. Major archaeological sites like Uxmal and Chichen Itza and natural reserves such as Rio Lagartos, Sian Ka’an, or the Bacalar lagoon are part of the essential steps and visits of this journey, which can be done as a guided group tour or as a self-drive. Indeed, thanks to its relatively flat map and the incomparable security in the rest of the country, the Yucatán Peninsula lends itself perfectly to the self-drive formula. Clients are supported remotely by part of the on-site team who assist them seven days a week via WhatsApp, ensuring a high-end concierge service.

In Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán, colonial architecture blends with Maya heritage and a vibrant artistic atmosphere flourishes. The itinerary continues toward Valladolid, a city with a spiritual character deeply rooted in local traditions. Here, travelers discover colorful markets, partake in ancient cultural rituals and soak up daily life shaped by Yucatán hospitality.

In the villages and haciendas of Yucatán, time seems suspended: traditional houses, artisan workshops, textile or culinary know-how, and encounters with local communities reveal another, more intimate and vibrant side of Mexico. Finally, the stay ends at the heart of emblematic archaeological sites, such as Uxmal, less famous than the renowned Chichen Itza, but also listed as UNESCO World Heritage, where majestic pyramids and ancient temples bear witness to the grandeur of the Maya civilization.

The accommodations selected reflect this authenticity, notably in historic haciendas or lodges integrated into nature, combining traditional charm with contemporary comfort. This unique itinerary attracts travelers seeking beauty, meaning, and emotion, through local cuisine, cultural immersion, spectacular landscapes, and millennial heritage.


© Unsplash - Marco Murakami


The Cultural and Natural Riches of Chiapas

Located at the border with Guatemala, the state of Chiapas stands out for its lush nature, a deeply living cultural heritage, and remarkable archaeological wealth. This mountainous region captivates with its primary forests, generous cacao plantations, dense jungles, and iconic Maya sites. A land of ancestral traditions, Chiapas is also home to a large Indigenous population—nearly a third of its inhabitants—who carry on a unique cultural legacy, offering travelers an authentic and vibrant immersion in the heart of Mexico.

The enthusiasts of vast spaces will be seduced by Chiapas’ abundant nature, where flora and fauna of incredible diversity thrive. Among the must-see wonders, the Sumidero Canyon stands out as one of Mexico’s most spectacular sites, with vertigo-inducing cliffs rising more than 500 meters above the river. Further south, Lake Montebello unveils a collection of azure lakes, a true sanctuary of tranquility once an important site for the Maya organization.

As you travel through Chiapas, you will discover ancient crafts, authentic gastronomy, and a palpable Maya presence at every moment. The region is also rich in colonial towns, the most emblematic being San Cristóbal de las Casas. Nestled in the heart of a pine-wooded valley, this timeless city charms with its mild climate, cobbled streets, colorful markets, and old houses. A true stronghold of Indigenous cultures, it is surrounded by traditional villages such as Chamula and Zinacantán, essential to understanding the soul of Chiapas.

Exploring Chiapas is a genuine journey through time, a deep immersion in the living Maya heritage. Xplore offers an immersion into a Maya family by taking part in a private cooking class.


© Unsplash - Gabriel Tovar


Culture and Gastronomy in Mexico City and Surroundings

Mexico is often overlooked as merely a gateway to the country: it is a fascinating capital, vibrant with culture, pre-Columbian history, and colonial heritage. It is an essential first step to dive into the heart of Mexican identity.

The former Aztec capital and symbolic center of the country, Mexico hosts a cultural heritage of exceptional richness: the Museum of Modern Art, the National Anthropology Museum, pre-Hispanic history collections, and Frida Kahlo’s Blue House. The city also stands as a true open-air museum of architecture, blending colonial buildings, pre-Hispanic ruins, and contemporary skyscrapers. Getting lost in its historic center offers a succession of surprising discoveries and lets you ride the wave of the city’s vibrant energy.

Famous for its colonial architecture and pre-Hispanic memory, Mexico is also one of the beating hearts of Mexican gastronomy. Here you can savor Guerrero cuisine as well as cochinita pibil, and pozole, a traditional corn-based soup and meat dish, a true culinary emblem. It’s an opportunity to sample the many Taquerias and Mezcalerias the city has to offer!

To the south of the city lie the famous Xochimilco canals, the last vestige of the vast water network built by the Aztecs. Often nicknamed the Mexican Venice, this enchanting place is explored aboard trajineras, colorful boats gliding between floating gardens, mariachi musicians, street vendors, and families celebrating, especially on weekends.

Just a few hours from Mexico City stand some of the country’s most emblematic ruins: Teotihuacan with the pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as the remarkable sites of Cacaxtla and Xochicalco, grand witnesses of pre-Hispanic civilizations. Xplore particularly offers a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over this exceptional site.


© Unsplash - Carlos Aguilar


Xplore Mexique, the Leading Mexico Travel Specialist


Xplore Mexique : des expériences uniques et des itinéraires sur-mesure
Discover all offers, travel advice and inspiration here

Contact Benjamin, David and Aicha

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected]

06 25 89 28 44 / 04 13 41 93 53

https://mexique.xplore-voyages.com/

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Experience Asia Differently: Khiri Travel Launches Ultra-Luxury Tailor-Made Trips





From the shores of Sri Lanka to the royal heritage of Laos, passing through the ancestral skies of Myanmar, these experiences go far beyond the traditional luxury journey. They are carefully crafted moments that allow travelers to move at their own pace while forming authentic connections with the destinations they explore. It is not merely about seeing more, but about feeling more — through enriching encounters, discreet exclusivity, and immersive experiences that leave a lasting imprint.


Sri Lanka

Sea voyage: a marine expedition



© Khiri Travel  - Sri Lanka

Along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Khiri Travel offers an exclusive marine expedition across the Indian Ocean aboard a private catamaran. Designed to steer clear of the crowds gathered for whale watching, this experience provides a calmer, more intimate and privileged connection with the ocean and its wildlife.

Chathurika, a passionate marine biologist dedicated to environmental protection, accompanies this journey to share her knowledge and the stories gathered from years of ocean exploration. As the catamaran glides toward the horizon, the coastline fades away, giving way to a profound sense of calm and escape. A light breakfast is served on board while travelers observe dolphins roaming freely at sea. With a touch of luck, majestic whales may appear to elevate the experience, offering unforgettable moments in their natural habitat.

After several hours at sea, the catamaran anchors in a peaceful setting where guests can swim or enjoy a stand-up paddle session. Champagne, wine, cold beers and non-alcoholic beverages are served on board, while a refined lunch celebrating the flavors of the sea concludes this experience with elegance.

This journey also reflects Khiri Travel’s commitment to regenerative tourism. The trip includes a contribution to the OCEA project for restoring seagrass beds in Kalpitiya, supporting marine conservation while offsetting the environmental impact of the cruise. The result is a luxurious experience that combines relaxation, discovery and environmental responsibility.


Laos

A night at the museum: a private tour



© Canva - Khiri Travel - Laos

In Luang Prabang, Khiri Travel turns a visit to the National Museum into an intimate and exclusive cultural experience. Housed in the former royal palace of King Sisavang Vong, constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era, this palace stands today as one of Laos’ most important historic monuments.

Since the museum closes to the public in the evening, guests are invited to a private guided tour through the salons and apartments of the former royal residence. For a privileged hour, the residence becomes entirely exclusive, giving travelers the opportunity to discover this place steeped in history in a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Visitors explore remarkably preserved spaces, including the majestic throne room, the queen’s apartments, and the reception rooms once used to host foreign dignitaries. Each room reveals a facet of Laos’ royal heritage, blending tradition, diplomacy and cultural legacy, offering a rare glimpse into the kingdom’s past. The palace architecture elegantly showcases the meeting of Lao traditional style with the refinement of French Beaux-Arts. Delicate glass mosaics, gilded ornaments and refined interiors are bathed in the soft evening light, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance and sophistication.

Among the palace’s most treasured works is the sacred Phra Bang Buddha, a statue gilded with gold leaves and a major spiritual symbol of Laos, after which the city of Luang Prabang takes its name. Elegant collections of paintings, silverware, diplomatic gifts and cultural frescoes enrich the visit, while the private apartments of the royal family offer an intimate glimpse into life at the palace in former times.

From the main residence, visitors can also discover the royal barge shelter, the collection of vintage cars and the palace’s tranquil gardens, far from the bustle and crowds. More than a simple museum tour, this experience provides a privileged immersion into the soul of Laos, blending royal heritage, exclusivity and discreet elegance.





Découvrez l'Asie autrement : Khiri Travel lance des voyages ultra-luxueux sur mesure

For more information, visit khiri.com or contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting you and helping you create enriching journeys across Asia.
>> Khiri Travel Laos in the DESTIMAG Directory

>> Khiri Travel Sri Lanka in the DESTIMAG Directory