TRAVEL Archives - Page 9 of 12

Medieval Travel: Three Pilgrimage Routes Across France

July 14, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

1/ The Ancient Route to the Holy Land

Connecting Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, once a major gateway for boarding pilgrims destined for Rome and the Holy Land, the Régordane Way still allows travelers today to move from the volcanic foothills of the Massif Central to the Provençal garrigue. Along the way, villages with rich Roman architectural heritage, such as Pradelles, La Garde-Guérin, or Génolhac.

Total distance : 240 km (about 10 days).
Note : opened in 2007, the GR 700 (white-red markings) largely follows the old route, albeit with some deviations.
In one day : the final stage (20 km) between Nîmes and Saint-Gilles will delight heritage enthusiasts. At the end, the abbey church, once the world’s fourth pilgrimage site, has retained all its splendor.

2/ Going to See the Black Virgin

From the year 1000, the Marian cult that developed at Rocamadour draws pilgrims. To allow them to detour to the Haut-Quercy city, where, from the 12th century, a sanctuary (listed by UNESCO) was erected, and then resume the route toward Saint James, an alternative to the main path was created. It can still be traveled today by following the GR 652 (or the Rocamadour Way), between Laroquebrou (Cantal) and La Romieu (Gers).

Total distance : 342 km (13 to 16 days).
Note : the association responsible for the rediscovery of this route designed a very practical topo guide (Glénat edition).
In one day : opt for the 11th stage, between Lacave and Rocamadour (16 km), to climb to the chapel and see the Black Virgin that has made the site famous.

3/ The Saint-Martin Summer

Heirs of the old medieval routes (like the Via Turonensis), several itineraries appeared around the turn of the 2000s in the Touraine-Poitou region. These Saint-Martin paths, drawing on episodes from the life of the evangelist and Bishop of Tours, are mainly a pretext for walking along the Loire’s edge.

Itinerary : four options, including the Saint-Martin Summer path, 104 km between Chinon and Tours.
In one day : the third stage, from Chouzé-sur-Loire to Cinq-Mars-la-Pile (18 km), offers the best balance between Loire landscapes and architectural heritage.

➤ An article to be found in GEO Special Issue No. 133, June-July 2026, “France, our favorite walks for the summer,” on newsstands

➤ If you love GEO, then to miss nothing, discover our subscription options to receive GEO every month at your home with ease.

Irish Tourism Webinar: Responsible Travel in Ireland – April 5, 2022

July 14, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Thématique : Voyages responsables en Irlande

Date : 05 avril 2022

Heure : 11h00

Descriptif du webinaire

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because green is the dominant color of its landscapes.

Beyond exploring the vast natural spaces — rugged coasts and beaches, mountains and valleys — the curious traveler can also visit farms, artisanal workshops, sample local cuisine, or take a music lesson to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture and the art of living.

A hotel and a receptive tour operator will share their best tips for a rewarding and responsible exploration of Ireland.

The speakers will also be happy to answer your questions in a Q&A session at the end of the session.

Les prochaines sessions

● Outdoor activities on the island of Ireland

Date: May 12, 2022 | Time: 11:00 | Registration to come

● The luxury offering on the island of Ireland

Date: May 19, 2022 | Time: 11:00 | Registration to come

Les sessions précédentes

● Le tour d’Irlande en famille

Voir le replay

Nos autres outils pour les professionnels du tourisme

Nous mettons à la disposition des agences de voyages tous les outils nécessaires à l’animation des ventes en agences tels que des brochures, totems et posters, mais aussi l’animation de site internet avec des bannières, vidéos et photos.

✔ Formations

✔ Brochures en ligne

✔ Boîte à outils pour notre campagne actuelle

Nous contacter

Panama Travel: What You Need to Know

July 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Voyage au Panama, ce qu’il faut savoir - Las Perlass Gastronomia © Branly

IFTM TourMaG Party

Table of contents:

General information

The webinar “A Land Beyond Expectations”

Where is Panama located?

When to go to Panama?

The city of Panama

What to do in Panama?

The islands to visit

7 days in Panama

Contact Air Europa

Contact PROMTUR Panama

General Information

The Republic of Panama is a presidential democracy. It comprises 10 provinces and 5 indigenous regions. Panama covers a total area of 75,517 square kilometers and has a population of about 4.17 million people. The official language is Spanish.

However, you’ll have no trouble communicating in English, which is widely spoken. In Panama, purchases can be paid for with the United States dollar, locally referred to as the Balboa.

The webinar “A Land Beyond Expectations”

Where is Panama located?

The Republic of Panama is situated to the southeast of the isthmus linking Central America to South America.

To the north lies the Atlantic Ocean and to the south the Pacific Ocean. To the east and west lie Colombia and Costa Rica.

The city of Panama

What to do in Panama?

During your trip to Panama, you will have the opportunity to discover several points of interest and to experience unusual experiences.

● Discover the Panama Canal and its basin: where the Pacific meets the Caribbean

The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. It is 79.6 km long. Its depth is 13 meters with an average width of 152 meters. Each year, about 14,000 ships pass through it.

The original idea for the canal dates back to the 16th century, in the era of Charles V. Nearly 300 years later, a private international company took charge of the project. Within this organization, Ferdinand de Lesseps—the entrepreneur who led the Suez Canal project—was involved. He sought to replicate the same achievement. However, his trip to New York revealed the American political opposition to foreign intervention in the Americas. Consequently, in 1880, the Universal Inter-Oceanic Canal Company was founded.

The illustrious Gustave Eiffel contributed to the project after some technical difficulties. Yet Lesseps’ troubles did not end, as he faced fraud charges and was convicted, bringing an end to the French attempt, which was taken up, with Eiffel’s plans for the lock systems, by the United States. Ultimately, the canal project was completed in 1914. Over the years, the canal zone has become very lively due to the numerous cruise ships.

● Savor the luxurious Geisha coffee

Traveling in Panama also means having the chance to taste an extraordinary delicacy: Geisha coffee. Coffee Review has given it a score of 98/100. Although Geisha is grown in nearby countries such as Brazil and Colombia, Panama’s Geisha remains unmatched due to the exceptional climate of its natural production site (at the foot of Volcán Barú, in the Chiriquí province). This coveted beverage is the most expensive coffee in the world. You may pay up to $2.25 per gram. Are you tempted to invest in this taste?

● The heritage riches

A trip to Panama would be incomplete without exploring the country’s numerous treasures! A visit to Panama Viejo is a must during your stay. Founded by Pedro Arias Dávila in the early 16th century, the old town where the railway was built at the end of the 19th century is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ruins of several religious buildings remain to testify to its former glory.

The country’s history can also be seen in Portobelo, which is part of the World Heritage. Revealed during Christopher Columbus’s explorations, it houses remarkable buildings, such as the San Juan de Dios church and the Convent of the Mercedarian Fathers. We should also mention the ruins of Fort San Lorenzo, dating back to the 17th century.

● The Chiriquí Province

In the Gulf of Chiriquí, you can visit numerous islands. This will be a wonderful opportunity to explore marine life and to enjoy a day of relaxation on a paradisiacal beach. The more active travelers can go trekking and hiking.

● Hiking at Volcán Barú

Do not miss one of Panama’s greatest wonders: Volcán Barú in the Chiriquí province. Barú is part of the Talamanca mountain range and represents the highest point in Panama, standing at 3,474 meters above sea level. It last erupted in 1,550. If you’re an adventurous spirit, I recommend joining a guided trek that typically starts in the village of Volcán. This experience will stay etched in your memory forever!

The islands to visit: An extraordinary biodiversity

The island beauty of this small country is most visible through its numerous islands. They offer spectacular natural scenery and luxurious beaches to relax all day long.

● The San Blas Archipelago

This archipelago comprises 365 islands and is best known as the territory of the Gunas. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about their way of life and habitats. Access is possible by plane or by road from Panama City. Treat yourself to a beach day with your snorkeling gear to admire the richness of underwater life.

● The Pearl Archipelago

Las Perlas is a jewel off the Pacific coast, consisting of 200 islets and islands. The largest island is Isla del Rey, ideal for hiking. Your route will reveal splendid waterfalls and hidden caves. We should also mention San José Island and Contadora Island, both well worth a visit. In this archipelago, from July to September you may witness an astonishing spectacle animated by whales. These majestic creatures populate the area for the birth of their young.

● The Bocas del Toro Archipelago

In the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago stands out for its joyful and euphoric atmosphere. Water taxis are your best option for getting around the Bocas del Toro islands. The landscape is a sublime fresco combining white-sand beaches, tropical jungle, and stilt houses. Do not miss the Bastimentos National Marine Park, covering an area of 13,000 hectares.

7 days in Panama, here is the itinerary I recommend:

Day 1 : Arrival in Panama

• Overnight at a hotel in Panama City, in the modern city center or in a hotel in the historic Casco Antiguo district.

Day 2 : Tour of Panama City and the Miraflores Locks

• Visit of Panama Viejo (optional depending on your fatigue; still feasible as driving distances in Panama City are short)

• Visit of Casco Antiguo, the colonial district

• Visit of the Miraflores Locks

From the Miraflores Locks, continue your canal-zone tour by heading to the Gamboa Resort: on arrival, take the “night boat safari tour” excursion in the Panama Canal basin (a must-see)

Day 3 : Gamboa Resort

• Excursion 1: cable car ride

• Excursion 2: sloth sanctuary visit

NB: remember to book your excursions in advance

Departure to Albrook-Gelabert Airport: Panama-Bocas del Toro flight

Arrival in Bocas del Toro and overnight on Isla Colón (many hotels to choose from) – Do not miss listening to calypso music in a restaurant-bar on the island.

Days 4 to 6 : Depart by boat for Bastimentos National Park nature reserve

Stay in an eco-lodge, options: Al Natural or Eclypse del Mar

Day 7 : Flight Bocas del Toro – Panama – France (D+1)

All flights to France with European carriers depart at night.

About Air Europa

Air Europa serves Panama (PTY) four times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday)

Air Europa is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, made up of 19 airlines that have worked together for 19 years as a vast global network serving more than 630 million passengers annually.

The Air Europa fleet is one of the most modern on the continent. It comprises 47 aircraft with an average age of less than 4 years. The company is a leader in environmental conservation processes. In 2018, the German environmental organization Atmosfair named Air Europa the most efficient European airline in its network.

Contact Air Europa

Helpdesk :

+33 (0) 142650800

Reservations Email :

Email: [email protected]

Commercial Department :

Email : [email protected]

Group Service :

Email : [email protected]

Reservations :

58-A Rue du Dessous des Berges

Opening hours for reservations

9h00/17h00

Website :

www.aireuropa.com

Contact PROMTUR Panama

PROMTUR Panama is the destination marketing organization (DMO) whose primary function is the international promotion and marketing of Panama. PROMTUR has the legal status of a non-governmental organization and includes among its members, in addition to the Minister of Tourism, professionals from the tourism sector such as hoteliers and travel agencies.

Luciana Kramer

Leisure Sales Manager

Office: (507) 6780-6439

[email protected]

Iceland Travel Webinar: Discover Unique Experiences for Your Clients in Iceland

July 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

In this webinar, Iceland Travel provides an overview of its brand and of the different tours it offers in French. As a leading DMC in Iceland, Iceland Travel offers a wide range of escorted tours, self-drive adventures, and short stays, allowing every traveler to discover, in their own way, the magic of the Land of Fire and Ice.

Winter is an ideal season to visit Iceland and witness the unique spectacle of the Northern Lights. In summer, Iceland becomes the land of the Midnight Sun, offering up to 24 hours of daylight per day to explore its wonders. Travelers can fully experience the beauty of these two seasons by joining itineraries that promise unforgettable memories of Iceland’s grand landscapes and fascinating nature.

The Iceland Travel team also shares valuable information about its wide range of French-language experiences, including the Hidden Energies and Northern Lights itineraries as well as Classic Iceland. Iceland Travel offers exceptional opportunities to fully discover the destination and immerse in all the magic of Iceland.

Nos autres outils pour les professionnels du tourisme

Please find below some tools and resources about the Iceland Travel brand :
✔ Iceland Travel Hub
✔ Online brochures
✔ FAQs

Qui sommes-nous ?

Iceland Travel is a DMC offering a range of premium experiences carefully crafted for its visitors. Whether you come to witness the incredible Northern Lights or to marvel at otherworldly landscapes, Iceland Travel is the most experienced company for unforgettable bespoke experiences and self-drive itineraries in Iceland.

► Learn more about Iceland Travel

Contactez Iceland Travel

Webinar Iceland Travel: discover unique experiences for your clients in Iceland

Ragnheiður Sylvía Kjartansdóttir
Marketing
+354 585 4583 / 8625314
[email protected]

Léa Bodin
Travel Expert
[email protected]

Maud Gameiro
Travel Expert
[email protected]

Site web : www.icelandtravel.is

Travelife

Travel Explorer Challenge: Win a Round-the-World Trip for Two

July 12, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Travel Explorer lance un challenge de ventes pour les agences de voyages - Capture écran

IFTM

Travel Explorer, the new tool rolled out by Voyamar and Héliades for agencies, launches a sales challenge.

All partner agencies using Travel Explorer by Héliades and/or Travel Explorer by Voyamar are eligible to participate and all have a chance to win.

The one who achieves between May 2 and December 15, 2024 the highest cumulative business volume across both platforms, will have the opportunity to win a round-the-world trip for two*.

The journey will include six stops over three weeks. The announcement of the Travel Explorer sales challenge winner is scheduled for December 24, a moment to celebrate a wonderful Christmas!

Travel Explorer Challenge: a leg of the world tour unveiled each month

To motivate participants, one leg of the world journey will be revealed every month.

Aurélien Aufort, CEO of Marietton Développement, stated: “thanks to this entirely unprecedented sales challenge, we want to involve all of our partner agencies in taking ownership of our Travel Explorer tool and reward the best among them by giving one or two of its employees the opportunity to fulfill one of the wildest dreams of a travel agent: to embark on a world tour!

This initiative also allows us to demonstrate how Travel Explorer makes it easy to craft a perfect itinerary for their client and to close their sale quickly thanks to our dynamic availability and pricing.”

*Trip offered for two people including flights (economy class) and accommodations (standard category).

Dua Lipa, Katy Perry… Travel Explorer Gives Away VIP Box Seats

July 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Travel Explorer lance un challenge de ventes - Photo Travel Explorer Marietton

IFTM

Travel Explorer launches an unprecedented challenge for travel agents through a sales contest that will run until April 19, 2025.

On the line: to become one of the Travel Explorer ambassadors and win privileged access to VIP lounges for two at the LDLC Arena in Lyon.

On the agenda: Dua Lipa, Gad Elmaleh, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry or Jamiroquai… The cherry on top: Travel Explorer covers your travel and your accommodation. Zero stress, just pleasure!

By participating, travel agents will be able to join the future Travel Explorer Ambassador program. They will also have the possibility to become one of the members of the Travel Explorer Galaxy.

This program will reward the most engaged agents. The endorsed members will enjoy particular recognition, even more exclusive benefits and a role as a reference within the galaxy.

Also read : Voyamar, Héliades : Travel Explorer, the “little revolution” for the “à la carte”

All you need to know about the Travel Explorer challenge

– Who can participate? All travel agents who complete at least one sale via Travel Explorer from today through April 19, 2025.

– How does it work? Each sale counts, and every new file you record gives you another chance to win… and to choose your show! Participating then allows you to join the Travel Explorer Ambassadors program. At the end of the challenge, a draw will determine the winners. Sign up on Challenge Travel Explorer – Travel Explorer to participate in the draw.

– Why participate? To join a dynamic community, benefit from a powerful tool and perhaps win a unique experience.

– Concert dates :

Dua Lipa – May 16

Gad Elmaleh – May 20

Kylie Minogue – July 10

Katy Perry – November 7

Jamiroquai – November 8

Also read: Travel Explorer: Marietton and Orchestra create a joint venture

Accor Launches the HERA Challenge for Travel Agents

July 9, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Accor lance le HERA Challenge - Photo : @Accor

IFTM

Accor announces the launch of the HERA Challenge, an international contest aimed at travel agents who are members of its HERA platform. This initiative seeks to highlight the performance and dedication of industry professionals by offering a tangible reward: a stay in Colombia in March 2026.

The 33 top advisors will be selected based on multiple criteria, including sales volumes, destinations booked, or preferred brands.

This initiative continues the HERA platform, launched a year earlier, which aims to assist travel agents with their hotel bookings via dedicated digital tools.

An Accor competition structured around 11 categories

The HERA Challenge is open exclusively to users of the HERA.Accor.com platform. The 33 winners will be distributed across 11 distinct categories. Three of them will reward the “Champions of Performance” based on either the overall sales revenue generated or the largest single sale completed on the platform. Three other categories will recognize the “Regional Stars” according to performance in the following regions: the Americas; Europe, Africa and Turkey; the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific.

In addition, five “Brand Experts” categories will honor sales made for the Orient Express, Fairmont, Raffles, Sofitel/Sofitel Legend/MGallery, and Ennismore’s lifestyle brands.

Finally, the last category, “Champions of Destinations“, will spotlight the three agents who booked trips to the largest number of different countries. The competition covers all bookings made between November 15, 2024, and November 15, 2025. Winners will be announced in December 2025.

A Colombia experience for the winners

The 33 rewarded agents will undertake a four-day experience, from March 9 to March 12, 2026, spread across two Colombian properties within the group. They will spend one night at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, located in a 17th-century convent in the heart of Cartagena, and two nights at the Sofitel Barú Calablanca Beach Resort, LEED-certified and situated about 40 minutes by boat from the city.

The program includes meetings with local communities, in line with the group’s commitment to responsible travel. The Barú complex features 187 rooms and suites, several infinity pools, a spa, a gym, and restaurants, including Bahía by the sea and Humo, which blends Asian and Latin American cuisines. According to Pascal Visintainer, “the HERA Challenge is our way of highlighting and rewarding travel agents who bring our brands to life for customers around the world.”

Publié par Manon Morelli Rédactrice web – TourMaG.com
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Back-to-School Challenge: Kuoni Rewards Travel Agencies

July 9, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Pour ce challenge de ventes de rentrée, les lots sont plus importants que ceux de l'année précédente - Image : Kuoni France

IFTM

The Kuoni France Group is launching in September a commercial incentive campaign aimed at its network of partner agencies.

The initiative covers all the group’s brands – Kuoni, Scanditours, Celtictours and Donatello – and aims to stimulate sales during a strategic back-to-school period.

The principle is simple: for each file reserved via the professional platform pro.kuoni.fr, a gift voucher of €80 is awarded. Sales made through the booking service, on the other hand, entitle a voucher of €60.

Kuoni Back-to-School Challenge: trips for the top performers

Beyond these individual rewards, the challenge also envisages collective recognition.

The three agencies with the highest number of bookings between September 1 and 30, 2025 will be distinguished with larger prizes in the form of trips:

– First prize: a five-night stay for two at the five-star Ananea Madivaru hotel in the Maldives, half-board, with flights and seaplane transfers included (excluding school holidays) ;

– Second prize: a seven-night cruise in Egypt for two, with flights included (excluding school holidays) ;

– Third prize: a three-night stay in Lapland for two, with flights included (excluding school holidays).

Participating agencies must declare their sales no later than October 4, 2025 on the pro.kuoni.fr platform.

Read also: Kuoni celebrates its “beautiful year 2024”

Travel Explorer Motivates Agencies with a Sales Challenge

July 9, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Translating sales challenge

I need to translate this into fluent English. The original French phrase is, "lance un grand challenge de ventes dédié aux circuits avec extensions." It looks like it could translate to something like, "Travel Explorer launches a major sales challenge dedicated to escorted tours with extensions." I want to capture the essence while making it sound natural in English. Let me finalize this and ensure it’s clear and engaging for the user!Translating travel promotion details

I need to translate some French text into clear English. The first part says that until January 31, 2026, travel agents can win trips for two to iconic locations, like the American West or the Yucatán Walk. Next, the principle highlights that each sale of an extended tour through a specific form gives an extra chance to win. Lastly, for eligibility, agents must declare at least one Voyamar and one Héliades file, with only bookings through Travel Explorer counting.Deciding on terminology

I’m thinking about which term to use for translating "dossier." I’m leaning toward "case" for a formal tone, so it would be "at least one Voyamar case and one Héliades case." However, I realize "Voyamar" is a brand, and saying "Voyamar file" feels awkward. Maybe "Voyamar booking" is better.

As for the French phrase about sales, I can simply translate that to "only sales made through Travel Explorer are considered."

Safest Countries to Travel to, According to the Global Peace Index

July 8, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Finding a vacation destination that is both enjoyable and safe for tourists and local residents alike can be challenging. Conflicts continue to multiply across the globe, making travel uncertain. In its annual report, the Global Peace Index (GPI) ranks countries around the world from the most to the least safe, based on ongoing internal and external conflicts, social concerns, and the militarization of the state. The global level of peace has been declining for several years. Western and Central Europe remains the safest region in the world according to this ranking.

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world for the 19th consecutive year. The GPI explains this steady top position mainly by the absence of an Icelandic army, a low crime rate, and strong social cohesion. It is followed by New Zealand, which replaces Switzerland in second place. Our neighbor climbs to third, followed by Slovenia, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland, and Japan. And no, France is not in the top 10, quite the opposite.

France, the least peaceful among Europe’s most peaceful countries

Our country sits at 99th place out of 163 in the GPI ranking. This makes it the least peaceful state in Western Europe. Under the current criteria, what costs it points is notably the population’s perception of crime. According to the study Vécu et ressenti en matière de sécurité, 21% of the French sometimes refrain from going out for safety reasons. In reality, the figures from the Ministère de l’Intérieur regarding crime and delinquency remain relatively stable. The regular protests in France also hurt its perceived peace when assessing its level of peacefulness.

That 99th place, deplorable as it is, does not prevent tourists from flocking to France on a regular basis. The country remains the most visited in the world. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 102 million foreign visitors stayed in France in 2023. A new record ahead of Spain, 27th in the GPI ranking, and the United States, 134th on the peace criteria.

Social peace is not always a criterion for tourists

Not sure that tourists will be looking at the GPI ranking this year either. Despite the deterioration of safety and peace conditions in the United States—which dropped four places compared with the previous edition—the FIFA World Cup could boost the number of visitors this year. If hotel bookings fall short of industry expectations, according to a report by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, they could still rise by 3.4% this year.

As expected, countries currently at war are at the bottom of the GPI list. We thus find the Central African Republic, Sudan, Israel, Ukraine, and Russia at the bottom of the ranking.