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Jans Tours Invites Travel Professionals to IFTM 2026 to Shape Tomorrow’s Travel Across Four Destinations

September 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

IFTM: three days to reconnect and prepare for 2027

A few weeks ahead of IFTM Top Resa, Jans Tours is gearing up to reconnect with its partners and tourism professionals for three days of meetings and exchanges.

For the receptive side, the trade show provides a privileged moment to take time to discuss upcoming projects, present new offerings, and share the latest inspirations from local teams.

As journeys for 2027 are already being planned, traveler expectations are evolving too: more personalization, new experiences, itineraries that depart from the classics, lesser-known addresses, and programs tailored to specific clienteles — topics that can be discussed directly with Jans Tours teams.

The objective is simple: to engage with professionals, understand their needs and collaboratively build the upcoming journeys for their clients.

Four destinations, four ways of traveling

This year, Jans Tours arrives at IFTM with four destinations to present to industry professionals: Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Switzerland.

Four distinct realms, but a single approach: a strong local presence and teams that know their destinations from the inside out.

Indonesia remains at the heart of Jans Tours’ DNA. Bali, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, Komodo—these regions enable the creation of very diverse journeys, from a first-time visit to Indonesia to more hidden itineraries and tailored experiences.

In the Philippines, the team also guides professionals in building programs that blend islands, beaches, nature, encounters, and local experiences. A destination still full of opportunities to move beyond the most classical itineraries.

Malaysia continues to grow within the group. With its office in Kuala Lumpur, Jans Tours can rely on a locally based team to design programs aligned with travelers’ expectations and the needs of professionals.

And then, there is Switzerland.

A new destination joins the Jans Tours family

It’s one of the major novelties of this 2026 edition: Jans Tours expands its playing field with the opening of its office in Switzerland.

After Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, this new presence marks another milestone in the group’s development.

Jans Tours Switzerland is now fully operational on the ground and completes Jans Tours’ international network.

The destination opens up new possibilities for professionals: individual trips, group departures, incentives, premium stays, or tailor-made itineraries can be crafted around Switzerland’s diverse landscapes and experiences.

From the Alps to the lakes, cities to villages, gastronomy to scenic railway experiences, Switzerland offers a particularly rich playground for designing bespoke programs.

And above all, as with its Asian destinations, Jans Tours relies on local knowledge and close relationships with professionals.

So, even if the Jans Tours stand is located in the Asia space, Swiss projects are, of course, welcome!

An international team gathered in Paris

For this edition of IFTM, several Jans Tours team members will travel to Paris.

Anthony, Audrey, Eva and Lucie from the France office will be on hand to welcome professionals and discuss their projects.

Also present will be Geoffrey, Rudi and Benjamin, directly from the Indonesia office, as well as Sylvain, representing the Malaysia office.

An international team that will allow visitors to meet both their usual contacts in France and the teams based directly at the destinations.

Because this is also Jans Tours’ hallmark: behind every program there are local teams who know the ground realities, partners, new offerings, and experiences truly worth presenting to travelers. There is also a France-based office, with dedicated contacts, enabling French-language exchanges and close, on-site support, without time-zone constraints.

IFTM will thus be an opportunity to (re)put faces to these teams, and to take time to discuss beyond emails and quote requests.

Malaysia featured at a second pavilion

Jans Tours will also be present at the pavilion of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, stand A014.

A complementary presence that will allow professionals to come and discuss the destination, its novelties, and programming possibilities.

Malaysia indeed offers numerous options for building journeys that combine major highlights with more intimate experiences. With its local team based in Kuala Lumpur, Jans Tours continues developing this destination with agencies and tour operators.

Professionals will therefore be able to find Jans Tours at two different spots in the show, depending on their needs and projects.

Meetings from September 15 to 17 in Paris

Jans Tours donne rendez-vous aux professionnels à l’IFTM 2026 pour préparer les voyages de demain autour de 4 destinations

Audrey Marc

Deputy Director, France

+ 33 6 70 54 20 63

+ 33 1 61 30 30 06

[email protected]

jans.tours

>> JANS TOURS in the DESTIMAG Directory

Indochina and Thailand 2027: Resources for Promoting These Countries

September 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

Aurora Travel & DMC: Stability, Expertise, and Commitment

Founded in 2003 by Mrs. Mai Anh, a passionate Vietnamese entrepreneur, Aurora has shown solid growth, doubling its staff after the pandemic to today reach 120 employees spread across four destinations.

Our core strength lies in human investment: we boast the industry’s lowest staff turnover. This loyalty of our senior experts guarantees partners invaluable stability and meticulous follow-up on their files. This expertise rests on exclusive products, a fleet of private vehicles, and a direct commitment to sustainable tourism, exemplified by a community-run restaurant co-managed with locals in the Mekong Delta.

Meet Us at IFTM Top Resa 2026

Come discuss your future projects directly with our experts. For the very first time, the founder and owner of Aurora will travel to Paris for this essential fair:

● Stand B024

● Book a meeting now via our Calendly link.

Ready-to-Sell Production Solutions for 2027

To meet standard demands while ensuring controlled profitability, we have developed several tools:

1. 2027 GIR Programming (Guaranteed Groups)

A curated selection of circuits with guaranteed departures in small groups (2 to 12 people maximum), led by French-speaking guides for highly immersive experiences:

○ 2 Vietnam programs

○ 1 Cambodia program

○ 1 Thailand program

○ 1 combined program (Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand)

Operational flexibility: Sales are secured with a fixed rebate set at J-31, giving you smooth and confident stock management.

2. Thematic Catalogs for 2027

From eco-friendly travel to ultra-luxury experiences, access a wide range of customizable itineraries tailored to your clients’ wishes:

○ Classic circuits

○ Thematic circuits

○ Signature Tours (High End)

Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] to receive full details of the programs, dates, and our pricing.

Ultra-Personalized B2B Support

One of Aurora’s pillars is direct training of sales teams to equip you with all the tools to reassure your clients:

● Tailor-made Exclusive Webinars: Want to train your teams on a specific region or theme (coastal, luxury, rail)? Aurora organizes private sessions to meet your precise needs.

● Dedicated Agent Space: A professional space to autonomously consult our image banks, destination presentations, restaurant lists, and MICE venue recommendations.

● Open-Access Training Modules: Several replays are available on topics as varied as coastal Vietnam (Quy Nhon, Cam Ranh) or the Ultra-Luxury segment.

● Introduction to Vietnam: Discover the general presentation webinar recently led by Olivier Garessus on our YouTube channel.

Infrastructure and Field: Prepare for the Future with Our FAM Trip

The year 2027 will mark a major logistical turning point for the region with the highly anticipated opening of the new Long Thành International Airport near Ho Chi Minh City and the arrival of new direct connections from Europe.

To help you anticipate these on-the-ground developments, Aurora is once again partnering with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Authority and Vietnam Airlines. We are organizing an exclusive FAM Trip for a selected group of French travel agencies and tour operators, alongside the ITE HCMC 2027 exhibition which will commence in late August.

● Pre-registrations: You can already express your interest by writing to [email protected]

● Do not hesitate to consult our articles from previous editions to gauge the scale of this event.

The Middle East Reimagined: Abu Dhabi’s Culture, Art, and New Travel Experiences

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

The Middle East is undergoing a transformation, offering travelers far more than a mere escape. Heritage, contemporary art, architecture, cuisine, and exclusive experiences are now at the heart of itineraries. In Abu Dhabi, the opening of the Guggenheim strengthens the emirate’s cultural appeal, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan are developing new ways to discover their history and landscapes. For tourism professionals, this evolution presents a tremendous opportunity to offer journeys that are more personalized, more immersive, and more centered on the experience.

Abu Dhabi: A New Cultural Milestone with the Guggenheim

Long associated with its beaches, luxury hotels, and spectacular architecture, Abu Dhabi is increasingly asserting its identity as a cultural destination. The opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, scheduled for December 11, 2026, marks a major new milestone in this transformation.

Installé sur l’île de Saadiyat, le musée imaginé par l’architecte Frank Gehry vient compléter un environnement culturel déjà exceptionnel, notamment avec le Louvre Abu Dhabi. Son arrivée offre une nouvelle raison de séjourner dans la capitale des Émirats arabes unis et ouvre de nouvelles possibilités pour les voyageurs intéressés par l’art, l’architecture et la culture contemporaine.

Pour les agences de voyages et les tour-opérateurs, cette évolution permet également de renouveler les programmes classiques. Abu Dhabi peut désormais se découvrir à travers des itinéraires mêlant patrimoine, culture, architecture, gastronomie, expériences exclusives et détente.

Cette nouvelle offre culturelle s’intègre naturellement dans des combinés avec Dubaï, permettant aux voyageurs de découvrir deux visages complémentaires des Émirats : une métropole internationale et dynamique d’un côté, une capitale culturelle et patrimoniale de l’autre.

Destinations Emphasizing the Experience

The evolution is not limited to Abu Dhabi. Across the Middle East, travelers are now seeking experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
In Saudi Arabia, AlUla perfectly illustrates this new approach. The dramatic landscapes, the archaeological site of Hegra, cultural experiences, and new hotel concepts enable particularly immersive stays.
Jordan remains a must-see with Petra, Wadi Rum, and the richness of its heritage. Yet the aim here, too, is to offer a more customized discovery: encounters with locals, gastronomic experiences, desert nights, private visits, or programs that combine culture and well-being.
In Egypt, the country’s immense historical wealth continues to attract travelers, while new experiences emerge. From Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, including Nile cruises and stays along the Red Sea, the destination allows for very different itineraries tailored to clients’ expectations.
The Middle East is thus becoming a region where customization, authenticity, and the quality of the experience are increasingly important.

Local Expertise, a Real Asset for Tourism Professionals

This shift in expectations reinforces the role of DMCs, which are becoming true partners for agencies and tour operators.
Dakkak DMC, a historic player in Middle East tourism since 1955, supports professionals in designing and delivering tailor-made programs across several destinations in the region.
From airport welcome to coordinating transfers, from hotel reservations to cultural visits, from private tours to group trips and MICE programs, the goal is to ensure smooth organization while preserving the flexibility to meet specific client requests.
This local expertise also enables the creation of programs that depart from traditional itineraries: meetings with local actors, private experiences, culturally guided visits by specialists, exclusive activities, or combinations of multiple destinations.
For a travel agency, collaborating with a local partner also means benefiting from concrete on-the-ground knowledge of the terrain, suppliers, logistical constraints, and the constant evolution of each destination.

Dakkak DMC: Assisting Agencies in a Middle East in Full Evolution

Present in several destinations across the region, Dakkak DMC helps tourism professionals design individual trips, group journeys, cultural circuits, incentives, and events.
In the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern destinations, local teams work with agencies to build programs tailored to each client profile.
The arrival of new cultural attractions like Guggenheim Abu Dhabi perfectly illustrates this evolution. It enables new combinations and the reinvention of destinations already familiar to travelers.
For Dakkak DMC, the challenge is to continue anticipating these changes and to turn each novelty into an opportunity for tourism professionals.
The Middle East no longer merely tells its story: it is today writing a new page in the future of its tourism.

When Passion Meets Rhythm: IN TOURS PORTUGAL Enters Its Peak Season

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

The last four months of the year traditionally rank among the busiest periods for our company. It is a season during which we welcome many clients to Portugal, while our sales team travels, meets our partners and prepares the months ahead.

It is an intense, demanding period and sometimes very busy, but it also perfectly reflects what IN TOURS PORTUGAL is.

At IN TOURS PORTUGAL, our work is driven by a genuine passion for Portugal and for our craft. We love to reveal our country, present to our clients different regions, experiences and encounters, and ensure that every trip runs in the best possible conditions.

For our Operations team, autumn months are particularly active. Many clients travel across Portugal and, behind every itinerary, there is a substantial amount of organizational work.

Hotels, restaurants, guides, transport, visits and experiences all have to be perfectly coordinated. There are always many details to manage and, of course, a trip does not always go exactly as planned.

A flight can be delayed, the weather can change, clients can modify their plans and sometimes a programme must be adapted at the last minute.

That is part of our job.

Being a DMC is not only about preparing a good itinerary. It is also about being available, reacting quickly and finding the right solution when something unexpected arises.

During periods of high activity, teamwork becomes even more important. Our Operations team works closely with our guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants and all local partners who help ensure the smooth running of each programme.

These relationships are extremely important to us. Being able to rely on trusted partners across Portugal allows us to respond quickly and maintain the level of service that our clients and partners expect from IN TOURS PORTUGAL.

And even if these months can be demanding, they are also very rewarding.

Seeing our clients enjoy Portugal, discover a place for the first time, taste our gastronomy or simply appreciate the atmosphere of our country remains one of the most beautiful aspects of our work.

In parallel, our commercial team also enters a very active period.

September marks the start of several important months on the international tourism calendar, with several major events in Europe and Asia.

We begin the month in Paris with IFTM Top Resa, an important gathering for the French tourism industry and a regular date on our commercial calendar.

Trade shows like IFTM are always an excellent opportunity to reconnect with partners we already know, to establish new contacts and to better understand market developments.

For us, participating in these events is not simply about promoting Portugal.

It is, above all, about human relationships.

Tourism remains a deeply human sector. Emails, video calls and technology facilitate communication, but nothing replaces a good face-to-face conversation.

Meeting our partners in person allows us to better understand their needs, listen to what their clients are seeking and exchange ideas.

In October, our schedule becomes even busier.

We will be in Rimini for TTG Travel Experience, where we will continue our work with the Italian market and meet tourism professionals from Italy and other countries.

Later in the month, our team will travel to Singapore for ITB Asia. This is another important event for IN TOURS PORTUGAL and a great opportunity to develop our relationships with partners in Asia and on other international markets.

October will also take us to Poland for the PPCC Tourism Workshops, where we will have the chance to meet local travel professionals and continue promoting Portugal on this growing market.

Then, in November, we will be back in London for the WTM.

WTM London remains one of the year’s major events for the international tourism industry. It brings together professionals from around the world and offers us another opportunity to reconnect with our partners, create new contacts and prepare future collaborations.

Paris, Rimini, Singapore, Poland and London are very different markets and environments, but our objective remains the same: to meet, listen, learn and build solid partnerships.

The travel industry is constantly evolving, just as travelers are.

Clients are more experienced, more curious, and often seek more personal experiences. They want to discover places beyond the must-see, to live authentic experiences and to create a real connection with the destination.

For us, this means we must also keep moving forward.

Even after many years of working in Portugal, there is always something new to discover. A new hotel, a restaurant, a local producer, a new experience or simply another way to present a place we already know very well.

This curiosity is an important part of IN TOURS PORTUGAL.

We know Portugal, but we also continue to explore it.

The coming months will therefore be very active across the different teams in the company.

Our Operations team will be in Portugal, serving our clients and attentive to the smooth running of each programme. In parallel, our sales team will travel, meet our partners and represent IN TOURS PORTUGAL on important international markets.

These two dimensions of our work are closely linked.

Strong business relationships create new opportunities, while the quality of our operations builds the trust that allows these relationships to grow over time.

Behind both lies the same commitment: a personalized service, great attention to detail, flexibility and a genuine passion for what we do.

The coming months will be filled with busy days, packed agendas, meetings, client arrivals, last-minute changes, flights and many miles traveled by the IN TOURS PORTUGAL team.

And we are ready.

Because, in the end, that’s exactly what we love to do: welcome travelers to Portugal, work closely with our partners and create journeys that clients will remember.

For IN TOURS PORTUGAL, these intense months are not really about being very busy.

They are above all the pleasure of doing what we love.

IN TOURS PORTUGAL, your reliable and passionate partner!

Quand la passion rencontre le rythme : IN TOURS PORTUGAL entre dans l’une des périodes les plus intenses de l’année

Elsa DIOGO

+351 244 836 431

[email protected]

www.in-tours.com/fr
> IN TOURS PORTUGAL in the DESTIMAG Directory

Minas Gerais: Brazil’s New Authentic Signature | Passion Brazil

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Tiradentes © Passion Brazil - Lorenna Teodoro

Hurtigruten

A Destination Shaped by Its Artisans

Along the journey, one clear observation emerges: Minas Gerais reveals itself primarily through the women and men who uphold its traditions.

Behind every stop, artisans, producers, and families pass down their know-how and preserve the region’s cultural identity, a strong guarantee of authenticity to craft differentiating itineraries.

Tiradentes and Bichinho: Terroir and Craftsmanship

Starting from Rio and along the road to Tiradentes, a tasting at the heart of a winery offers a full immersion into the local terroir. Arriving in the bucolic colonial town of Tiradentes, the rolling landscapes readily lend themselves to horseback riding. The encounter with a prize-winning cheese producer helps illuminate why Minas cheese is today regarded as one of Brazil’s great culinary icons.

Dégustation dans un vignoble à Tiradentes © Passion Brazil - Lorena Teodoro

A few kilometers away, the village of Bichinho illustrates the richness of local craftsmanship: workshops, galleries and shops bear witness to a living know-how, where wood, metal and stone work are an integral part of daily life.

Our suggested partner hotels:

• Solar da Ponte

• Villa Allegra

• Tiradentes Boutique Hotel

• Bowi Hotel Conceito

Ouro Preto: Beyond Baroque Heritage

Famed for its UNESCO-listed heritage, Ouro Preto reveals another facet through visits to former gold mines, encounters with local artists, and the discovery of soapstone sculpture—a tradition that continues to shape the region’s identity and enriches the cultural experience offered to your clients.

Our suggested partner hotels:

• Solar do Rosário

• Solar da Opera

• Pousada do Mondego

Serra Do Cipó: Minas’ Wild Face

Farther north, Serra do Cipó unveils a wilder Minas Gerais. Kayaking or cycling outings, hiking, waterfalls, and archaeological sites adorned with prehistoric rock art captivate nature and adventure enthusiasts. Several local initiatives focused on agroforestry, organic farming, and sustainable tourism offer meaningful experiences that foster authentic exchanges with local communities.

Our lodging pick: Capim do Mato Pousada & SPA, whose contemporary architecture gracefully integrates with its natural surroundings. Refined rooms, an excellent dining, and a breakfast that is particularly well-crafted make it one of the region’s finest addresses.

Structure Your Programs with Passion Brazil

Contacts

Minas Gerais : la nouvelle signature authentique du Brésil, par Passion Brazil

Laure Drouvot

SALES EXECUTIVE

+ 55 21 3959.4346 / 2549.8457

[email protected]

Passion Brazil

Pour les demandes d’individuels sur mesure : [email protected]

Pour les demandes de groupes et départs garantis : [email protected]

>> PASSION BRAZIL in the DESTIMAG Directory

Canada: Follow in Céline Dion’s Footsteps

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hébergement Kabania, Lanaudiere © GouvQc Kabania Daphné Carron

Hurtigruten

In 2026, the Canadian icon is more than ever in the spotlight. After several years away from the grand stages, Céline Dion is preparing her return to concert in Paris starting in September, before continuing the journey in 2027. She also unveiled this year Dansons, her first original title in years.

The occasion is therefore perfect to imagine a journey tracing the footsteps of the most famous Canadian singer!

Our itinerary links several iconic regions of Quebec: from Montréal to the greater Québec City area, passing through Charlemagne and Lanaudière, through a three-stage pilgrimage of at least six nights, to be lived with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, a few carefully prepared playlists and, if possible, someone in the group capable of reaching the notes of All by Myself…

Montréal: Céline Dion’s Grand Chapter

For French travelers, Montreal serves as the main gateway to Canada and easily deserves two to three nights. Old Montreal, the Old Port, Mount Royal, the Quartier des Spectacles, public markets and neighborhoods like the Plateau and Mile End allow for a blend of heritage, gastronomy and lifestyle.

Our Lady of Montreal: tracing a legendary wedding

If several places resonate strongly with Céline fans, there is no place to begin other than the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. It is here that Céline Dion married René Angélil on December 17, 1994, in a ceremony that has become one of the great moments in Quebecois popular culture.

The basilica is also, independently of Céline, one of the must-see monuments for a first stay in Montreal. In 2026 and 2027, visitors can notably discover AURA, the immersive experience designed by Moment Factory that blends projections, light, lasers and music within the building’s impressive neo-Gothic architecture. This is probably the place where fans can get closest to the “spectacle” aesthetic dear to Céline.

Old Montreal and the Saint-Lawrence River: stepping beyond the pilgrimage

After the photo in front of Notre-Dame, one can walk to Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, and then the quays of the Old Port. From the Saint-Lawrence River, cruises and nautical activities offer another perspective on Montreal. The Old Port also houses the Grande Roue, the Port of Montreal Tower and various seasonal activities.

For those who would like to attempt a Titanic re-enactment at the prow of a ship on the Saint-Lawrence, it’s best to seek the crew’s permission. And for the soundtrack, no one will ban My Heart Will Go On.

150th anniversary of Mount Royal

Mont Royal Park, Montreal’s enormous green lung, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. Created in 1876 and laid out according to the plans of Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York, it covers about 200 hectares. It also offers a perfect illustration of what makes Montreal unique: you can visit a basilica and a historic district in the morning, have a bagel lunch in the Mile End, and then find yourself in nature with squirrels a few hours later.

Belvédère Kondiaronk sur le mont Royal, Montréal © GouvQc Matthew Clark

Bagels, smoked meat and markets

Montreal also hosts several MICHELIN Guide-starred restaurants. Alongside this high-end gastronomy, Montreal bagels, smoked meat and poutine remain classics to discover, while the Jean-Talon Market allows visitors to meet Quebec producers and artisans.

And in the evening? Karaoke is mandatory. Do not hesitate to disown any responsibility in case of a voice loss.

Charlemagne: Where It All Began

It is in this small town of Quebec, about thirty kilometers east of Montreal, that Céline Dion was born on March 30, 1968, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. In the Dion household, everyone sings or plays an instrument. At 12, Céline wrote Ce n’était qu’un rêve with her mother and brother Jacques, a cassette that would land in René Angélil’s hands. The rest belongs to Canadian music history.

For fans, a stop in front of the Céline-Dion Boulevard sign naturally becomes the travel keepsake photo. It should be clear, however: Charlemagne does not have an official museum dedicated to the singer, and the places associated with her childhood are not tourist attractions. The point of this stage is thus symbolic; it’s best to include it in a day that’s part of a broader Lanaudière region itinerary, northeast of Montreal.

Lanaudière: After Céline, the Great Canadian Outdoors

This is where the itinerary takes on a whole new dimension, as Lanaudière offers an excellent playground for travelers seeking to combine culture and nature: forests, lakes, regional parks, villages, water activities and local products.

Lanaudière is home to several iconic sites, including the Mont-Tremblant National Park, which spans the Lanaudière and Laurentides regions, the Lac Taureau Regional Park, and renowned accommodations such as the Auberge du Lac Taureau and the Auberge du Vieux Moulin. The region also offers agro-tourism circuits that showcase local producers, know-how and regional specialties. Maple syrup, cheeses… and a Céline playlist!

In summer, lakes and rivers are explored by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. In autumn, forests turn red, orange and gold, offering one of the most iconic landscapes in Canada.

And because it’s still a Céline Dion pilgrimage, J’irai où tu iras is the perfect title for the road!

Céline as a pretext for discovering Canada

Obviously, no one will board a plane just to photograph a street sign in Charlemagne. This Céline Dion–inspired itinerary is first and foremost a narrative thread that lets you tell several facets of Canada: Montreal and its creativity, Lanaudière and its vast spaces, Quebec City and its heritage, the Saint-Lawrence, gastronomy, and the francophone identity of the beautiful province.

For fans, the journey has an evident emotional dimension. For others, it remains a very beautiful itinerary in Quebec!

Canada : partez sur les traces de Céline Dion !

Destination Canada est l’organisme national de marketing touristique du Canada représenté en France par l’agence 360tourisme.

Pour en savoir plus, contactez Maryse Normandeau, responsable partenariats trade pour Destination Canada, sur [email protected].

www.LeCanadaNaturellement.fr

Retrouvez-nous sur :

A Myriad of Steppe Horses

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

Each horse has its own qualities that its owner will know how to highlight:
the swift one will be trained for the great Naadam race;
the docile one will be the beast for children;
the robust one will be the packhorse;
the sure-footed one will guard the goats;
the obedient one will lead the herd.
Only horses that are not ridden will be eaten by their owner.

Horses in the Steppe Under Snow

In 2026, the event will take place on November 21 and 22 near the town of Chinggis, the provincial capital.

Having become a major tourist milestone in the country’s east, this festival attracts an increasing number of Mongolian and international visitors each year.

C’est un événement culturel et équestre qui célèbre l’une des traditions les plus ancestrales des mongols : l’élevage pastoral des chevaux.

A la fois un compagnon de voyage, un moyen de transport indispensable, et un symbole de liberté, le cheval occupe une place essentielle dans la mode de vie nomade depuis des siècles. Le cheval est également profondément lié à l’histoire de l’Empire mongol et à l’identité culturelle du pays.

À l’occasion de cette fête, les éleveurs nomades se réunissent avec leurs troupeaux de chevaux dans les vastes étendues de la steppe pour permettre aux visiteurs de découvrir de tout près le mode de vie des d’éleveurs nomades, leurs traditions et leur savoir-faire transmis de génération en génération.

Au programme de cette journée : diverses activités équestres et démonstrations traditionnelles, telles que les techniques de capture et de conduite des chevaux, ainsi que différentes pratiques d’élevage.

Parmi les moments les plus impressionnants, il y a celui d’assister au spectacle saisissant de centaines, voire de milliers de chevaux galopant librement à travers la vaste steppe hivernale, entièrement recouverte d’un manteau neigeux. Ce spectacle offre un aperçu fascinant de la relation indéfectible entre les nomades mongols et leurs chevaux robustes, capables de résister à toutes les conditions climatiques.

Avec des échanges avec les éleveurs pour une meilleure compréhension des valeurs du nomadisme mongol fondées notamment sur la mobilité, l’adaptation à la nature et le respect des animaux, cette journée d’une véritable immersion dans la culture nomade mongole permet de découvrir une tradition vivante, encore profondément présente dans la vie quotidienne des nomades de la steppe.

Pour les voyageurs, c’est une expérience particulièrement authentique et spectaculaire, qui offre l’occasion de vivre la Mongolie au rythme des chevaux et de la steppe, loin des circuits touristiques classiques.

DMD Mongolie, agence réceptive en Mongolie

Your contact at DMD Mongolia is Ariunzaya AMARTUVSHIN
[email protected]
+976 7011 5534 and +976 8813 5541
www.dmd-mongolie.com
>> DMD Mongolie in the DESTIMAG Directory

Authentic Morocco: From the Sahara to the Imperial Cities with NAGA Travel

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hurtigruten

In the Footsteps of Caravans Across the Moroccan Desert

Nestled in the southern reaches of Morocco, at the edge of the Sahara, the village of Mhamid El Ghizlane marks the starting point of a unique adventure through the vast desert. With NAGA Travel, travelers embark on treks and desert hikes, guided by nomads and former caravan men, to discover the authentic Sahara and its grand landscapes.

The itineraries follow the ancient caravan routes, traversing oases and desert plateaus, all the way to the majestic dunes of Erg Chegaga and Erg Zahar, nicknamed the howling dune for its wild and spectacular character.

On the way, a must-stop is Sidi Naji, an iconic site rich in history and local traditions. This stop, frequently visited by caravans, offers a unique glimpse into Saharan spirituality and culture, inviting travelers to fully soak up the desert’s soul.

The days unfold to the rhythm of walking or camel caravans, weaving between dunes, hamadas and palm groves. In the evening, bivouacs set up in the heart of the desert provide magical moments: tea beneath the stars, nomadic tales, and a total immersion in the silence and beauty of the Sahara.

With NAGA Travel, every circuit is an authentic experience, combining adventure, spectacular landscapes and encounters with desert inhabitants, along the routes of Morocco’s ancient caravan trails.

Exploring the Imperial Cities and Northern Morocco

With NAGA Travel, embark on a journey to Morocco’s imperial cities and the treasures of the North. Our itineraries let you explore Casablanca, Rabat, Meknès, Fès, as well as the fascinating regions of northern Morocco, blending history, culture and extraordinary landscapes.

In Casablanca, you will discover the majestic Hassan II Mosque, a symbol of modern Moroccan architecture, and you can wander through the Habous district, with its authentic charm.

In Rabat, the royal capital, history is written between the Kasbah des Oudayas, the Mausoleum Mohammed V and the tranquil gardens that line the Atlantic.

Meknès, an imperial city on the UNESCO World Heritage list, will captivate you with its historic ramparts, monumental gates and lively souks, testifying to the kingdom’s rich past.

Contact NAGA Travel

Maroc authentique : du désert du Sahara aux villes impériales avec NAGA Travel

Hassan Laghfiri

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www.naga-travel.com

Hassan : + 212 644 777 405 WhatsApp

Nendaz

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Two seasons for the same tradition

Hurtigruten

In winter, from late November to April, the adventure begins after nightfall. Equipped with snowshoes, guests walk through the forest alongside a local guide to discover the tranquil atmosphere of the snow-covered woods under the stars. In summer, from July to September, the walk takes on a different flavor, as visitors set out in the late afternoon to meet the famous Hérens cows, directly in their natural setting on the alpine pasture.

The common thread of these two outings lies at the end. Whether warming up after a snowy trek or extending a summer evening, the final step remains the same: a genuine raclette shared around a wood fire, in a simple and warm ambiance.

These activities last a few hours and are guided by professionals from the region. It is the perfect opportunity for participants to chat with locals, learn anecdotes about local life, and taste the region’s cheese in a highly authentic way.

The route is designed to be accessible to everyone. The paths chosen do not present any particular technical difficulty, which allows the whole group to walk together without worrying about fatigue, while enjoying the guide’s explanations about wildlife or the history of the places.

Simple moments easy to plan

The main advantage of these two offers is their short, accessible format. They require little time and a very reasonable level of walking, making them easy to integrate into a Valais discovery stay program.

For travel professionals, it’s a turnkey solution to offer an original late-day activity. It suits both families and small groups seeking a hands-on experience, without the logistics of a longer hike.

Ending the day with a warm outdoor meal adds real value to the stay. It breaks away from standard restaurant meals and leaves participants with a clear memory, who appreciate this return to simple pleasures after a day of sightseeing.

Everything is arranged so that guests can enjoy the moment. Between the guided walk, the encounter with animals or the nocturnal forest, and the wood-fired meal, these outings show the mountains in a friendly and unpretentious light.

Valais / Promotion du Valais

www.valais.ch/fr

Burcu Ozdemir: A Passionate Advocate for Promoting Turkey to the French

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

The world of tourism still knows how to rely on profiles that are not shaped by specialized schools. This is evidenced by Burcu Ozdemir, the new “face” of Turkey’s new tourism scene in Paris.

Not a novice, this forties-year-old had so far only touched the world of tourism indirectly.

Born in Ankara to a father who was an architect and a mother who was a civil servant, she chose at a very young age to study at the French high school in the Turkish capital. With her father’s support. Her mother, she would have preferred a course in English, considered “more promising for the future“.

With her baccalaureate in hand, once again despite her mother’s reservations, Burcu Ozdemir opted for archaeology studies. “For me, this choice felt quite natural”, she recalls. “Very young, I was very curious and passionate about history, she continues. And then, “during vacations, with my parents, we kept visiting archaeological sites”.

Turkey has no shortage of prestigious sites, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage-listed, such as Troy, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pergamon, Hierapolis and other ancient cities of myth…

“Touching objects that are thousands of years old is fascinating”

Parmi les atouts de la Turquie, sa gastronomie. © Deposit Photos

To obtain her license, Burcu Ozdemir chose to specialize in the “classical period,” the true golden age of ancient Greece and Rome, whose testimonies abound on today’s Turkish soil.

Along the way, like all archaeology students, she took part in excavation digs for four consecutive summers. “The conditions were quite Spartan: we girls slept in dormitories, and, to avoid the heat, we had to head to the field very early.”

Nevertheless, she keeps only good memories of that experience. And her heart still races when she recalls the ancient cities of Arykanda (now in the Antalya province) and Magnesia (in the Aydın province), discovered at the time.

Once the degree was in hand, Burcu Ozdemir’s life took an unexpected turn. Just then, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism opened a recruitment competition. Bingo!

At 23, while pursuing her Master’s and a thesis on the management of the Magnesia archaeological site, she joined the ministry’s unit responsible for excavations, then the group for special projects.

“It was an opportunity not to miss. The ministry does not often open positions through competitive exams”, she says. More importantly, it kept her in touch with the field. “Touching objects that are thousands of years old is fascinating, she confides, acknowledging that you must “be passionate to bring the past back to life and make it speak”.

“I loved everything I did!”

En juillet, Burcu Ozdemir (à d.) a succédé à Fatos Ozsoy (à g.) à la tête du Service de la Culture et de l’Information auprès de l’Ambassade de Türkiye à Paris - Photo PB

It was then at UNESCO, in Paris, that her passion found expression for six years, at the World Heritage Centre, responsible for monitoring sites listed in Europe.

Her assignments then carried her to Lithuania, Le Havre, Sweden, Lyon… Undoubtedly, her grasp of administrative machinery helped her in this role, at the crossroads of culture and diplomacy.

Back in Turkey during the Covid period, Burcu Ozdemir led the Unit for Combating the Trafficking of Cultural Property Abroad.

“I loved everything I did there!”, she exclaims. “I worked with experts, with Interpol, with the judiciary… Diplomacy was often required. In the end, we succeeded in bringing back many stolen works to Turkey.”

And she mentions twelve bronze statues recovered from private collections in the United States, where they had ended up after being stolen from Bourbon (an ancient site near Izmir) in the 1960s.

“Autumn is ideal for visiting Turkey”

Situé à Sanliurfa, en Turquie, Gobekli Tepe est un site néolithique encore mal connu © uskarp/Deposit Photos

Missions still somewhat distant from tourism? “Not that much!” retorts Burcu Ozdemir, who, at UNESCO, had also worked on sustainable tourism. Moreover, as the new head of the “Culture and Information Service” at the Turkish embassy in Paris, she is tasked with promoting both the country’s tourism, cultural richness and heritage.

“It is very important to know your country and its culture well to persuade tour operators to program our destination”, she asserts.

Yet, on July 3, the SETO (Union of Tour Operators) announced an 18% drop in bookings in Turkey for that summer due to the war in the Middle East. Since then, Burcu Ozdemir counters, bookings have begun to rise again. Many are now made at the last minute.

“History and culture are fundamental elements to attract the French to Turkey”, she adds, describing herself as someone who wants to advocate for tourism that is more cultural, more qualitative.

“Autumn is ideal for discovering Turkey, the climate is milder”, she insists. Burcu Ozdemir hopes to persuade tour operators and travel agencies to participate in an “event” she is inviting them to, on the sidelines of the IFTM, in mid-September.

“The wealth of Turkey’s tourism offering will greatly assist me”, she concludes. After listing coastal areas, gastronomy, rafting, skiing, hiking, climbing, and culture, Burcu Ozdemir mentions, unsurprisingly, archaeological sites.

In particular Göbekli Tepe, a Neolithic site where one of the oldest temples of humanity was found. Turkey certainly has more surprises in store for us!

Publié par Paula Boyer Responsable rubrique LuxuryTravelMaG – TourMaG.com
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