|
IN BRIEF
|
Highlight of the IFTM Top Résa fair, the twelfth Travel Agents Cup is preparing to crown its winner at the end of a scripted, rhythmic, and highly professional final. Thirteen finalists, chosen after a selection based on application video, will compete on Thursday September 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM in room ARENA – Dominican Republic. A jury of multidisciplinary professionals from major brands in the sector, dedicated partners at all levels, and a challenge format focused on personalized advice promise an inspiring yet demanding appointment.
In the heart of the aisles of IFTM Top Résa, the Travel Agents Cup returns for a 12th edition marked by creativity and commercial performance. The now iconic principle highlights the ability of advisors to compose, in real-time, a fully personalized travel proposal. This year again, the final will take place in room ARENA – Dominican Republic, a scenic setting where the fervor of the audience meets the expertise of the candidates.
The highlights and format of the final
On the morning of the final, each finalist has 20 minutes to interact with a fictional client they meet without prior information, in order to assemble a tailored recommendation: itineraries, experiences, transportation, regulatory constraints, budget, sustainability, and safety. In the afternoon, it’s time for the stage, where the candidates present the essence of their proposal and demonstrate their mastery of advice, client relations, and argumentation.
This format, which values responsiveness as much as knowledge of the world, reflects the daily challenges faced in an agency: anticipating uncertainties, securing journeys, optimizing perceived value, and weaving a coherent travel narrative.
Thirteen finalists, one shared passion for advice
Selected based on the strength of their application video, thirteen agents from all over France and overseas will represent their regions: Quentin Allaire (EGEA Voyages – Montpellier), François Barzic (TUI Store Cesson-Sévigné), Chanez Benkhrourou (Carrefour Voyages Villab), Amandine Beolor (Leclerc Voyages Blois), Fanny Darche (Promo Vacances – Maurepas), Sonia El Hendi (Navitour Voyages Pointe-à-Pitre), Malaury Laviolette (Navitour Compiègne), Delphine Lioi (Traces et Découverte Cluny), Laurie Neron (TUI Store Maisons-Laffitte), Donia Ouahada (Havas Voyages Villefranche-sur-Saône) and Clara Quartier (Voyages Leclerc Carpentras).
This panel reflects the diversity of networks and territories, from the mainland to overseas, with a common foundation: the obsession for an ultra-personalized advice and impeccable customer experience.
A jury of experts to determine excellence
The jury, composed of recognized personalities, will provide a cross-referential view on the quality of the proposals and the relevance of the arguments: Rafael Bence (Air France), Valérie Boned (EDV), Jean-Charles Franchomme (CDMV), Stéphane Jaladis (AJT), Emmanuelle Llop (Equinoxe lawyers), Guillaume Linton (ASIA), Karin Mallet Gautier (Konect Agency / Adonet), Jean-Michel Rey (AVIS), Aurélie Soulat (Costa Cruises), Lawrence Taché (SNCF), Myriam Tord (Helpdesk). Their evaluation will focus on the finesse of diagnosis, creativity, mastery of constraints, and quality of client relationship.
A mobilized ecosystem of partners
The organizer congratulates all the 22 candidates who are involved this year and thanks its partners for their support: Diamond Partner Costa Cruises; Ruby Partners Costa Rica, Egypt, Mayotte and Dominican Republic; as well as institutional partners and brands: Adonet, Air France, Association of Tourism Journalists, Avis, CDMV, Konect Agency, Les Entreprises du Voyage, SNCF Voyageurs, The Originals Human Hotels & Resorts and the Village of Tour-Operators. This network illustrates the vitality of a sector that combines transport, accommodation, distribution, and media.
An IFTM meeting at the heart of the sector’s challenges
The final takes place in a context where travel agents must navigate between high customer expectations, changing regulatory frameworks, and security vigilance. Recent news topics, from the suspension of visits to the Paris tourist office to the reshaping of entry policies, such as the travel ban decree to the United States, remind us of the importance of updated advice and reliable information.
At the same time, mastering local specifics remains crucial: whether it’s about payment methods in foreign currencies in Tanzania, incidents related to compliance with international rules, as illustrated by these expulsions in Hawaii, or the issues of coastal security in French seaside resorts. All elements that the finalists know how to integrate into their recommendations to secure the experience and optimize the itinerary.
How to attend and support the finalists
The meeting is set for Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM, in room ARENA – Dominican Republic, at the heart of IFTM Top Résa. The professional audience will discover live, consultative sales approaches, inspiring arguments, and staged presentations that showcase practical expertise. Who will be the grand winner of the Travel Agents Cup? Answers will be given on site, after a final round of demonstrations and the ultimate speeches from the candidates.
