TravelDailyNews: What kind of packages are in the top list of your clients during the winter period and how much are they willing to pay in order to have a real experience?

Jean-Marie Choffel: The Week Package is in our top list which includes 7 Nights in hotel or apartment + 6 Day 3 Valley – i.e.: extensive ski area - Ski Pass.

TDN: What kind of packages do families seek for? What is the percentage of the families that prefer holidays in a ski resort?

J-M. C.: It is again the Week Package, but adapted to family groups, i.e.: “Family ski pass”. Depends on the clients’ origin & nationality: in France (i.e.: 47% of our winter customers), roughly 10% of the population skis in the winter, in UK (38% of our customers), less than 2% of the population takes winter ski vacations, but the figures are growing.

TDN: Which destinations in Europe are in their top list of your clients and why?

J-M. C.: As far as we are concerned Méribel & the 3 Valleys, as over 60% of our customers are repeaters, due to incomparable ski area & lift system, French “art de vivre” & gastronomy, preserved environment & architecture.

TDN: US and Europe share the biggest pie in the winter tourism market. What are the major differences in these markets during the winter period? Do you feel that there is a strong competition?

J-M. C.: Yes, the competition is strong, but distances (& jet lag) are very important & limit the number of European skiers traveling to North America & the number of American skiers traveling to Europe. Variations in exchange rates are also a very important factor.

TDN: Europeans travel quite a lot during winter. Which destinations are in their top list?

J-M. C.: Apart from skiing, southern “sun & sea” destinations (Spain, Tunisia, Thailand, the Islands…) according to existing packages & low cost flights.