Q & A with Juanita Carvajal, Marketing Director of Candes Turismo Internacional

Q & A with Juanita Carvajal, Marketing  Director of Candes Turismo Internacional

Candes Turismo Internacional belongs to Candes Turismo Venezuela, head office, and it works as receptive of MICE and high quality tourism. With four decades of experience, the company has pioneered the work with distant or emerging markets, it’s been successful and it’s presently working with Russia, favored by the visa exemption though it still faces challenges such as achieving a non-stop connection.

What have you experienced within this new segment of Leisure show dedicated to MICE and luxury tourism? How was the reception?
It’s the first time we are in this side of the show, as we have previously participated in the traditional section of Leisure. Our product has been always dedicated to VIP customers, with a much customized offer, and we wished to explore the presence in this leisure segment because we consider we’re ok with the standards. We have had interesting meetings and exchanges with some local operators.

Is the relationship between governments of Venezuela and Russia an important element in this MICE segment?
Yes, it’s definitely important. Not having the visa problem –Russian people don’t need visas to travel to Venezuela- helps a lot. We’re interested in Ukraine, but there is the visa issue.

Regarding to air connection, what are the best flights?
So far, the best connections are Air France’s through Paris and Lufthansa’s from Frankfort. We also have Iberia route from Madrid, but we don’t work with them that much.

Air Europa has a deal with Aeroflot… Do you think it might be useful for you?
Yes, as the matter of fact they have sale offices in Venezuela. We haven’t still done anything in specific, but I think we might have a deal with them.

Do you know about any charter been prepared to Venezuela?
Not yet. We know about charter flights to Mexico and other destinations in the Caribbean. We’ve been asked about extensions from those destinations to Venezuela, but we haven’t received any charter proposal to our country.

The Russian tourism to Venezuela is still fledgling…
Yes, but we trust in the expansion of the Russian tourism. We have 40 years of experience in the market, and we developed relations with unknown destinations for Venezuelans, we visited those destinations and we were pioneers, for instance, in taking tourists from Japan and other distant markets to Venezuela. We trust in an increasing number of Russian tourists traveling to the country.

Do any Russian tour operators include Venezuela in their programs?
Yes, there are some of them working the Venezuelan product with us and they have specific itineraries to Venezuela. This year, we have introduced six different itineraries to the Russian market and the response has been excellent, so we’re looking forward to have more operators with us.

Would you like to add anything else?
In Candes Turismo Venezuela and Candes Turismo Internacional we are focused in the quality of service and the high standard and customized treatment offered to our customers. You can contact us through our email: info@candesturismo.com or our websit www.candesturismo.com.