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After many trips worldwide and some first years experience as a consultant in some Africa countries, Gaël joined the “PIERRE et VACANCES” group and participated to the creation of some “3rd generation” ski resorts in the Alps and seaside spots. From 1971, he managed & developed the Avoriaz ski resort, co-created and directed for 18 years (till 1989) the International Film Festival of the Fantastic which rapidly became the 2nd French movie festival after Cannes and the annual trendy “must be” meeting point of all French VIPs, artists and medias. |
He occupied several managing positions in the “PIERRE & VACANCES” group and then became Director General of the Tourism Branch. This position allowed him to be involved in the promotion of the group resorts abroad and invited him to accept responsibilities as Vice-President of the National Association of Ski Resorts and President of the National Association of Tourism Residences (1971 to 1989). He also participated to the creation of “Maison de la France” (French National Tourism Board) and became member of its Board from 1987 to 1990.
Then, he left “Pierre et Vacances” in 1988 and - on request of the HAVAS and TUI Group, merged 3 major French Tour-Operators Airtour, Touropa, Cruisair and created a new born TO named CHORUS TOURS (280 000 pax a year) that he presided. Five years later, Gaël merged Chorus Tours with Sotair, at that time subsidiary tour-operator of the AIR FRANCE group – under the JET TOURS trade mark (then, 500 000 clients a year – 1st French TO). From 1990 to 1994, he also became Vice-President of the National Association of Travel Agencies (SNAV) and Vice-President of the International Federation of Tour-Operating (IFTO).
In 1998, Gaël became independent consultant and also Marketing Professor at Marne-La-Vallée University Tourism Department where he is still directing the Scientific Committee. He also created recently 2 new sections dedicated to luxury & business tourism. He created Interface Tourism in 2000.
Gaël’s best hobbies are golfing, opera, politics & history, gastronomy and wine.
Gaël's 3 homes are : Paris, the South of France and the whole planet ! |
