By Dorothée Perrault Le Hunsec, Founder, Chôm Chôm Travel –
Despite Vietnam’s captivating culture and breathtaking landscapes, only 4.7% of travellers return for a second visit, according to the Vietnamese tourism department. This statistic is particularly surprising to me, as I have fallen in love with the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Motivated by my own passion for travel, a commitment to sustainable tourism, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, I embarked on a journey to create unforgettable and responsible travel experiences in Vietnam.
Love for Travel
I have had the pleasure of calling Saigon home for nearly a decade, where I live with my husband and three children. My boundless love for travel has driven me to explore new destinations, connect with diverse people, conquer challenging treks, wander through unfamiliar streets, and savor unique cuisines. These experiences have been a constant in my life, shaping who I am and fueling my passion for discovery.
One day, as I reflected on my extensive travels, I posed a compelling question to myself:
Could I turn my passion for travel into a profession?
Could I become an expert travel agent and guide new travellers in embracing the world with the right mindset and respect for local communities?
Sustainable Tourism
The idea was both daunting and exhilarating, but I was ready for the challenge. This led me to establish a travel agency focused on adventurous families and travellers, drawing deeply from my personal experiences and values.
To me, sustainable tourism is essential for encouraging return visits. It allows us to preserve the beauty and integrity of the destinations I love, ensuring they remain vibrant for future generations.
By promoting responsible travel practices, we help maintain the natural and cultural attractions that drew me in and continue to captivate visitors. This creates positive experiences that I believe guests will want to revisit time and time again.
Founding of a Meaningful Agency
In 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I founded Chôm Chôm Travel. Many thought it was a bold move, but four years later, I am still at the helm.
Our journey began with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable tourism, a principle that has always been second nature to us. This dedication has not only endured but thrived, significantly enhancing the way people experience the beauty of Vietnam.
We believed that supporting local economies, engaging with local guides, attending intimate cultural events, appreciating nature, and avoiding crowded tourist spots were simply the right ways to travel. These principles guided us from the beginning, even before we began actively communicating them to our clients.
We quickly recognized that not all travel agencies in Vietnam shared this vision. This realization inspired us to make sustainable tourism a cornerstone of our messaging. Our mission is to educate and inspire travellers to embrace a travel approach that fosters local connections, prioritizes positive social impact, and harmonizes with the environment.
At Chôm Chôm Travel, we don’t just plan trips; we create meaningful experiences that preserve cultures and foster genuine connections.
Sustainable Engagement
Founder Dorothee trekking in Ha Giang
Our dedication to authenticity has driven us to expand our routes across 40 provinces in Vietnam, enabling us to support a diverse range of communities. This effort involves thorough research and relationship-building. We prioritize fair, direct payments to our partners, cutting out the middlemen to ensure transparency and uphold our commitment to sustainable tourism.
Forging long-term partnerships is central to our approach. These collaborations not only strengthen our business but also sustain local enterprises. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our travellers’ contributions empower local guides to establish their own homestays, secure prime locations, and employ local community members exclusively. This approach extends the benefits of tourism deeper into local communities.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any industry, we encounter our share of challenges. One major concern for Chôm Chôm Travel is environmental sustainability. We are constantly exploring ways to work with local partners to keep areas cleaner and more welcoming.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, with only 4.7% of travellers returning to Vietnam, according to the Vietnamese tourism department, we are focused on improving the travel experience to encourage repeat visits.
A Formidable Task
As a small travel agency, boosting the return rate is indeed a formidable challenge. However, we are fully committed to collaborating with our partners to foster sustainable practices with significant social and environmental impacts at the forefront of our efforts.
Through these initiatives, we aim to make a positive difference while ensuring that travellers leave Vietnam with cherished memories and a desire to return.
Fun Fact: In Vietnamese, “chôm chôm” (sometimes spelled “chôm chôm” or “rambutan” in English) refers to a tropical fruit known for its hairy exterior and sweet, juicy flesh. The word “chôm chôm” literally translates to “messy hair” in English, which describes the fruit’s characteristic appearance. The rambutan fruit is popular in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia for its delicious taste and unique look.
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