In September, EXO Travel’s Romina Araujo Vargas (Sales Manager, Spain & Portugal) was joined by 10 travel agents from the Spanish-speaking market on a familiarisation trip, co-sponsored by Vietnam Airlines, through Vietnam and Cambodia.
The 10-day trip included stops in Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang (Ninh Van Bay), Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. EXO arrange an exciting itinerary filled with unique experiences, memorable meals and hotel inspections to inspire and educate this group of partners.
‘It’s important for me and our partners to regularly explore our destinations,’ Romina explains. ‘FAM trips provide us with an invaluable opportunity to immerse ourselves in the destinations, enabling us to truly understand and appreciate the experiences we curate for our guests.’ Read on to learn about Romina’s impressions and highlights.
Vietnam
‘The culinary scene in Vietnam is nothing short of remarkable. The cuisine is a true delight for food enthusiasts’
Romina has travelled to Vietnam many times before, but she was still impressed by how wonderful the local culture is. ‘I delved into its rich customs while immersing myself in the daily rhythms of the local people. It served as a poignant reminder that genuine happiness is nestled within life’s simplicity and authenticity.’
Her highlights include:
Six Senses Ninh Vay Bay: Romina describes this resort as, ‘Truly extraordinary. What took me by surprise was the expansive white sand beach, encircled by stunning coral reefs, and the seamless transition from my room to the pool and then to the beach was simply perfect. And the spa therapist left me in awe with their exceptional skills.’
Vietnamese food: ‘The culinary scene in Vietnam is nothing short of remarkable.,’ Romina raves. ‘From the vibrant street food stalls serving delectable dishes, use of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors make Vietnamese cuisine a true delight for food enthusiasts.’
Capella Hanoi: ‘Bill Bensley is one of the most innovative and extravagant hotel designers- each of his hotels tells a story.’ explains Romina. ‘Capella Hanoi is inspired by the glamour of the iconic Opera House close to it. Its rooms are exquisitely and extravagantly decorated and offer the utmost in comfort and style.’
Cambodia
‘…at Angkor, one is transported into the shoes of an intrepid archaeologist uncovering long forgotten treasures.’
Romina holds Cambodia close to her heart, ranking it among her favourite destinations for its warm and welcoming people, its captivating mysticism, awe-inspiring monuments, and vibrant culture.
Her standout moments from this trip include:
Cambodian Culture : ‘Cambodian dances, as a truly unique form of artistic expression, elegantly celebrating the inherent power and beauty of femininity,’ Romina explains. ‘Among our group, one of the most cherished experiences was donning the traditional Khmer women’s attire, immersing ourselves in their vibrant culture, and feeling the deep connection with it.’
Angkor Archeological Park: ‘Another classic experience- but one that I love the most- is embarking on a journey through the majestic temples of Angkor,’ Romina remarks. ‘One is transported into the shoes of an intrepid archaeologist uncovering long-forgotten treasures.’
Romina concludes, ‘These familiarisation trips foster strong relationships with our partners, empower us to offer mystical journeys, and ensure our commitment to preserving the cultural authenticity of each unique place we visit.’
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