Meet François Foulon – General Manager of ASEV Travel
François has a deep appreciation for travel and a long-standing connection with Southeast Asia. Before joining ASEV Travel as General Manager in 2015, he explored Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos extensively, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s people, cultures, and destinations.
A dedicated advocate for both our clients and the company, François is passionate about turning ideas into meaningful actions. His extensive international experience and ability to navigate multicultural environments have played a key role in strengthening ASEV Travel’s position as a trusted Destination Management Company (DMC) in Southeast Asia.
As we celebrate ASEV Travel’s 30th anniversary, we sat down with François to learn more about his journey, his vision for the company, and what makes ASEV Travel unique.
“ASEV’s strong reputation in the industry and its passion for creating meaningful, authentic experiences across Southeast Asia really stood out to me.”
What initially attracted you to join ASEV Travel?
What drew me in was the chance to grow beyond the hospitality industry in Vietnam and take on new challenges in Laos, eventually diving into the world of destination management.
I was especially inspired by the company’s commitment to involving local communities and promoting responsible travel.
In your opinion, what sets ASEV Travel apart from other DMCs in Southeast Asia?
ASEV Travel stands out thanks to a few key qualities.
Agility with a Strong Foundation
We’re small but solid—independent, owner-managed, and focused on long-term partnerships. That allows us to adapt quickly to changes while remaining reliable.
A Tight-Knit Team
Our strength also lies in our people. We’re a passionate, dedicated team that works closely together to make sure everything runs smoothly, both behind the scenes and on the ground.
Sustainability by Nature
Sustainability is part of who we are—from supporting local communities to implementing eco-conscious practices, we work to ensure our impact is positive and lasting.
Tailor-Made Expertise with a Human Touch
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter itineraries. Every trip is crafted with care, combining deep local knowledge, creativity, and a continuous search for new experiences. Whether it’s train adventures between Laos and China or immersive cultural experiences, our team is always on the ground, exploring fresh opportunities to go beyond the expected.
What do you see as some of ASEV Travel’s biggest milestones over the past 30 years?
We’ve come a long way—from expanding our presence across seven destinations to building a solid reputation in the French market and beyond. A few milestones stand out:
Achieving Travelife Partner status for our Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia offices.
Officially expanding into the MICE market.
Continuously innovating to keep our travel products fresh, meaningful, and sustainable.
What are your goals for ASEV Travel moving forward?
One of our key goals is to reopen our office in Myanmar. The country has always held a special place for us – not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also because of the strong relationships we’ve built with our local team and partners over the years.
We remain committed to supporting our colleagues and their families while looking forward to reestablishing our presence. We hope for a future where we can once again offer responsible and immersive travel experiences in Myanmar.
Reestablishing our presence there is not just a business objective—it’s a step toward healing, rebuilding, and standing in solidarity with the people and communities we deeply care about.
Finally, what would you like to wish ASEV Travel on its 30th anniversary?
Thirty years is truly a remarkable achievement, and I’m honored to be part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of success – filled with inspiring travel products, meaningful connections, and continued growth alongside our incredible team and valued partners.
Cheers to ASEV Travel’s Bright Future!
