Celebrating 30 Years of ASEV:
An Interview with
François Foulon - General Manager
Introducing Francois Foulon
- GM of ASEV Travel
François has a deep appreciation for travel and a long-standing connection to Southeast Asia. His journey led him through many adventures across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos before he joined ASEV Travel in 2015 as General Manager.
As a dedicated advocate for both clients and the company, he ensures that ideas are transformed into meaningful actions. His extensive international experience and ability to navigate multicultural environments make him a valuable asset to ASEV Travel.
AS WE CELEBRATE ASEV TRAVEL’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY, WE SAT DOWN WITH FRANÇOIS TO ASK A FEW QUESTIONS AND HEAR MORE ABOUT HIS INSPIRING JOURNEY WITH US.
“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.
Sustainable 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 footprint across seven destinations to building a solid reputation in the French market and beyond. A few standout milestones:
1️⃣
Reaching Travelife Partner status for our Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia offices
2️⃣
Officially opening up to the MICE market
3️⃣
And of course, 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 significant place for us—not only for its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage, but also because of the strong connections we’ve developed with our local team and partners over the years.
We remain committed to supporting our colleagues and their families as we look forward to reestablishing our presence.
We look forward to a future where we can once again offer responsible and immersive travel experiences in Myanmar.
Reestablishing our presence there is not just a business goal—it’s a step toward healing, rebuilding, and standing in solidarity with the people and communities we deeply care about.
Finally, any wishes you’d like to share for ASEV Travel’s 30th anniversary?
30 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 together with our amazing team and partners.
CHEERS TO ASEV’S BRIGHT FUTURE!