The Travel Companies Congress, held at Disneyland Paris from May 4 to 6, 2026, confirmed a reality that many players in the sector have been observing for several weeks: the travel market is going through a period of major uncertainty, driven by geopolitical tensions, customer wait-and-see behavior and concerns about air transport.
According to the specialized press, the professionals present issued numerous warnings, while trying to avoid an anxiety-inducing frenzy that could further curb summer bookings.
Summary
Sales have been declining since the start of the crisis
Valérie Boned, president of Entreprises du Voyage, set the tone from the opening of the congress: "The crisis today is the price and the shortage of kerosene."
The various barometers discussed during the event revealed highly contrasting situations across different segments and destinations. Sales declines reported ranged from -5% to -30%.
Patrice Caradec, president of Seto, pointed out that trends were positive before the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East: "We were up 6% over the summer before February 28th." Now, that lead has been wiped out.
The executive nevertheless emphasized the existence of significant fare opportunities on certain medium-haul destinations: "In my 40 years in this business, I have never seen such low prices, despite fuel price increases, on certain destinations. I am thinking of Greece and Crete in particular."
The real obstacle remains the confidence of travelers
Beyond prices, several speakers highlighted a deeper phenomenon: the difficulty customers have in planning their holidays in a tense international context.
Cyrille Fradin, president of Karavel/Promovacances, summed up the situation: "The level of activity depends directly on the level of anxiety felt by the French."
Professionals are thus observing a market marked by a wait-and-see attitude, including for destinations that are not directly affected by geopolitical tensions.
In this context, flexibility mechanisms are becoming important selling points. Several players in the sector have strengthened their cancellation, postponement, or installment payment conditions in order to reassure customers.
Partial unemployment: a political opening, without immediate announcement
The issue of partial unemployment was a major topic during the Travel Companies Congress. Agencies and tour operators are calling in particular for simplified administrative procedures and better support for companies with multiple locations.
When asked about the subject, Serge Papin, the Minister in charge of Tourism, stated: "Regarding partial unemployment, the subject is very much open."
The minister also stated: "I don't yet know if a solution will be found, but the issue has now been raised."
No further measures have been announced at this stage. Discussions with the government are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
ADP rules out the immediate risk of a kerosene shortage
Another sensitive topic raised during the congress was the supply of aviation fuel.
Groupe ADP indicated that it has not observed any operational impact at Parisian airports at this stage. Justine Coutard, the group's deputy managing director, stated: "To date, we are not seeing any impact on supplies. We must remain vigilant but not succumb to panic; and we must not discourage travelers from flying."
Air France also indicated that it wants to maintain its summer 2026 schedule.
Valérie Boned is running for re-election
The congress was also marked by the announcement of Valérie Boned's candidacy to succeed herself as head of the Entreprises du Voyage.
The election is scheduled for June 24, 2026, during the union's General Assembly. This candidacy reflects a stated commitment to continuing the work already underway, focusing on supporting businesses, engaging in dialogue with public authorities, and monitoring the economic consequences of the current crisis.
A new generation is speaking out more
The Travel Companies Congress also highlighted several young leaders in the sector who came to share their vision of management, transmission and evolution of tourism companies.
According to the specialized press, this new generation seeks to evolve managerial practices while preserving the historical fundamentals of the sector.
My analysis: tourism is now playing a reassurance battle
This congress shows that the travel sector has no shortage of destinations, commercial offers, or operational capabilities.
The main challenge now becomes building trust. Professionals who can quickly reassure their clients, clearly explain travel conditions, and support their purchasing decisions could gain a significant advantage in the coming months.
In this unstable period, travel agencies are also rediscovering a strong value: that of human advice and personalized support.
In short
- The Travel Companies Congress was held at Disneyland Paris from May 4th to 6th, 2026
- Sales declined by -5% to -30% depending on the segments mentioned
- Professionals are observing a strong wait-and-see attitude among travelers
- The issue of partial unemployment remains under discussion with the government
- ADP indicates that it is not seeing any immediate impact on the supply of kerosene
- Valérie Boned has announced her candidacy for a new term as head of the EDV
Sources
https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/des-opportunites-exceptionnelles-a-saisir-pour-les-voyageurs-declare-patrice-caradec-au-congres-des-edv
https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/congres-edv-la-guerre-au-moyen-orient-creee-une-suractivite-qui-nest-pas-saine-pour-les-voyagistes
https://www.tourmag.com/EDV-Valerie-Boned-candidate-a-sa-succession_a131661.html
https://www.tourmag.com/Aeroports-de-Paris-Groupe-ADP-ecarte-le-risque-de-penurie-de-kerosene-et-maintient-ses-objectifs_a131660.html
https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/congres-edv-dans-le-tourisme-une-nouvelle-generation-veut-imposer-sa-vision
https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/chomage-partiel-des-agences-attendent-serge-papin-ouvre-la-discussion
https://www.tourmag.com/Chomage-partiel-le-sujet-est-bien-ouvert-a-affirme-Serge-Papin_a131659.html
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Tags: French Travel Companies Congress, EDV, Disneyland Paris, Valérie Boned, Serge Papin, Patrice Caradec, Seto, travel agencies, tour operators, B2B tourism, tourism crisis, kerosene, partial activity, partial unemployment, tourism 2026
