Today we’d like to introduce you to KEVIN BRUHIER LE TALLEC.
Hi KEVIN, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi, My name is Kevin. I am french and I live in Paris but I come several times a year to Los Angeles to visit a great american american friend who I met during an internship for a fashion brand in NYC back in 2009.
I have been working in luxury marketing in Paris ever since.
Today I am a marketing director for a global luxury brand.
I created KBLTravel, a tailor-made travel agency, back in 2022 when I organized a breathtaking cruise, down the Nile river for my friends and myself.
During that trip to Egypt. I was surprised to receive so many requests for recommendations from so many people I did not even know, and the idea of a business was born from there.
KBLTRAVEL was born.
I established my own “agence de voyage” to share personal travel experiences with others. I aspired not only to be a travel advisor but a travel curator with over 6000 curated spots worldwide.
Today KBLTRAVEL is an Atout France-certified travel agency which specializes in tailor-made trips for discerning clients. It offers dream stays in incredible, carefully selected, turnkey locations. KBLTRAVEL also organizes corporate seminars for major companies and groups, with an equally cutting-edge service thanks to one-to-one exchanges and ultra-personalized services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business from scratch with no help is never easy. I did not receive any training on how to start a travel agency.
To be honest, at the very beginning, I was just testing & learning on a daily basis—creating the Instagram page, creating the website, building relationships with the first clients, and discovering an entire accounting world I was really not familiar with.
I thought creating a travel agency was just like creating any other kind of business.
Until one day, I received an official warning letter from Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency. They are in charge of regulating anything related to tourism in France. Tourism is actually one of the most regulated industries. So, not being registered with Atout France is considered illegal.
I therefore quickly had to readjust. Needless to say, getting all the approvals, financial guarantees, and insurances was not an easy task. Especially on my own, and especially in France, known for its bureaucracy.
But I proudly managed, and today I am, of course, fully certified by Atout France, just like any other travel agency.
Bottom line, when you fully believe in your project, go for it !
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am truly passionate about traveling. It all started when I was 18: a six-month road trip with nothing but my backpack in Brazil got me addicted to travel for life.
Over a decade later, I continue to explore major destinations across the globe, both for personal and work reasons. As time went on, my travel style evolved from backpacking to seeking out comfortable, charming locations that offer great value for money.
I believe that building a career in the luxury industry, surrounded by creative people working in art, photography, fashion, and design, enabled me – years after years – to hand-pick very special locations: small boutique hotels and understated luxury spots with a soul, rather than obvious luxury.
Nowadays, I relish discovering the finest hidden-gem hotels and balancing luxurious spots with affordable yet super cute locations. I immerse myself in the culture, seeking out simple eateries, fine dining establishments, cultural institutions, art foundations, nature, and breathtaking landscapes.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
The relationship with my clients. No doubt.
Every time a client gets in touch with me, it is for a special occasion: a honeymoon in South Africa, a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to the Serengeti, or a single woman wanting to discover Lapland on her own. Each client is a story, and I believe we build a real connection. I understand exactly my client’s expectations and desires, and my clients leave knowing they can fully trust me.
Pricing:
- My commission is 15% (of hotel and activities budget)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kbltravel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbltravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kbltravel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7135554201371209728?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28V2%2Curn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A7135554201371209728%29
Image Credits
Kevin Bruhier Le Tallec
