You’ve been an Experience Creator for 75 years. Can you explain the concept of experience creator?

Karim Soleilhavoup: Today, all Logis Hôtels Group establishments are not functional or utilitarian hotels, but rather experience hotels. In other words, a unique hotel business. We define ourselves as the anti-franchise. All our establishments are embodied by owners who welcome guests into their homes with generosity, simplicity and proximity.

If you had to define Logis Hôtels in a few words?

K.S: Experience, uniqueness, proximity and generosity. Above all, we have the ability to renew our experience over the generations to meet the ever-changing expectations of our customers.

Since 2019, Logis Hôtels has been the official host of the TDF, why this partnership?

K.S: First of all, it’s a partnership that makes sense.These are two extremely powerful “love brands” that are in the hearts of the French. Whether you’re a cycling fan or not, we’ve all watched the Tour de France at least once. These are also two brands that are committed to the discovery of territories and the dynamism of regions. There is a Logis Hôtels establishment every 12 km in France. It’s this proximity, this richness of the regions, that the Tour de France is looking for. We have another thing in common: the Tour de France is very European. Just like Logis Hôtels.

In concrete terms, what are the stakes of such a partnership?

K.S: Sixteen Logis Hôtels accommodations will welcome the runners along the 3404 km route.Catering, parking, rooms, security… The hotels have prepared very specific arrangements according to the teams’ requirements. Logistics teams will also be on hand. For several weeks, we have been adapting our establishments to the race, whether in terms of reception, food or equipment.We’re constantly adapting to welcome the racers.

“We are a facilitator so that everyone can set up their own organization.”

What does it mean to be a good host for Tour de France teams?

K.S: Welcoming a cycling team means respecting the specifications sent out beforehand, and being as discreet as possible to give the technical teams all the latitude they need. We act as a facilitator, so that everyone can set up their own organization.

This is your fifth year as official host. Have expectations changed in terms of hospitality?

K.S: There haven’t been that many changes in terms of welcoming teams. On the other hand, our facilities have changed a lot. Particularly on the subject of electric charging stations. By 2023, we will have passed the 1,200 mark. Our teams are all working to increase the number of facilities and terminals across the entire hotel estate.

And in general, have expectations in terms of hospitality changed?

K.S: Today’s guests want to be close to the hotel and have a better understanding of its surroundings.Our customers are curious. They’re increasingly interested in the economic and industrial activity around the hotel.Not only are they interested, but they want to go further, to talk to local players, local craftsmen and even our hotel suppliers. In addition to proximity and friendliness, there’s also a demand for sincerity that’s quite new.

How do you meet these new expectations?

K.S: To be able to meet these expectations and provide the keys to the region, we have to become a committed player in our region.And that goes for all our roles.Whether you’re a maître d’hôtel, a waiter or a receptionist, from now on you have to invest in your region and be able to share it with others. Today, good hospitality is based on dialogue and an interest in one’s surroundings.

What qualities are essential for a good welcome?K.S: Whatever the target, whatever the expectations, a good welcome is all about empathy, generosity and sincerity.It’s also the little surprise that will make all the difference.This is true for all targets, from young couples to groups of friends and motorcyclists.And the same goes for Tour de France cyclists.

Interview by Ava Eschwege

photo credit: ©LOGIS HÔTELS