Over 20 years ago, Jean Paul Thuet created FormiGolf, specialist in golf travel. Over time, the agency grows and widens its playing field with a second brand for everyone, FormiTours. Taken over in 2013 by his grandson, the family business continues to flourish. A beautiful journey…
By Brigitte Perrin

From left to right: Jean Paul Thuet, founder of Formigolf, and his grandson Julien Edel, buyer of the agency. - Photo: DR

Golf, as you know, is good for discussion. It also sometimes gives birth to projects. This is how Jean-Paul Thuet developed FormiGolf. During the games with his golfing friends, the idea takes shape: to create a themed travel agency. Jean Paul Thuet brings together his friends and his energy to set up his business plan. In 1996, he started, and word of mouth, we referred to FormiGolf to organize his turnkey golfing stay. And it works ! Passion, golf and discoveries, this is his winning trio. A la carte or tailor-made stays combine golf with gastronomy, thalassotherapy, diving or safaris.

A widening playground

Is the business too seasonal? Never mind, Jean-Paul Thuet takes the leap and extends his offer in 1999 with "FomiTours », A brand intended for all audiences. As we do not change a winning formula, he keeps the service " tailor-made ”and the careful selection of service providers. FormiTours, which belongs to the network of independent travel agencies Selectour, offers many destinations through unique or unusual experiences. Cruise, circuit or seaside or luxury stays in the sun, to each their own formula.

A family matter

From a niche market, the company set off to attack other horizons with flying colors. The agency, based in Colmar, has become a benchmark. Julien Edel, grandson of Jean-Paul Thuet, took the reins of the agency in 2013 and continues to grow. Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, then Vietnam, Thailand and Mauritius, over the years the catalog has grown and the company has grown. With its ten employees, FormiGolf-FormiTours delights golfers and individuals, but also works councils and associations.

Trophies at stake

In 2016, to celebrate the 20 years of the agency, Julien Edel organized the first Formigolf senior trophy, spread over 12 golf courses in the Grand Est. To reward loyal customers, he is also launching the Trophée de la Cigogne to promote his region. For three days, tournaments punctuated by gourmet breaks allow participants to discover the riches of Alsace: its golf courses, its landscapes, its vineyards, its museums, its gastronomy and its prestigious hotels. The 3rd The edition, which will take place from October 9 to 12, 2018, promises more surprises, with a great novelty: the possibility of choosing the golf program you want to play from a combination of courses.

To know more : www.formigolf.fr