For travellers, it’s an affordable first-time experience of a culturally rich destination, and for Travel Agents it’s the opportunity to upsell and earn more commission.
It’s Wendy Wu Tours’ newest tour style – Essentials.
Unveiled this week, the brand’s latest advancement targets budget conscious travellers who want the comfort, ease and expertise of a group tour while also having the freedom to make their own travel decisions.
Described as the perfect ‘dip your toe’ tour into China, the Essentials style launches with two trips – the nine-day Essentials China and the 13-day Essentials Yangtze.
Each trip comes with flights, accommodation and opportunities to tick off China’s bucket list attractions at an affordable minimum cost of $1,990 per person/twin share.
So, for around $2,000 Aussies can fly to China, enjoy a Kung Fu Show in Beijing, walk along the Great Wall, visit a Jade Factory, hop on bullet trains and stand alongside Terracotta Warriors.
Speaking to KARRYON, Wendy Wu Tours’ Group Chief Executive, Joe Karbo, said the introduction of a lower-cost product was an essential next step to the business in order to further diversify range and attract younger clientele ranging from 30 to 40 year-olds.
“China is a destination that more and more people are taking up, and as you know, everyone’s travel needs are different. The Essentials tours allow us to cater for a different market.”
Joe Karbo, Wendy Wu Tours Chief Executive
For Agents, Wendy Wu Tours’ new Australia General Manager, Steve Richards, says the Essentials style is also an opportunity to lead to more complex bookings and higher commissions.
“We’ve seen a few people start with the Essentials and then say to their Agent that they want to add on features and before you know it, they’re booking a Classic trip,” he explained.
“The tour acts as a lead-in for Agents.”
Steve Richards, Wendy Wu Tours General Manager Australia
Although new, Wendy Wu Tours’ Acting Head of Marketing, Emma Prineas, said it’s already a hit with March departures already sold out.
“We put it out there and they’re already gone,” she said.
But it’s okay, Travel Agents still have tours departing in May to sell, which Prineas expects to sell out just as quickly.
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READ: Wendy Wu plans beyond Tours