Sales of tours to China for next year through travel agents are up by more than 50% year on year, a specialist operator claims.
Wendy Wu Tours had its best ever day’s trading last month and sales are continuing at record levels.
Much of the growth is attributed to the robustness of the escorted tours market and a proactive approach the operator has taken to working with agents.
The operator embarked on an extensive campaign with travel agents with road shows, incentives and joining TIPTO.
More proactive support is planned in 2009 with a Chinese New Year competition in January offering the chance to win a place on an educational trip, plus new incentives to earn shopping vouchers.
Managing director Laurence Hicks said: “We are currently experiencing unprecedented growth despite the overall downturn in the market.
“The escorted tours market is more robust than some as our customers are traditionally retired, inflation proof, have money saved in the bank and are looking to fulfill their list of lifetime dreams.
“It’s no so much a question of ‘if’ they will go – just a question of ‘when’ as it’s on their hit list of things they want to do.â€
He added: “When things go quieter, agents need to raise their game and ensure they are visible to every potential customer.
“There is clearly demand for our products and agents need to ensure that they are capitalising on this and doing all they can to promote our tours. It’s encouraging to see that all is not doom and gloom and there is positive news out there.â€
by Phil Davies
