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Home » News » Exclusive: Inside the world of Wendy Wu

Exclusive: Inside the world of Wendy Wu

The world of travel is having a chat, and China has just entered the conversation.

Travel in and out of China is on the increase, and there’s no one more excited about that than travel industry superstar, Wendy Wu.

In an exclusive interview with Travel Weekly, Wu spoke about how her company has now made it easier for agents to book travel into China, how Covid opened the door to a new world for Wendy Wu Tours and how it took the brand global.

“Prior to COVID, we were very much China, Southeast Asia, and Japan specialists and experts, but because of COVID, we experienced a transformation following encouragement from customers we worked with a lot of other countries, especially in Europe.

“Customers said to us, Europe is open, can you please take us somewhere? So we started to select really carefully unique places in Europe and the Middle East because they were already open and China wasn’t,” she said.

Wu is very passionate about the places her company takes its customers, She spoke at length about the links between China, Japan and Portugal.

“When we go somewhere, we really know what we’re talking about.

“We uncover all these hidden gems, even gems within our wonderful culture and history, the food and the wine.”

Wendy Wu Tours began visits to Europe as the world reopened post-COVID. (Credit: Wendy Wu Tours)

Wu says what sets her tours apart from the rest – as well as the in-depth destination knowledge – is its fully inclusive prices.

“Everything is covered. The airfare, of course. The taxes, of course. Then three meals a day, entrance fees, entertainment and experiences. They’re all included so once a tour is booked, that’s it,” she said.

Wendy also spoke of the recent developments around Visa processing for agents.

“We are going to start doing the Visa applications for our customers and our travel agents.

“So travel agents will be able to just send the customer’s passport to us, and we will process it for them, they don’t have to go to the Visa Centre anymore,”

In fact, I just got back from the Visa Centre, now!” She laughed.

“Which, luckily, we are,” Wu said.

At this stage, only Visas for travellers from New South Wales can be processed by Wendy Wu Tours, but the service is expected to expand to other states next year.

Wu said travel to China surges whenever her company promotes the destination, “pushing the go button” on travel between Australia and China. She said she wants agents to join her in pushing the button more often.

“When we press it and press with us, then we get to share the bookings, which absolutely has been the case so far.”

It’s no secret that China has been in the headlines lately, and it’s not something that Wendy Wu hides from.

“Relations between China and Western countries including Australia are not the best. But, it’s important to know the people in China are very friendly. And that’s the thing our passengers experience in China.”

Sure, there is the Great Wall the Terracotta Warriors, but they realise people are so warm and friendly.

Like many places, travel to China has been affected by the gradual return of airlines to once-popular routes. But, Wu says airfares will be less of a factor in 2024.

“I actually think prices will come down in the next few months, and along with the Visa processing service, this will make travel to China much easier,” she said.

Asking someone like Wendy to name her favourite destination is impossible. And, it came as no surprise that her list of places she loves the most had about ten countries on it. Even when asked to shorten that to two places, she gave us five.

It may be the Great Wall that brings people to China, but it will be the great people they remember. (Credit: iStock)

There is China and Japan of course, but there’s no doubt that Portugal, Jordan and Egypt all hold a special place in Wendy’s heart. It’s evident from the massive smile that appears on her face the moment she even says the names of these countries.

“I love Japan, and I love Laos and Cambodia. And I love Mongolia, gosh, Mongolia. The wilderness, the pristine nature of Mongolia. No one will ever be able to describe it properly,” she said.

Wu also spoke of her love for agents working on the front line of travel in both Australia and New Zealand.

“I want to share something with the travel agents. Even though China has not fully recovered, as a group in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, we are doing 25 per cent above what we were doing in 2019. And, that’s thanks to agents.

As the interview was coming to an end, Wendy continued to add to her list of favourite destinations. A sure sign that genuine passion for people and their places are at the heart of Wendy and everything she does.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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Singapore to Bangkok by Rail

18 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Embark on an enchanting 18-day journey through Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, travelling by a mix of trains, coaches and even a funicular railway.

Immerse yourself in the heritage towns of the Malay Peninsula before venturing into the heart of the Cameron Highlands by train. In Thailand, ancient rainforests and scenic national parks await, with opportunities to hike, swim and relax. A poignant visit to Kanchanaburi offers insight into WWII history, before your journey terminates in dynamic Bangkok.

• Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• Included Meals Breakfasts: 16 , Lunches: 15 , Dinners: 16
• Flights International flights and current taxes
• Accommodation 16 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
• Group Tour Max Group Size: 18
• Physical Rating 1 Learn More X A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps. Learn More Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
• Special Offer Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures. - View Offer

Tour Highlights

Our Singapore to Bangkok by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Singapore Sky Garden

Spend an evening at Singapore's incomparable Sky Garden, and discover the secrets of the remarkable SuperTree Grove and its towering vertical gardens.

Cheow Lan Lake

Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Cheow Lan Lake, where you can swim, kayak or simply enjoy south Thailand's stunning scenery.

Cameron Highlands

Venture into Malaysia's less-explored Cameron Highlands, where tea-cloaked valleys and ethereally misty forests await.

Discover the iconic sights of Bangkok with a visit to its beautiful Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred site.

Day by Day Itinerary

Fly to Singapore. You will be met at the airport by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, travel to your hotel and check in. Any time before this evening's dinner and welcome briefing is at leisure to explore.

Explore Singapore, the 'Little Red Dot' that punches well above its weight. Begin at the orchid garden before a walking tour of Civic District, with its beautiful colonial landmarks. Head to the famous Orchard Road, the city's famous shopping street, before hopping on a bumboat to get another perspective of the city's skyscraper-studded skyline. Enjoy some free time before this evening's visit to the Sky Garden. Finish at the SuperTree Grove, an orchard of vertical gardens built in tree-like sculptures. Return to your hotel after dinner.

Depart Singapore via the bridge to Johor Bahru, Malaysia, stopping to pass through customs. Take take a road trip to Malacca, passing through the Malay countryside and hearing about the country's history from your National Escort. Arrive in Malacca in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel. This evening, enjoy an introductory boat trip through the Malacca canals as the sun sets.

Immerse yourself in Malacca's multifaceted heritage with a tour of its fascinating Old Town, where a blend of empires have left their mark. Visit the Street of Harmony, where Hindu and Chinese temples sit peacefully alongside a local mosque, and stop by a local craft museum before lunch. Later, drive to Tampin Station and hop on the two-hour ETS train to Kuala Lumpur, arriving at 17.55. On arrival, check in at your hotel and freshen up before this evening's street food tour.

Hop on the city metro and head thirty minutes out of town to visit Batu Caves, one of Malaysia's most important Hindu temples. Return to Kuala Lumpur and see some city highlights, including Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur's oldest mosque. Admire the old district's iconic landmarks, including Sultan Abdul Samad Clock Tower, Independence Square, the River of Life and Central Market. Finish up at KL Tower, where you can head up to the Skydeck for views over the city skyline, dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers.

The morning is at leisure before taking the 11.32 service to Tapah Road, taking two hours. Enjoy lunch before a scenic road trip into the Cameron Highlands, with a refreshing pit stop at Lata Iskandar Waterfall. Stop by an indigenous Orang Asli roadside shop, selling forest honey and tribal handicrafts. If you're lucky, the village chief will extend an invitation to visit their village. Check into your hotel in the Cameron Highlands before dinner.

Take a relaxed uphill hike to see the Mossy Forest, observing fragile exotic plants such as ferns and pitcher plants. Your reward is the beautiful panoramas at the top of the hill. Afterwards, drive to a tea plantation to learn about local tea production. Drive down through the valley to reach Ipoh. Hop on the 18.26 train to Penang, riding through picturesque countryside and even 'floating' briefly as the train crosses Bukit Merah Lake. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Georgetown, home for the next two nights.

Spend the morning exploring the streets of Georgetown, a city rich in heritage. Admire the intricate décor of the local temples before visiting the Penang Peranakan Mansion to see its fascinating antiques. After lunch, head to the foot of Penang Hill and ride the short funicular train to reach the top of the hill, pausing for a cup of tea and a pastry at the century-old bungalow-turned-restaurant. Continue to the Habitat and ascend to reach a canopy walkway through the edge of the protected rainforest. Stroll through the trails and look out for rare flora and fauna.

Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your lunchtime flight to Phuket in Thailand. On arrival, embark on a whirlwind journey through this intriguing island, seeing quirky local gems before enjoying a Thai street food tour. Enjoy local treats such as ‘Khanom Chin’, rice noodles accompanied by a curry of your choice, and ‘Oh Aew’ (shaved ice jelly). As dusk falls, head to the bustling night market, known for its upbeat vibes and frequent live music, to sample sticky mango rice and spicy satay skewers.

Hop in a speedboat and discover Phang Nga Bay, home to some of Thailand's most spectacular scenery. Stop by Panak Island and canoe into its mysterious caves to admire the many stalactites. Return to the speedboat and zip around Koh Tapu, or 'James Bond Island', lair of the Man With The Golden Gun in the Roger Moore 007 film. Bring a camera for the fantastic photo opportunities of the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Return to your hotel in Phuket.

Check out of your hotel and head to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest forest ecosystems in the world. Stop for lunch before a wonderful afternoon exploring the National Park's lush nature trails. Trails are about 3-4 km, taking up to 3 hours on foot. Good shoes and a hat are strongly recommended. The guide will select the best trail on the day, based on local conditions and the needs of each group. Check in at your hotel at the edge of the national park, your home for the next two nights. Take some time to refresh before dinner.

Transfer to the Ratchaprapa Dam pier at the edge of the famously beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. Hop in a longtail boat and fly across the water to arrive at the Floating Bungalows, where you'll enjoy some free time to swim, kayak or relax before lunch. This afternoon, hop back in the longtail boat and explore the lake area, including Khao Sam Kloe, well-known as the 'little Guilin' of Thailand. If lucky, you may even glimpse wild elephants on the water's edge. Return to your accommodation at the edge of the national park.

Transfer 90 minutes across the peninsula from Khao Sok to Surat Thani train station. Connect with a day train to Hua Hin. A lunch box with a sandwich, seasonal fruit and drinking water will be provided. The train takes around 5.5 hours, but offers excellent views as it meanders up the coast to the seaside town of Hua Hin, arriving at 16.10. Transfer to your hotel and relax until dinner.

Visit the Thum Rong village community in Phetchaburi, to the north of Hua Hin. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the villagers, who will demonstrate how their Toddy Palm cake is made and invite you to see their local temple and palm sugar plantation, which produces some of the best toddy palm juice in the country. Have lunch with the community before taking the 16.50 train to Bangkok, arriving at 19.45. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel in Bangkok.

Discover Bangkok's highlights with a morning city tour. Begin at the magnificent Grand Palace, a sprawling temple complex boasting some of the finest architecture in the country. Explore the grounds and their dazzling buildings, including the highly revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Afterwards, head across the road to Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok home to more than 1,000 Buddha images. The temple is considered the first public university in the Kingdom, and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Stop by the amulet market before lunch and hear about Buddhist beliefs in the protection and blessings provided by these charms. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore more of Bangkok independently.

Take a day trip to Kanchanaburi,. During the Japanese occupation of Thailand in WWII, thousands of Allied POWs and indentured Asian labourers were forced to build the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway'; many of the prisoners died under brutal conditions. Uncover their story at the Railway Museum before paying your respects at the Allied War Cemetery. Visit the dramatic Hellfire Pass before taking a 40-minute ride on the Death Railway – a journey that will take you across the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Return to Bangkok, arriving early in the evening. Settle down to a farewell dinner to mark the end of your tour.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

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Travelling by Train in Malaysia and Thailand

Safe, comfortable, and covering much of the country, Malaysia’s railways are an easy and relaxing way to get around the country. Much of the network is over a century old but has been mostly upgraded to double track electric rail, allowing for modern, higher-speed trains that can travel up to 160 kilometres an hour. ETS trains are the inter-city trains that run on the upgraded lines.

Onboard, in a standard class carriage you’ll find air-conditioning, comfy seats arranged in a 2+2 formation, power sockets and LCD TVs. All ETS trains have a café car from which you can purchase drinks and snacks. For shorter journeys, you’re likely to use the KTM Komuter trains, which you’ll find very similar to UK short distance trains with comfy seats but limited other facilities.

Thailand boasts an extensive intercity rail system that is efficient, economical, safe and comfortable. In fact, it can take you into off-the-beaten-track corners with ease, as well as into the highlands of the north, to the beaches of the south and all the natural beauty inbetween. These journeys give a perfect window into Thailand’s range of incredible landscapes, as the trains pass through plantations, rice paddies, forest and much more.

There are four different types of train here, categorised by speed and facilities: Ordinary trains are for local journeys and stop a lot and don’t have air-conditioning. Rapid trains stop at main stations and select smaller ones and have slightly more comfortable seating. Express trains are faster and more expensive than rapid trains and can be air-conditioned or not air-conditioned. Special Express trains are the fastest option, stopping only at main stations – we use Special Express No. 40 in the Thailand portion of our Singapore to Bangkok by rail tour. Travelling up to 120 kilometres an hour, it has air-conditioning, reclining seats and tray tables; a meal is also included in the ticket price.

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Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

• Select Year All Dates
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• Departure: All
• 1 Room, 2 Guests
• 1 Room, 1 Guest

We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.

Additional Price Information

• Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 31 January 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
• Customary tipping amount of approximately US$70pp (AU$104pp) is paid locally in destination.
• Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
• Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
• Price listed is based on new bookings only

Group Tour includes

• International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
• All Meals (refer to itinerary)
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides and entrance fees
• 3 – 4 star accommodation

Important Information For Your Tour

What our customers say.

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Thailand Travel Blog

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Asia Bucket List: 11 Ultimate Alternatives in Asia

All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement. On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance. If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.

With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.

We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.

We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.

We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.

Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.

Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.

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• Over 25 years of experience
• Friendly, knowledgeable regional specialists
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Borneo Holidays

Book your holiday to Borneo with Wendy Wu Tours

Save up to ￡500 per person on over 900 tours Offer ends: 30 Apr 2024 View Offers

Borneo holidays are packed to bursting with culture, wildlife, jungle and beaches and although the secret is most definitely out it remains wonderfully off-the-beaten-track destination meaning that it has managed to remain relatively pristine.

Of course the prime draw of any Borneo holiday is the wildlife and natural beauty to be found in its incredible reserves and parks. Bako National Park is one of the best places in Sarawak to see rainforest animals in their natural habitat and boasts spectacular coastal scenery. Semenggoh Nature Reserve and Sepilok Orangutan Centre act as sanctuaries for orangutans that have been rescued from captivity , whilst Mount Kinabalu National Park offers spectacular landscapes, beautiful scenic walking trails and lush tropical gardens. Jewel in the crown is the Kinabatangan River, one of the most exciting places to explore the rich biodiversity of Sabah offering an incredible opportunity to see a large range of wildlife including Borneo’s unique proboscis monkeys, the wild orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and countless rare and beautiful birds.

Don’t think it’s just about the natural attractions though on a holiday to Borneo. Kuching , the capital, has a very diverse ethnic mix including the native Iban people, Chinese and Malay as well as many other minority groups. Borneo’s most stylish and sophisticated city brings together a multitude of cultures, crafts and cuisines. Wander down the waterfront promenade, and soak up the individual culture by ambling through the contrasting modern and colonial streets.

The Iban people, mostly located in Sarawak, have long been considered a fearsome and strong tribe, notorious for their history of headhunting. Traditionally living in basic accommodation called longhouses, more recently these dwellings have progressed along with modern technology, with some even having access to electricity and internet. A meeting with these unique people may well turn out to be the highlight of your holiday Borneo.

Top Holidays to Borneo

As the UK's Number 1 Specialist Tour Operator to Asia we know what it takes to create a memorable holiday to Borneo. Our Borneo tours are fully inclusive of flights, accommodations , all transportation, hotels, meals, guiding and entrance fees. 

Best of Borneo

Best places to see in Borneo

Bako national park, kota kinabalu, semenggoh nature reserve, award-winning guiding....

All of our holidays in Borneo are accompanied by a dedicated National Escort throughout. We task them with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, inspired and entertained and they respond with Gusto! Guiding you through the intricacies and eccentricities of the Malaysian way of doing things with expert ease.

All of our National Escorts in Borneo...

• Have a minimum of five years experience in guiding
• Are fluent in English
• Are unparalleled experts, born and raised in the local area
• Go through rigorous and constant training
• Are at your service 24 hours a day

There is so much to explore in Malaysia, and I can help make that happen. Together we will experience Malaysia in its prime and with my knowledge, personality and professionalism, I can assure you this will be a trip of a lifetime.

I couldn’t speak more highly of our guide Selvam with his knowledge and professionalism— he was also great company.

Our Borneo Holiday Reviews

Awards are all well and good, but it's our customer feedback that means the most to us. We're proud that so many of our customers would be happy to recommend our Borneo holidays to their friends and family - that's all the accolade we need.

Review for Best of Borneo

Oct 29, 2023

Oct 16, 2023

Oct 09, 2023

May 22, 2023

May 20, 2023

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Hope in the Forest

Sensational southeast asia – what’s new for 2021, safari into asia: 6 great wildlife destinations, easy enquiry, congratulations, you have taken the first step of your journey.

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Big Interview: Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours

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Wendy Wu talks to Juliet Dennis about expanding in to South America, building a river cruise ship and watching Carry On films

It is not often you meet someone as full of passion, enthusiasm and determination as Wendy Wu.

Her company, Wendy Wu Tours, is 20 years old this year, and her excitement about the business is as fresh as the day she founded it.

Indeed, so keen is she to talk about her vision for the company that, as she talks animatedly, she accidentally knocks over her cup of tea. But she’s not about to start crying over spilt milk – or tea, for that matter – because to all intents and purposes the business couldn’t be in better shape; it is enjoying another record year and there is no end of new plans in the pipeline.

The operator reports growth of 75% over the past three years, with double-digit growth each year in revenue and passenger numbers.

Referring to 2018, Wu says: “We are in a record year in terms of revenue and profits. We are already ahead of last year and we still have six months of the year to go.”

The company is no stranger to growth. It recorded 26% year‑on‑year revenue growth both last year and in 2016. The hard graft has paid off, with the business making it into the top 10 of The Sunday Times’ Profit Track Ones To Watch list for 2018.

And the good news for agents is that within the business mix, trade and direct sales are growing at a similar rate. Wu says sales revenue from the trade has doubled over the past four years.

“Our trade business has been driven by having the right people in the business as well as new product,” she says.

Destinations

Since the business started in the UK in 2005 as a China specialist, it has broadened its product portfolio to mirror business out of its other markets, Australia and New Zealand.

Wu says it was a deliberate decision to focus purely on China out of the UK at first before embarking on new destinations.

After China, it set its sights on southeast Asia, then India – for which sales are up 100% year on year – and Japan before launching South America this year.

Wu believes the company’s ability to work with different cultures has helped it make a success of destinations such as Japan.

“The majority of operators have difficulties offering Japan but we had the know-how,” she says.

“Our Japan business took off. We used our knowledge of China and southeast Asia to help us overcome the challenges.”

South America is now the operator’s major new focus.

“We want South America to be as big as China for us,” Wu says. “South America is again a different culture and it will be a completely different challenge.”

It means developing relationships with new airlines to a destination in which it has no track record.

“It will take time,” admits Wu. “People might think we don’t know about South America because of the Wendy Wu Tours name, but if our call centre staff are knowledgeable we will be fine. We will overcome the challenges.”

If, as Wu hopes, the South America programme reaches the size of its China offering in five years, passenger carryings will be around double those of today.

Wu values the personal touch so highly that this week she is embarking on a seven-week trip through Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil with her two children to sample the product herself.

“That’s what makes us specialists and stand out,” she says.

“I will meet every DMC and look at how we can improve.”

The operator’s ambitious growth plans would also not be possible without the support of the trade, says Wu.

To this end, the company is putting much of its energy behind boosting its support for agents by restructuring its sales team.

The current team will double in size to eight, with the introduction of two business development executives reporting into four existing business development managers, a new global destination management company and key account manager role and a further member of staff in its head office trade support team.

“We value the trade fully and want to give it added focus as part of our growth plan,” Wu adds.

Not only will agents hear and see more of Wendy Wu’s team on the road, the operator has also just joined Tipto, which will enable it to showcase its broader product range to a larger base of agents. Wu hopes joining the marketing body will help the operator spread the word about its destinations to agents who currently only book China through the company.

Agents already have the chance to go on discounted trips to experience its destinations, and apply for a place on four or five group educationals each year.

It is normal practice for business development managers to contact agents who have made an enquiry to see if they can help them close a sale. The operator launched a bookable website a year ago and encourages agents to book online for an extra 0.5% commission.

It’s not just South America that Wu is focused on. The company has just put together its first “medical tourism” tour, is planning dedicated solos trips and is building its first river cruise ship, the $10 million The Mekong (Travel Weekly, July 5), in a venture co-funded by a Vietnamese firm.

“We always wanted to have our own ship,” says Wu. “It’s both very exciting and a challenge.”

The ship, to be sold through Wendy Wu Tours and third-party operators, is due to sail from 2020. And Wu has one more project up her sleeve for this year.

In September, the company will launch the Wendy Wu Foundation. This, she says, will enable the company to fund projects in its destinations and give staff and customers an incentive to generate more revenue for good causes.

It will also provide a legacy for Wu in recognition of her business’s achievements and commitment to helping the destinations it sells.

Perhaps, then, Wu will sit down and relax for five minutes over a cup of tea. Yet somehow that seems unlikely.

60 seconds with Wendy Wu

Q. What’s the last book you read? A. Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography

Q. Where is your favourite holiday destination? A. Nine Villages Valley in Jiuzhaigou, is one of China’s most beautiful secrets. It’s dotted with Tibetan villages with a backdrop of snow‑capped peaks, crystal‑clear turquoise lakes and waterfalls. It’s a very personal place for me and somewhere I go to switch off, recharge, refresh and be at one with nature.

Q. What do you enjoy doing on holiday? A. The perfect holiday for me is a mix of mountains, lakes and nature. I love walking and taking long hikes through the forest.

Q. What do you do in your spare time? A. I love reading, watching films and hosting dinner parties. I enjoy cooking for people.

Q. What’s your guilty pleasure? A. I’m a huge fan of Carry On films. One of my favourites is Carry On Cruising.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working in travel? A. It’s a happy, fun and creative industry with the opportunity to meet wonderful people and see amazing destinations.

Q. What one thing about the industry would you change? A. Expectation. Travel is a fun industry but sometimes we forget how important it is to continuously strive for growth and development in all we do.

Q. What job did you want to do when you were at school? A. I wanted to be Bill Gates’ PA.

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View comments, third of families searching for cheaper term-time holidays, study claims, emerald cruises offers fam trip spots in latest incentive, disney releases interactive cruise sales app for agents, club med to ‘intensify’ trade focus this year, jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

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