China specialist Wendy Wu Tours has developed an interactive map to help consumers weigh up the options and find suitable holidays.
The interactive tool is designed to bring the destination to life for customers highlighting tourist attractions across the country and the distances from large cities.
Managing director Manuel Mascarenhas said China was on consumers’ wishlist but that they did not really understand the destination in depth.
The interactive map offers 30 icons of landmarks and other points of interest which enable customers to click and find detailed information, tips from experts and images.
The plan is to add video content in the next few months as well as encourage customers to talk about their experiences online and post reviews.
Mascarenhas also said the operator is about to appoint a new technology supplier following a tendering process.
“We had to take the leap of faith in terms of investment because our existing technology was hindering expansion plans. The challenge is to sell from a single inventory but operate as three distinct businesses.”
The system will initially be extended to the UK and Australia followed by the US later this year.
The map will also be used for agent training and the company is about to start a series of national workshops for about 40 key agents and covering a couple of venues every week. Mascarenhas said the operator hoped to hold about 14 of the half-day sessions to train agents on the benefits of escorted tours.