Travel Weekly gets advice on how to sell rail tours that provide an experiential way to get around Asia
1. Korea
Sue Livsey, head of InsideAsia tours, Inside Travel Group
Sue Livsey has been in the travel industry for more than 20 years, having previously held senior product and commercial positions at Inghams, Tui, Virgin Holidays and Abercrombie & Kent. She joined Inside Travel Group in January, helping agents sell sustainable cultural adventures.
“With the rise in popularity of K-culture, South Korea is one of the world’s most exciting destinations. The country has been our fastest-growing, representing almost 40% of InsideAsia’s cultural adventure bookings for 2024. But few know much about the country or culture beyond Seoul. Considering our heritage of small-group tours with InsideJapan, a group tour of South Korea seemed the next logical step.
The Soul of Korea tour introduces the country and unlocks windows on the culture with our insider guides and tour leaders. Guests travel on the sleek KTX train from Seoul across the country, staying in a traditional hanok guesthouse in the ancient Silla Kingdom capital of Gyeongju. They’ll meet a community in the village of Yandong, explore the seaside city of Busan and stay in Korea’s first Unesco City of Gastronomy, Jeonju.
Food plays a massive part in the culture, so you’ll rub shoulders with locals in restaurants and markets. This may be a small-group tour, but it offers a huge insight into Korean culture.”
Book it: The newly launched 10-day Soul of Korea tour costs from £2,895, including accommodation and transfers, but excluding flights. The maximum group size is 16.
insideasiatours.com
2. China
Gary King, head of trade sales, Wendy Wu Tours
Gary King took up his current position in May 2022, joining from Tui. Since starting at Wendy Wu Tours, which recently introduced its first dedicated rail programme, Gary has led the introduction of a new incentive and educational programme. He has more than three decades’ travel industry experience.
“Travelling by rail in China allows for seamless transitions between iconic destinations like the Great Wall and lesser-known gems such as the Silk Road’s ancient trading posts, giving travellers an authentic taste of China’s diversity without the hassle of internal flights or long road journeys.
Our 22-day China by Rail tour is an extraordinary journey that takes guests deep into China’s natural and cultural wonders from the comfort of high-speed trains. It’s ideal for those who seek a genuine and immersive adventure, where each stop reveals a new layer of China’s rich history and modernity.
What makes this journey stand out is its exclusive access to unique experiences, such as dining with local families and exploring untouched rural landscapes that few tourists ever get to see.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience designed to bring travellers closer to the heart of the country.”
Book it: Wendy Wu’s China by Rail tour starts from £5,540, including meals, accommodation and return flights from Heathrow, departing April 4, 2025.
wendywutours.co.uk
3. India
Phil Ellis, worldwide product manager, Titan Travel
Phil Ellis has worked for Titan Travel for nearly a decade. He has 20 years’ experience in the industry and was formerly product and commercial manager at Virgin Holidays. His areas of expertise include wildlife, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, China, the Middle East and Africa.
“India is a destination that gets under your skin. If you haven’t been before, it can be difficult and confusing to navigate. From the vastness of the country and its varied sights – be it majestic palaces or bustling cities – to serene waterways and lush jungles, it’s a spectacular place, and there’s something magical about crossing it by rail. It always reminds me of a bygone era.
Visitors can get a taste of that golden age on our escorted Great Indian Rail Journey tour, accompanied by knowledgeable guides. Clients will experience six incredible railway journeys, taking in the Golden Triangle, from Delhi to Agra to Jaipur. They will watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal and search for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
They will even ride a steam train in the foothills of the Himalayas in spiritual Shimla, taking in ancient forts and vibrant bazaars along the way. Meals, international flights, guided tours and excursions are included, as well as a VIP home pick-up service, so clients can budget in the key elements from the start.”
Book it: The 16-day Great Indian Rail Journey tour starts at £2,895, including accommodation, transfers, some meals and return flights from Heathrow, departing April 1, 2025.
titantravel.co.uk
