Wendy Wu Tours is to run its first megafam for 100 agents to China in May.
The group, which will be made up of agents from the UK, Australia and New Zealand, will visit Zhangjiajie, the backdrop for the film Avatar, and delegates will “be treated like royalty every step of the way”, according to founder Wendy Wu, who will also join the trip.
She said the agents – a mixture of high street retailers and homeworkers – will stay in the best hotels and have the finest experiences, including seeing world class shows, directed by Zhangyimou, director of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Starting in Chang Sha, voted as the number one city in China for nightlife, the group will then travel to Zhangjiajie where they will walk over the suspended glass walkway, zipline into the middle of the valley, ascend the mountain in a rocket lift and try a virtual reality hot air balloon ride.
They will also take in a boat ride on the Boafeng Lake and watch shows staged inside Heaven’s Gate Cave leading to Tianmen Mountain, incorporating singing, dancing and acrobatics.
“We will have a full banquet afterwards. It’s going to blow our agent partners away,” said Wu. “The scenery and the atmosphere is just spectacular.”
Wu revealed details of the trip at an event held at its new offices in London.
Designed to “empower travel agents with in-depth knowledge and confidence in specialist touring”, the ‘Introduction to Specialist Touring’ event last month saw more than 70 agents learn about Wendy Wu Tours’ destinations and the diverse touring styles within its collection.
Agents were presented with certificates and future booking incentives, recognising their induction into the new agent touring group, with the evening culminating with an array of Chinese cuisine.
Gary King, head of trade sales at Wendy Wu Tours, said: “It was an absolute thrill to witness the agents immerse themselves in the world of specialist touring. Our dedication to nurturing their talents is unwavering, and this event is just the beginning of a transformative journey we are excited to share with our travel partners.”
Claire Brighton, director of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas), added: “Wendy Wu Tours’ initiative is a significant step forward for the industry. Equipping agents with such expertise is pivotal for the growth of the touring and adventure sector, offering travellers more nuanced and enriching travel options.”
Wendy Wu Tours plans to maintain momentum from the event by engaging with attendees over the next three months, providing access to the ‘Wuniversity’ training portal and planning a subsequent event later in the year.
“This strategic focus underscores the importance of equipping agents with the tools to sell specialist touring effectively, ushering in a new era of travel expertise,” Wu added.