Ex-Tui executive Gary King has been named head of trade sales at Wendy Wu Tours in the first of a series of new recruits.
He will lead the company’s development and accelerated growth in the trade, along with the team of business development managers, reporting to global chief executive Glen Mintrim.
King has more than 30 years of travel experience, both in the UK and overseas, having held senior roles within the Tui, including as European retail and franchising director. He was instrumental in increasing store efficiency and modernising the agent experience throughout the group.
His appointment at the escorted tours specialist is described as “the first of several”.
More: Wendy Wu Tours adds Japan departure as country prepares to reopen
King will spearhead the introduction and growth of Wendy Wu’s new incentives and educational programme, including a new ‘Wu Breakaways’ scheme.
Mintrim said: “The trade has been fully supportive of us over the last 18 months, and now that borders have reopened and travel is back, our commitment to our agents and trade partners has never been stronger.
“We’re supporting our agents and responding to the demand by strengthening and developing our trade team, with a series of new roles that come in to play over the next 12 months.
“Gary’s appointment is the first of these integral new roles and with his track record and international experience, we are thrilled to have him on board.”
King added: “Wendy Wu Tours has a deserved reputation as the leading touring specialists across Asia, Central Asia and now in Europe. I’m delighted to join the team at this very exciting time in the travel industry, and see this as a tremendous opportunity to grow the team and develop our extremely important trade business as well our commitment to strengthening our relationships with key agents and partners.
“Wendy Wu’s brand, values and proven delivery models are facets I have respected throughout my entire career, and I am excited to be on board and part of this outstanding team that will take the touring experience for our agents to the next level.”