Wendy Wu Tours is adding extra capacity to all its Japan tours next year and in 2024 as it reports tours selling out “as soon as they go on sale”.
The operator is looking to add around 60 departures to existing Japan tours for spring and autumn 2023 and overall expects to carry 55% more passengers next year than in 2019. Its flagship tour, Japan Uncovered, will see the biggest capacity growth.
The move follows the lifting of entry restrictions for Japan, with the restoration of visa-free travel from October 11 this month and the removal of its inbound capacity cap on daily arrivals and relaxation of border controls.
The tour operator reported “an unprecedented surge” in late sales for this autumn to Japan as well as for tours in March and April 2023, with enquiry levels to the call centre and agent website up 170% in September compared with the previous month.
Founder Wendy Wu said September had been one of the operator’s “busiest months on record for Japan holiday bookings”.
She added: “Now with the lifting of restrictions and news of visa-free travel, we’re adding extra capacity to all tours in 2023 and 2024 as tours are literally selling out as soon as they go on sale.
“We’re seeing an unprecedented surge for late getaways this autumn to see Japan’s spectacular autumn colours as well as a rush for tours in March and April 2023, to witness Japan’s spring cherry blossom festival, and encourage everyone to take advantage of this extraordinary quiet time before tourism numbers exceed previous years.”
She described the reopening of the destination as “fantastic news”, adding: “We have been working hand in hand with the Japanese government and National Tourist Board to prepare for this and it’s so exciting to finally see this happening and reignite Japan’s place on the global tourism stage.”
The operator is encouraging agents to promote Japan as a good destination to visit now with the Japanese yen at its lowest level against the dollar in almost a quarter of a century and visitor numbers still “well below” normal numbers.
Wendy Wu Tours was granted a special early exemption by the Japanese government and Japanese National Tourism Office to become one of the first companies to return to Japan at the start of September as a group tour operator.
Currently, international tourists require proof of a Covid triple vaccination or proof of a negative Covid test on arrival.
Wendy Wu Tours has just released its new 2023-2024 Japan holiday programme in print and digitally with a launch offer of free flights to Japan and half price flight single supplements, saving up to £400, on selected tours booked by October 31, 2022.