Travel Impressions has added Asia to its destination portfolio, recently launching escorted China trips with new partner, Wendy Wu Tours. At the recent Travel Impressions appreciation dinner for travel agents and suppliers, held at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., excitement about the new partnership persisted throughout the evening.
During his dinner presentation, Mark Grundy, president of Wendy Wu Tours, discussed the distinguishing qualities of traveling to China with Wendy Wu. Grundy explained that all departures are guaranteed; coach space is kept intimate with the group tour capacity set at 28 people; private tours and extensions to Hong Kong are available; and that the company procures travel Visas for its tour participants. Grundy also discussed the commission power of booking a trip with Wendy Wu Concierge, the company’s high-end brand. In October, Wendy Wu Tours will grow its offerings from five to 10 itineraries for Travel Impressions, a sign of the growth of China as a destination.
“Melissa [Krueger, senior director of sales for Travel Impressions] was telling me about her young daughter, who is studying Chinese in school,” said Grundy. “I think that’s something to latch onto — China is not a little destination anymore. It’s about to become a very huge destination.”
Travel Impressions is offering an additional 1 percent commission bonus on all Wendy Wu bookings as well as a 5 percent commission on all published airfares to China. The travel agent who books the most trips to China from Aug. 8 - Nov. 30 will receive a trip for two to the country.
