It’s all systems go at Wendy Wu Tours as the operator is poised and ready to resume group tours to Japan, after a three-year hiatus.
With reports coming out that Japan will reopen its borders to package tours from June 10, this milestone represents one of the final, and undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated reopening’s for Asia tourism following the pandemic. Having experienced one of its busiest weeks, this week, for Japan bookings since 2019, the Japan specialist is ready to operate its first group tours, in over three years, as soon as the final all clear is given.
With demand for Japan touring at an all-time high, coupled with a backlog of tour departures from over three years, Wendy Wu Tours is preparing itself for one of the busiest times in its history. This week alone saw the operator receiving a staggering uptake of enquiries, up almost 170% up on the previous week, with nearly 75% of these enquiries from agents.
Commenting on the news, Glen Mintrim, chief executive at Wendy Wu Tours, said: “Wendy Wu Tours are ready to step into action as soon as we receive the green light from Japan, which is now imminent. The demand is astounding, particularly for spring cherry blossom tours in March and April 2023, so much so that the extra capacity we’ve added for 2023, and even into 2024, is selling out as quick as it goes on sale. We encourage all agents to book now before demand outstrips capacity.” Mintrim goes on to say: “Touring in Japan is going to be a whole new experience. The country has had three years without tourism to rejuvenate and refresh and so as preparations begin to reopen the borders, Japan is eagerly looking forward to welcoming visitors again, with a touring experience that promises to be as fresh and captivating, as one resembling 20 years ago.”
As it stands, and as currently reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, the entry requirements to Japan have been revised, starting 1 June, with all returning 98 countries sectioned into three groups, blue, yellow and red. For Wendy Wu Tours, this means that its three key source markets for travellers, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, all fall into the blue category, meaning regardless of vaccination status, on-arrival tests, quarantine, and other measures are not required. Pre-departure tests are required and must be within 72 hours from the date of sample collection to the flight departure time.
With departures in 2023 and 2024 selling out in record times, the operator is advising agents to book as soon as possible, to avoid disappointing customers, and to make the most of Japan’s reopening before capacity its reached. FREE flights to Japan, saving up to £400 per person, are also currently available on all tour departures in 2022 and 2023, bookable by 6 June 2022.
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