A trusty trio of trade reps is urging agents to get pro-active in the current climes— after a flurry of bookings coming in for agents who are attending their events.
Wendy Wu Tours’ Paul Dymond, Steve Parker from Viking, and Thomas Gentz from Journey Beyond are in week three of their Travel Information Sessions by Land Rail and Sea around regional New Zealand—and say attendee numbers are exceeding expectations Dymond has reported new bookings for agents coming from every event.
“Some agents have fully embraced our presentations. One agency brought 28 clients to an event, another met a new client who booked a $25,000 trip on the night.”
. . . Trends
Dymond also says event demand for Wendy Wu’s longer China tours has exceeded expectations.
A new 21-day China Uncovered Classic itinerary ‘has been an instant hit, he adds. “This tour was only released last month, and it is now one of our top selling tours.”
Japan and Sri Lanka tours are also proving popular. Dymond adds that there is still available air capacity to China this year, despite the increase demand for China routings.
Journey Beyond is seeing strong demand for its luxe Australis and Aurora suites, introduced in early Apr on the Ghan and Indian Pacific, says Gentz.
The suites will also roll out on the Great Southern (BNE-ADL and vv) later this year.
“Remarkably, 97% of the suites have already been sold for travel in 2026, and 32% have been booked for travel in 2027,” he adds.
Viking’s Steve Parker notes an increased demand for closer to home departures along with extended segments of the Grand Pacific Explorer departure ex Vancouver to Auckland. But he says people are still locking 2027/28 sailings including Europe, Egypt and the Baltics.
The sessions include exclusive deals for clients coming to the event, available even if the agent can’t make it. “With what is going on in the world currently I am hearing it is a bit slow for new bookings in some cases,” says Dymond. “The Travel Information Sessions are helping to give confidence to clients to travel, and book now so they don’t miss out.” See more on the remaining sessions HERE.
