Wendy Wu Tours, the UK's leading and award-winning touring specialist, has launched a new 'Travel with Confidence' initiative, the most thorough and comprehensive travel safety programme available to travellers taking a long-haul holiday from the UK. Developed in consultation with the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation), WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) as well as local government regulations across Asia and South America, the new safety protocols cover every element of the holiday experience from accommodation and dining to transport and sightseeing as well as customers' health and safety both overseas and on return to the UK. Since its launch, just over six weeks ago, the operator has seen exceptional demand for long-haul travel over the next two years, a key factor prompting expansion. In a bid to meet this demand, Wendy Wu Tours has expanded its long-haul travel offering for 2021/2022 with a new collection of specialist holidays that includes a staggering 150 holidays across Japan, Southeast Asia, India, China and NEW dedicated programmes to Central Asia and the Middle East, South America and Antarctica as well as a NEW Cruise & Beach programme in Vietnam, which, alongside Japan and South Korea, carries full 'air bridge' status by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, acknowledging these destinations as three of the safest long-haul places to travel in the world. The operator is seeing an unprecedented demand from solo travellers, an increase of over 68% year on year, and is launching a NEW series of dedicated Solo Tours across its flagship holidays, all of which benefit from smaller group sizes, VIP airport chauffeur service and airport lounge access. 

As a gesture of goodwill, given the unprecedented times everyone has faced, the touring specialist is giving everyone the unique opportunity to fly their partner for FREE to Asia and South America throughout 2021 and 2022, saving up to £800 per couple, or, if travelling solo, to receive a 50% saving on the airfare. In addition, the operator has a range of exceptional offers across 2021/2022 departures including FREE Business Class upgrades with Finnair (worth up to £800 per person); FREE British Airways World Traveller Plus return flight upgrades (worth up to £600 per person) or FREE Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy upgrades (worth up to £300 per person). All holidays are covered by Wendy Wu's 'Flexible Booking Guarantee' where all holidays and can be booked with just a £99 deposit, free amendments and final balance payment at six weeks before departure. 

Commenting on the demand, Wendy Wu, founder and CEO Wendy Wu Tours said: “A recent survey of our customers cited 'safety' as their number one travel concern. The desire for travel is strong, in fact Japan, Vietnam and Central Asia, came out as the top 'must see' destinations for 2021 and beyond, however the safety element is a priority. We took all of these concerns on-board and, over the last six months, have been in consultation with our team, guides, ground handlers as well as local overseas governments, and have developed a pioneering and fully comprehensive set of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, in line with UNWTO, WTTC and WHO regulations, which are by far the most comprehensive in the industry.” Ms Wu goes on to say: “We know how difficult this time has been for everyone and its impact on travel plans which is why we've taken the unprecedented decision to go all out and give our customers a range of unique offers, quite frankly the best in the industry, across all 2021 and 2022 holidays, such as the opportunity to fly partners for free to Asia and South America plus a range of business class, World Traveller Plus and Premium Economy flight upgrades. In addition we've expanded our holiday collection to give customers more choice, such as our new programmes in Central Asia and the Middle East as well as South America and Antarctica, a first for Wendy Wu Tours. We've seen a real upturn in demand from solo travellers which is why we've developed a comprehensive range of solos-only departures on all of our most popular tours as well as offering solo travellers a 50% saving off airfares throughout 2021 and 2022.”

Highlights from the new collection include:

JAPAN

NEW 21-day 'Japan by Rail' (from £8,990pp) – UK's first epic three-week, three island, fully inclusive rail journey in Japan covering the length and breadth of Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido. The ultimate Japan rail adventure following the most scenic train journeys in Japan, this holiday is a journey through Japan's iconic and breathtaking interior and coastline, from the vibrant and cosmopolitan Tokyo, the serenity and grandeur of Kyoto's temples, to the snow-capped mountains of Sapporo and the snow monkeys in the North, and Mount Fuji. 

NEW 11-day 'Experience Japan' (from £5,590pp) the perfect holiday for your first visit all within an easily manageable 11-day timeframe. In addition to the all of the 'must see' sights such as Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mount Fuji and Tokyo, this holiday includes a range of fully immersive experiences, all set against a backdrop of Japan's breathtaking natural scenery, including a lake cruise overlooking Mount Fuji, a spiritual walk through the Arashiyama bamboo forest and of course, time with the captivating snow monkeys in Nagano. 

Flagship tours include the 17-day 'Japan Uncovered' (from £6,990pp). Covering the length and breadth of Honshu, from the vibrant Osaka, Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, to Hiroshima and bullet train to Kyoto. North to Takayama via Kanazawa before heading into the Japanese Alps to witness the Snow Monkeys, Mount Fuji and the scenic wonders of the Fuji Five Lakes area. May departures include the spectacular Shibazakura Festival which sees the base of Mount Fuji transformed into a wash of pink as more than 800,000 moss phlox bloom. Selected May and September departures include entrance to a traditional sumo wrestling tournament. 

The 11-day 'Jewels of Japan' (from £5,290pp) is the quintessential classic Japan tour. In Kyoto, experience the timeless traditions of ancient Japan in the geisha district of Gion before taking a bullet train to Hiroshima and the emotive Peace Memorial Park and Museum. A boat trip to the symbolic island of Miyajima and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine is just one of the many iconic sights on this tour. 

ALL NEW COLLECTION for 2021/2022 – CENTRAL ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

This brand new and first ever collection includes 10 new classic tours throughout Central Asia and the Middle East and four more adventurous 'go beyond tours' in Central Asia. 

CENTRAL ASIA

NEW 12-day 'Ultimate Uzbekistan' (from £3,090pp) takes you on a magnificent journey from Tashkent to Nukus, and on to the well-preserved city of Khiva, before heading off to the historic city of Bukhara. From Bukhara it's an epic train journey to Samarkand, the oldest city in Central Asia and one of the oldest cities in the world. Highlights include – visiting the Toprak Kala Fortress, exploring Bukhara's monuments and Samarkand, one of the most important sites on the Silk Road.  

NEW 11-day 'Gems of Georgia' (from £2,490pp) where Europe meets Asia, Georgia has a unique and ancient cultural heritage, famed for its traditions of hospitality and cuisine. From the capital Tbilisi to historic Kutaisi, through the Caucasus Mountains to the alpine highland townlet of Mestia, this is one epic journey of considerable proportions. Highlights include – exploring the Svetitskhaveli Cathedral, cable car to Narikala Fortress and Vardzia, city of caves.

More adventurous, off the beaten track tours include the 27-day 'Journey through Central Asia' (from £6,690pp), 22-day 'Road to Samarkand' (from £5,090pp), 23-day 'Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan' (from £4,260pp) and epic 21-day 'Mongolia & Naadam Festival' (from £5,990pp). 

MIDDLE EAST

NEW 8-day 'Journey through Jordan' (from £2,490pp) at the crossroads to the Middle East, this journey travels from Amman to Petra, Jordan's magnificent rock-hewn city and to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum. Highlights include – a chariot race in Jerash, stay in a unique desert camp in Wadi Rum and time to rejuvenate at the end of the trip in the Dead Sea. 

NEW 11-day 'Dreams of Egypt' (from £3,090pp) experience everything Egypt has to offer, from the Pyramids of Giza to a 5-star Nile cruise and the extraordinary Valley of the Kings. Highlights include – Temple of Karnak, tombs in Luxor's 'City of the Dead', Mediterranean port city of Alexandria. 

NEW 8-day 'Ancient Israel' (from £2,590pp) at the crossroads of three continents and only marginally bigger than Wales, Israel is renowned for its exceptionally rich history and its extraordinary range of ecosystems from the snow-capped peaks in the North, fertile plains along the Mediterranean and southern deserts. Travel from Tel Aviv, along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, taking in the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and the Garden of Gethsemane, both in Palestinian territory, and on to Jerusalem. Highlights include – ancient port city of Jaffa, cable car to Masada Fortress and authentic Shabbat dinner. 

NEW 8-day 'Deserts & Dunes' (from £2,990pp) from the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands to dazzling Muscat, the port city on the Gulf of Oman, to the historic town of Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains, Oman has it all. Travel from Muscat to Wahiba Sands, on to Nizwa, the oasis village of Bahla, finishing in Bilad Sayt before returning to Muscat. Highlights include – a Dhow cruise in Muscat, the souq of Nizwa and 4WD journey on the dunes of Wahiba Sands. 

Combination tours include – 18-day 'Egypt & Jordan Adventure' (from £4,990pp), 15-day 'Jordan & Israel Discovery' (from £4,390pp) and 25-day 'Egypt, Jordan & Israel Explored' (from £6,990pp).

SOUTHEAST ASIA 

NEW 21-day 'Thailand & Mekong Experience' (from £4,690pp) including four night cruise on one of the newest, most contemporary river cruise ships on the Mekong, the magnificent 'Victoria Mekong' – as part of the 'go beyond' series this is the first Wendy Wu group tour to combine Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Including the cities of Saigon and Bangkok as well as the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, plus a Thai vineyard tour, wildlife safari in Kui Buri National Park and time spent at a respite and care centre for elephants, this tour comprises all the very best from these amazing three countries. 

Flagship Victoria Mekong cruises include the 14-day 'Mekong Experience' (from £3,190pp), 17-day Classic Mekong (from £3,990pp) and 22-day 'Mekong Explorer' (from £4,490pp) as well as an extension (pre or post tour) on all Southeast Asia tours. 

The Victoria Mekong is also included on the NEW Cruise & Beach programme, with cruising holidays incorporating flexible-length beach breaks on the island of Phu Quoc, home to some of the best stretches of sand in Vietnam. *Prices on request.

NEW 21-day 'Philippines Discovery' (from £3,390pp) -  another new 'go beyond' tour focussing on the second-largest archipelago in the world (after Indonesia), comprised of stunning tropical beaches, rainforests, mountains, ancient tribal villages and terraced rice paddies, the Philippines is paradise on earth.  Highlights include – ascending Mount Pinatubo to reach its stunning blue crater lake, hiking the Hapao World Heritage rice terraces and journeying through Luzon's Northern Highlands to Sagada's hanging coffins and the UNESCO-listed city of Vigan, the best-preserved example of a Spanish colonial town in Asia. 

Flagship Southeast Asia tours include the iconic 17-day 'Angkor to the Bay' (from £3,490pp), 12-day 'Vietnam at a Glance' (from £2,490pp), 13-day 'Thailand Highlights' (from £2,690pp) and 15-day 'Around Cambodia' (from £2,390pp).

INDIA & SRI LANKA

NEW 9-day 'Kerala Experience' (from £1,990pp) on the Malabar Coast, Kerala is India's hidden gem, a breathtaking land of palm-fringed backwaters, abundant wildlife, pristine beaches and home to some of the best food in India. From Kochi, your journey transports you to Munnar with its waterfalls, wildlife reserves and tea stations. In Thekkady visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to India's largest tiger and elephant reserve, then it's pure relaxation with a cruise on a Kettuvalam, Kerala's traditional houseboat, through the backwaters, paddy fields and lakeside villages before heading back to Kochi. 

NEW 11-day 'Northern Sri Lanka Explorer' (from £2,490pp) just off the southern tip of India, Palm-fringed beaches, a mountainous interior, jungle hinterland and cool highlands, famous for its tea, make Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Travel from Colombo to Anuradhapura, experiencing a jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park, famed for its elephant, sloth bear and leopard population. Learn how Buddhism made its mark on the island whilst visiting the sacred Buddhist centres, Brazen Palace and Kantharodia Temple. In Kandy learn how the world's tea is grown and produced whilst soaking in the atmosphere of the biodiverse rainforests. 

Flagship India tours include the bestselling 14-day 'Inspiring India' (from £2,490pp), 10-day 'Golden Triangle' (from £2,090pp) and 18-day 'Highlights of India' (from £3,690pp).

LATIN AMERICA & ANTARCTICA (NEW)

NEW 21-day 'Treasures of South America' (from £7,490pp) the ultimate trip if you're heading to South America for the first time and want to ensure you experience all the 'must see' sights, or even revisiting and this time want to see all the highlights of this amazing continent. Starting in Peru, this journey takes you from Lima to the Sacred Valley and the breathtaking Machu Picchu, to Cusco and to Lake Titicaca, via train across the Andean altiplano. In Argentina, Buenos Aires captivates as the vibrant districts of La Boca and San Telmo enthral with their tango street performances. After a day trip to Uruguay it's off to one of the world's most iconic waterfalls, Iguazu Falls, with days at both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the cascade. The journey climaxes in Rio de Janeiro with visits to Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. 

NEW 13-day 'Ecuador Highlights' (from £3,090pp) bordered by the Pacific, Ecuador boasts stunning coastline and fantastic wildlife as well as the snow-capped Andes. From the capital city, Quito, travel across the Andes to Otavalo, experiencing Andean handicrafts and traditional folk music, to the thermal spring pools in Papallacta. A journey along the Avenue of Volcanoes takes you to Cotopaxi National Park, one of the ecological wonders of the world. From the Inca fortress of Ingapirca it's off to Cuenca, Ecudaor's magnificent colonial city, and then a stay in Quayaquil before returning home. 

Flagship tours include the 14-day 'Chile: Top to Toe' (from £5,590pp) and 15-day 'Panoramic Peru' (from £4,190pp)

ANTARCTICA – NEW FOR 2021/2022 – FOUR ONCE IN A LIFETIME ANTARCTICA EXPERIENCES 

For the first time, Wendy Wu Tours is offering four, new, Antarctica cruises to book either as standalone holidays or as extensions to a trip to Latin America. 

NEW 8-day 'Antarctica Express Fly Cruise' (from £12,800pp) prefer a swifter route across the legendary Drake Passage? On this cruise you'll 'fly the drake', transforming what would be a two-day sailing from Argentina into a two-hour flight from Patagonia to the gates of the White Continent. After landing in the South Shetland Islands your ship awaits for a breathtaking journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. On board a collection of the world's greatest lecturers will deepen your understanding of the glaciology and wildlife of the region. 

NEW 20-day 'Totality in Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands' (from £20,900pp) witness the next biggest eclipse of the sun visible from earth in December 2021 from Antarctica. This trip is unlike any other, including hiking across the Antarctic landscape, visiting a remote research station to understand the movement of the ice shelfs, witnessing penguins, seals and whales in South Georgia as well as the truly magnificent solar eclipse in the skies over Antarctica. 

The new Antarctica collection also includes the 11-day 'Antarctic Explorer' (from £10,700pp) and 16-day 'South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula' (from £16,600pp)

CHINA

NEW 15-day 'China in Style' (from £5,290pp) a new and unique way to experience all the very best that China has to offer, staying in handpicked 5 star hotels – including VIP walking tour with champagne on the Great Wall; exclusive reception with the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 plus an opportunity to take part in a simulated excavation at the Han Yang Ling Mausoleum. Meet the pandas at Chengdu Panda Centre before embarking on a luxurious, five-star Yangtze River cruise. The trip climaxes in a stay in cosmopolitan Shanghai and VIP dinner at Cloud 9 in Jim Mao Tower, renowned for the best views of the Pudong skyline. 

NEW 14-day 'Sichuan & Yangtze Delights' (from £3,190pp) one of China's best kept secrets, Sichuan province is relatively undiscovered, comprising one of the largest natural and greenest habitats in China, its renowned for its historical relics, natural wonders and healing properties, and known to the Chinese as 'heaven on earth'. This trip has it all - the incredible World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, visits to the Three Bridges National Park and Fairy Mountain in Wulong, a Yangtze River Cruise downstream through the Three Gorges as well as a very special trip to see the pandas in Chengdu. The trip climaxes with a visit to see the Terracotta Warriors, walking on the Great Wall and tours of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. 

Flagship tours include the 16-day 'Wonders of China' (from £3,460pp), 9-day 'In Pursuit of Pandas' (from £2,390pp) and 14-day 'Majestic Yangtze' (from £2,890pp). 

Tailormade Holidays – our specialist tailormade team are on hand to create personal and bespoke holidays across the entire holiday collection. 

Extensions and stopovers – extend your holiday with a stopover and extension, either pre or post tour, on any of the touring collection. 

Visit www.wendywutours.co.uk for more information on the Wendy Wu's new 'Travel With Confidence' programme, new 2021/2022 holiday collection and special offers as well as full terms and conditions. 

Ends

Why travel with Wendy Wu Tours? 

With over 20 years' experience, Wendy Wu Tours is recognised as market leaders in specialist travel to Asia and South America. The company offers a portfolio of group, private, solo and tailormade tours in over 40 countries across Asia and South America. All tours come with a fully inclusive price with no hidden extras and include the best award-winning guides in the business. In addition to all major airport gateways, you can choose to fly from many regional airports, again returning to the airport of your choice. There's no visa hassle with Wendy Wu Tours as we have a dedicated visa reception team who will take care of everything for you, plus the service is included in the holiday price. With a team of highly trained consultants, all of whom have travelled extensively throughout Asia and South America, on hand to help you every step of the way it's no wonder that Wendy Wu Tours continually receive outstanding customer satisfaction reports. ABTA, ATOL and IATA accreditation means every holiday booking is secure, giving full financial peace of mind. 

Our customers' safety and wellbeing is and has always been our highest priority. In the wake of COVID-19, stringent safety management processes have been incorporated into all of our holidays, ensuring the safety of our customers and local staff. These new measures include protection whilst travelling, sightseeing, at mealtimes and at hotels. Guided by the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) and WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) as well as local government regulations, our protocols include personal protection, extensive disinfecting as well as social distancing measures.

About Wendy Wu

Wendy Wu is the founder and CEO of the multi award-winning Wendy Wu Tours, the number one specialist tour operator to China, Japan and Vietnam in the UK and Australia. Established in 1998, and with offices in London, Sydney, Auckland, Beijing, Shanghai and Xian, Wendy Wu Tours operates escorted tours and tailor-made holidays in over 40 countries across Asia and South America. Alongside Sir Richard Branson, Wendy is a distinguished member of the esteemed British Travel Industry Hall of Fame, highly commended for her extraordinary commitment and achievements in shaping and inspiring the travel and tourism industry. Wendy is consistently acknowledged as one of the most influential women in travel in both the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Wendy has been a pioneer in making China and Japan accessible to everyone, having invented the world's first China e-Visa in 2019.

Wendy hails from a medical family, both her mother and father were senior doctors in China, and now lives in London. She is a frequent keynote speaker at travel industry, business and international news events and conferences in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. 

Media contact: 

Andy Eastham, Global Head of PR & Communications

andy.eastham@wendywutours.co.uk

07917 247546

Interviews with Wendy Wu, CEO Wendy Wu Tours, available on request