Wendy Wu tours reinstates China Visa processing

Edited by Travel Weekly

Wendy Wu Tours has confirmed that it will reinstate China Visa processing on behalf of its clients – effective immediately.

It is the first time that the Chinese Visa Centre has granted this privilege to a touring company in Australia since 2018 in what can be described as an ‘exclusive arrangement’, brokered by Wendy Wu Tours in Sydney.

London based company founder, Wendy Wu, who is currently visiting Australia on business, said the landmark arrangement represents a positive turning point for the industry and China’s ongoing tourism recovery.

“This is a major milestone from a tourism perspective,” said Wu.

“Wendy Wu Tours is the first touring company to be granted the statute to apply on behalf of customers, meaning travellers no longer must make an appointment, travel in person and queue to lodge it. In my view, it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated updates to be made since China first removed travel restrictions and reopened its borders on 15 March 2023. A big, positive step to revive tourism from Australia to China.”

As the number one specialist travel company to China from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, Wendy Wu Tours has been closely involved with China’s reopening since the beginning.

Seeing giant pandas in China is a common tourist activity

Wu said after talking with the Chinese government and reiterating the scale of the company’s commitment to the destination, she and her team are now excited for the opportunity to take action and finally resume processing travel visas on behalf of Australian travellers.

Although China’s fingerprinting requirements for Australian visitors has now ceased, many interested in booking a trip to China since March have been disillusioned with the time-consuming, 12-page visa application process. The situation was particularly inconvenient for clients based in regional towns and centres, located hours from the CBD.

“Entrusting a tour operator with the responsibility to lodge visa paperwork on behalf of clients is the next important step in recovery, and I consider it a win – not only for travellers but for all travel agents and outbound operators working so hard to kickstart visitation to the destination,” added Wu.

“It means less complication in accessing travel to China for Australians, encouraging those wanting to visit China for the first time following the pandemic to proceed with no complication.”

China, like the rest of the world, is being forced to recalibrate its tourism industry after years of border closures and COVID-19 restrictions.

CATO managing director, Brett Jardine, recently met with Wendy Wu, during her annual visit to Australia for an opportunity to discuss their perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the travel industry, particularly in light of the unprecedented challenges that have surfaced in recent years.

Wendy Wu and Brett Jardine

Reflecting on their discussion, Jardine remarked, “Despite these challenges, Wendy Wu’s unwavering optimism and her tireless commitment to the industry’s future were evident throughout their conversation.

“While candid in her assessment of the challenges faced in recent years, Wendy is truly an inspiration—always upbeat in her assessment of the future which is testament to her enduring impact on the travel industry.”

Wendy Wu expressed her ongoing dedication to the land-supply sector and her continued support for the important work undertaken by CATO. “Wendy Wu Tours has been a longtime supporting member of CATO and remains committed to supporting the sector-specific work undertaken by the organisation in representing Australian Tour Operators and wholesalers,” Wu emphasised.

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