For a company that began with an ad posted in a local paper offering an intimate tour through China, Wendy Wu has certainly come a long way in 23 years.
And for CEO Joe Karbo, the company is only just taking off.
Speaking to Travel Weekly, Karbo said that more than anything, Wendy Wu Tours is a company with a sharp focus on its customers.
When talking about the company’s goals for the year, Karbo insisted: “Understanding your customer is going to be the key to future success.”
As well as this, a relationship to trade is imperative.
“We have a strong commitment to trade and we believe it’s stronger than ever.”
Adding, “airlines are our main partners and were conscious of who we work with”.
Wendy Wu Tours’ recently launched online platform is also a strong focus of the company.
“We’re really proud of our robust online booking site.”
“Gone are the days of tour dossiers, now search experiences are online.”
“Our website experience is seamless, and travel agents and consumers are now able to book a tour in less than two minutes,” he added.
The website has also allowed the company to delve deeper into different demographics.
“The website is definitely attractive to younger travellers,” Karbo said.
Speaking of the site, Karbo also noted that “product innovation is completely necessary” to a company.
As well as products, Karbo said the company is extremely happy with the “double-digit commissions” available to agents.
“We have double-digit commissions for travel agents, we have a variety of products that every travel agent can sell.”
According to Karbo, agents can receive the double-digit commissions by “packaging tours together, organising visa and meals and plenty of other selling points.
The company is currently operating with a 70 per cent return rate and for Wendy Wu Tours customers, Japan is a country whose popularity is growing to new, unforeseen heights.
When speaking about the industry, Karbo was quick to point out that Wendy Wu Tours does not “sit down and compare the company to others.”
“Every company knows areas they need to work on its about improving what you do,” he added.
Overall, he is excited about the year ahead.
“Travel is the most competitive industry in the world and yet, we know all companies feel optimistic about 2018.”
“We are at the forefront of enticing customers.”
“Travel is the greatest gift in the world, its an experience, not material,” he said.
