Wendy Wu Tours South Africa is shutting up shop. The GSA for the brand in South Africa has stopped taking new bookings and has confirmed it will be giving up its licence to sell Wendy Wu-branded travel packages. But, stressed a spokesperson for the GSA, existing bookings will be honoured.
Irene Ferreira, Director and Shareholder of SA Reynolds Travel, which holds the Wendy Wu South Africa licence, told Travel News on Monday (September 19) that the Wendy Wu SA office would close. Ferreira said the decision was based on difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic, including challenges about travel to China, the rate of exchange against foreign currencies, and availability.
Ferreira told Travel News that, during the SA market’s recovery from COVID-19, the tour operator had experienced a high number of unqualified enquiries from customers who later booked direct. “Unfortunately, with all the challenges we are faced with, we no longer find keeping the Wendy Wu office viable.”
Ferreira stressed that all existing bookings would be honoured and were safe. Quotes are also still valid. Rene Swart, Manager of Wendy Wu South Africa until now, is still available to convert any quotes that were issued previously. However, new bookings will be dealt with by Wendy Wu’s office in the UK. Ferreira added: “Should any agent require Wendy Wu Tours and any assistance, they are welcome to contact the UK office.”
Swart, regarded as an Asia expert, will move into Reynolds Travel’s leisure department. The directors hope she will help to grow that side of the company’s leisure business.
Meanwhile, trade partners have described a serious shortage of Asia specialists, and problems with accessibility as the world comes out of COVID. China’s tourism industry also continues to suffer from strict lockdowns and very little air access.
Agents recommended Trafalgar Tours and Thompsons Holidays for Asia and surrounding areas.
Thompsons Holidays also holds the GSA for Tour East in South Africa. However, Joanne Adolphe, Cullinan Outbound Tourism CEO, said packages for China, Hong Kong and Vietnam were not available yet. She said, while China was still mostly off-limits, flights were also proving to be an issue for tourism to Thailand and other Eastern destinations.
