Wendy Wu reports booking surge as Japan prepares to open borders

Asia specialist Wendy Wu Tours said it has seen a surge in Japan bookings following the announcement the country will ease Covid restrictions next month.

The operator has reported a 170% increase in enquiries in the last week, as Japan prepares to drop quarantine and airport testing rules for arrivals from countries in its “low-rate group”, which includes the UK, from June 1.

Nearly 75% of the enquiries reportedly came from agents, as demand for autumn 2022 and spring 2023 tours surges, prompting the operator to add more than 600 seats to its cherry blossom tours, which it warned are “selling out in record times”.

More: Japan to trial small group tours ahead of border reopening

Wendy Wu is currently offering free flights to Japan on all departures in 2022 and 2023 for tours booked by June 6, 2022.

Chief executive Glen Mintrim said: “Japan has taken a very positive move in relaxing its Covid requirements for UK travellers from June 1, as well as increasing the daily number of international arrivals into the country from 10,000 to 20,000.

“With demand at an all-time high and tours selling out within days of going on sale, we encourage agents to book for their customers now to avoid disappointment whilst prices are competitive.”