Wendy Wu Tours and Explore Worldwide have both reported big increases in interest for China since the start of the current series of the BBC’s Race Across the World.
Wendy Wu Tours said enquiries have ‘skyrocketed’ by 300% since the show started five weeks ago.
This series – the fifth – sees teams travel through China, Nepal and India. The opening episode attracted 5.9 million viewers, the highest opener in any of the five series.
For the first time this year, sales for China have ‘leapfrogged’ Japan and the two are Wendy Wu Tours’ joint top-selling destinations for 2025.
Explore Worldwide has seen a 211% uplift in searches for China, a 41% increase in searches to Nepal and 39% increase in searches to India since series five started.
Wendy Wu Head of Trade Sales at Wendy Wu Tours Gary King said: “It’s a powerful moment for the touring sector – interest in Asia is surging and translating directly into bookings. Agents tell us customers are walking in with eyes wide open, asking about the places they’ve seen on screen. With our broad portfolio and specialist expertise, they’re converting that inspiration into real bookings.”
“Our current special offers are the best we’ve ever run for China and India. The Partner Flies Free and 50% Off Solo Airfare offers mean travellers can embark on the journey of a lifetime with unbeatable value. And with Wendy Wu Tours, it’s not just the bucket-list highlights – we take you far beyond the tourist trail, with everything taken care of from start to finish.”
Wendy Wu is running a Race Across Asia Virtual Travel Show, streaming live on 11 June, headlined by Race Across the World Series 4 winner Alfie Watts and joined by Series 1 champions Tony and Elaine Teasdale.
The event is free to join and takes place on Wednesday 11 June at 3pm. The show includes expert-led segments on China, India, and Nepal, plus an interactive Q&A session in the live Travel Lounge.
Explore Worldwide Managing Director Michael Edwards said: “Race Across the World has captured the hearts of audiences – and it’s not hard to see why. The show has transported viewers to the awe-inspiring landscapes, spiritual heartlands and thriving cities of China, Nepal and India; countries that we’ve been sharing with explorers for decades. It’s amazing to see them get the appreciation they deserve.”
Explore has launched a two-week Great Asia Getaway sale, with 20% off all tours to the region. Departures to 21 March 2026.
The Series 5 final will take place on Wednesday (11 June).
