Two former China heads of pioneering Asian global DMCs are helming new entities, one forming a strategic partnership with a state-owned enterprise (SOE), while the other is pushing boundaries to reach far-flung destinations.
Shanghai-based Violet Wang was China head before Pacific World ceased operations globally in November 2020 and is now managing director of Realm.
Violet Wang told TTGmice that Realm is strong in the English-, French- and German-speaking markets, and is currently working on a partnership with a large SOE in the service industry where both companies can leverage each other’s capabilities.
Violet Wang, who started planning roadshows at the start of 2023, commented: “Realm is growing fast, focusing on industries such as finance, technology and automotive and international events – with between 200 and 400 participants, where around 40 per cent were from overseas – began returning in May last year.
“Realm is growing 2024 on a good base having started earlier than others in different markets to pitch for inbound business and the outlook this year is a 10 to 20 per cent increase.”
Beijing-based Linda Wang, founder and owner, Asia Concierge, who was China head of Destination Asia, has been scoring success with business delegations from Latin America, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.
Linda Wang added incentives made up around 85 per cent of business in 2023 and with sales offices in Bangkok, Sydney, Japan, the US and UK, Asia Concierge was well represented at international trade shows over the last few years.
“Airfares in the first 11 months of 2023 were very, very high. But carriers such as Delta Air Lines and Air China have increased flights and prices have moderated. It is much cheaper to fly to Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an.”
