By Shane Cullen Stephen Aherne
Trailblazing travel entrepreneur Wendy Wu has been named Female Trailblazer of the Year at the prestigious Growth 500 Awards — a powerful recognition of her role as one of the UK’s most visionary business leaders. Held on 2 July at London’s Sky Garden, the event also saw Wendy Wu Tours ranked in the Top 10 fastest-growing private companies in the country, confirming the brand’s explosive rise and transformational impact on the UK touring sector.
In just over two decades, Wendy Wu has grown the business from a one-woman start-up into one of the most recognised names in global touring — and now, one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies. Her win is not only a triumph for female founders in the travel sector, but a moment of pride for the agent community that has stood alongside the brand every step of the way.
Gary King, Head of Trade Sales at Wendy Wu Tours, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognised in the Growth 500, and it’s a huge honour to see Wendy named Female Trailblazer of the Year. This award is a celebration of the journey we’ve taken together with our agent partners — their belief in our vision and their unwavering support has helped shape the brand we are today. It’s a moment of pride for all of us, and we’re more committed than ever to rewarding our agents with even stronger partnerships, more innovation, and unforgettable touring experiences.”
Wendy Wu added:
“I started this business from my kitchen table with a phone, a map of China, and a big dream. To be recognised now as Female Trailblazer of the Year is deeply personal — and profoundly humbling. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our travel agents, partners, and industry friends who have stood by us, believed in us, and helped build something extraordinary. This award is for you. It inspires me to push even harder, dream even bigger, and deliver touring experiences that set new standards for our industry. The best journeys are always ahead — and we’re just getting started.”
With this double accolade, Wendy Wu Tours stands tall as one of the UK’s most exciting and resilient travel brands — a company rooted in its trade-first philosophy, with a bold eye on the future. This isn’t just an award. It’s a new chapter — for Wendy Wu Tours, for the agents who helped build it, and for every dreamer who dares to turn passion into purpose.
For more information, visit wendywutours.co.uk or contact the Trade Sales team