Press Release

The origin of Mongolia’s Naadam Festival dates back to 209 BC when Mongolia began hosting competitions (naadams) to determine the strongest men, fastest horses and most outstanding archers among the warriors of the nomadic tribes. Over time, these competitions have become the country’s largest celebration. To commemorate Mongolia’s independence from China, the Naadam Festival became an official, nationwide event held annually on July 11-12. The highlights of this festival are the “Three Manly Sports” of archery, wrestling and horse racing; however, despite this title, women participate in all events except for wrestling.

The most impressive part of the festival is the Opening Ceremony, a display of hundreds of athletes, monks and soldiers in a colourful parade, with traditional and military music, rituals and Tsam masked dancers.

For a taste of Mongolia, Goway offers the 5 day Mongolian Stopover from $1379 CAD. Highlights include Ulaan Baatar, Karakorum, Hustia National Parks and the impressive Gobi sand dunes. Experience a traditional Mongolian Ger Camp, historic monuments and the legendary Erdene Zuu Monastery.

For a more in depth Mongolian life, Goway offers Gobi and Karakorum Explorer for12 days from $3185 CAD. This exciting journey includes most of the highlights of the Mongolian Stopover as well as the opportunity to see the impressive desert steeps of Elsen Tasarkhai and the exotic Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, explore Ongi Monastery Complex, visit the glacial gorge of Yolyn Am by horseback, and walk the lunar-like landscape of Baga Gazariin Chuluu.

For more fantastic Mongolian travel ideas visit our Mongolia pages.

Goway announces a wide variety of travel ideas and special offers for travellers bound for Australia, specifically Queensland the sunshine state. Queensland is home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, virgin rainforests, miles of pristine beaches and the outback. There’s fantastic entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife in Brisbane, Surfers paradise and the many tourist towns.

Goway, in partnership with Queensland Rail, is currently offering a 20% discount on Queenslander Class travel on the Sunlander.The Sunlander, voted Australia’s number one rail journey and one of the top 25 rail journeys in the world, weaves its way along Queensland’s incredible coastline between Brisbane and tropical Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the timeless Daintree wilderness. Queenslander class on the Sunlander is a journey into Queensland heritage, culture, landscape and cuisine set against a backdrop of superb dining, comfortable accommodation and exceptional service.

The premium all-inclusive style of travel (alcohol is sold separately) features comfortable, twin-berth accommodations that are fitted with overhead reading lights, washbasins, fresh crisp linen and toiletries. Guests enjoy fine dining with the best Queensland wine and fresh produce in an exclusive restaurant car. Queenslander Class was the winner of the Unique Accommodation category at the Queensland Tourism Awards for two years running.

Cairns Barrier Reef in the heart of the tropical north, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforests. Goway’s Cairns Barrier Reef package from $658 CAD is a great add-on and includes 3 nights accommodations, transfers, a Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Rainforest, Kuranda & Aboriginal tour, hotel value add-ons include free hotel nights, free breakfasts and more.

Hamilton Island is perfectly situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and nestled among the 74 Whitsunday Islands. In this quintessential aquatic wonderland, travelers can enjoy glorious warm weather, azure waters, brilliant white beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, 20 km of bush walking trails, fine food and wines and laid back luxury. Goway’s Hamilton Island from $664 CAD is another perfect add-on and includes 3 nights hotel, transfers, use of resort activities and non-motorized activities, day reef cruise and breakfast daily.

The 2012 Expo will be held in Yeosu, a small, historic city (with less than 30,000 inhabitants), located in the southern centre of the Korean Peninsula. Yeosu is blessed with beautiful sea resources, making it an ideal choice given this year’s theme: “The Living Ocean and the Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities”. The pavilions featured will integrate the balance between economic and sustainable development. Visitors to the World EXPO will get to see the first building in Korea to be erected in the water, built by architect Gunther Weber.

“We have seen a lot of interest this year in Korea and in Goway’s Expo packages” says Bronwyn Hodge, Asia Product Coordinator. “The Expo begins in May, and hotels are booking up fast. This fair will only last 3 months, so travellers who plan to go must act soon to not be disappointed.”

The EXPO runs this summer from May 12th to August 12th. Goway offers two EXPO tours, operating daily during the fair’s opening dates. The 9-day Yeosu EXPO small group journey is ideal for travellers seeking a true Korean cultural and historical experience, along with a unique focus on nature and sustainability in Yeosu. For those with less time, Goway’s 2-day Yeosu World Expo tour is an easy extension from Seoul. Both travel ideas include overnight accommodation in Yeosu or nearby Suncheon, a 2 day EXPO pass to Yeosu, return transfer from/to the hotel in Seoul and in Yeosu, train fare.

Nestled between China and India is Asia’s best kept secret: the captivating Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan; one of the most unique and exclusive destinations in the world. Bhutan has kept itself detached from the rest of the world for centuries and has been blissfully untouched (only open to tourism since 1974), and tourism has been strictly monitored so that its traditional culture and environment can be preserved.

In addition, independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan: all tourists must make arrangements and obtain their visa entry through an authorized operator.

“Travellers looking for a unique travel experience and a destination that offers that ‘special something’ will be amazed by what ancient Bhutan offers” says Bronwyn Hodge, Asia Product and Marketing Coordinator. “One of the highlights included in Goway’s Bhutan in Depth and Bhutan Interlude programs is a hike to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most sacred site and temple complex. It’s perched on the edge of a 3,000 ft cliff in Paro with incredible panoramic views of the valley.”

Travellers who visit this magical and ancient land will also experience breathtaking scenery (even during the flight there) as they fly over the scenic Himalayan Mountains. Bhutan is steeped in ancient history that comes alive in the many monastic fortresses and ancient temples that line the countryside. In addition to its natural scenery, visitors will be impressed by the warm and welcoming locals. Goway offers several incredible adventures in this region:

• Bhutan Interlude, from $1109 CAD is a 4 day excursion that touches on Bhutan’s main attractions. This tour will allow you to experience the scenic city of Paro, as well as Thimphu, the only capital in the world without traffic lights! This tour includes 3 night’s accommodation, all meals, transfers, entrance fees, English guide, and government/visa fees.
• Bhutan in Depth, from $2099 CAD is an 8 day adventure that allows eager travelers to fully submerge themselves in this mysterious kingdom. Besides Paro and Thimphu, this expedition features Wangdi, Punakha and Gangtey. This tour includes 7 night’s accommodation, all meals, transfers, entrance fees, English guide, and government/visa fees.
• Both Goway’s Thimphu Stopover (3 days) $604 CAD and Paro Stopover (3 days) from $6604 CAD offer travelers short on time a chance to experience the splendor of this country.

Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity to discover this exotic kingdom while it’s still preserved as it has been for hundreds of years. For more travel ideas about Bhutan visit our website