Press Release

Canadian Trade Press Releases

Archive for May, 2007

GOWAY’S DOWNUNDER SNOWBIRD PROGRAM PERFECTED

May 29

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Australia, Downunder, Goway, Packages, Snowbirds | Comments off


Goway is again promoting the merits of its Snowbird packages to the lands Downunder. Highlighting favourable exchange rates and the value of their program, Goway’s destinations in Australia and New Zealand are safe, friendly and relaxed. With the reversal of seasons, wintertime here guarantees it is summer Downunder.

Goway’s destinations are the Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Australia and the Bay of Plenty region in the North Island of New Zealand. Snowbirds can fly away for one, two or three months to any one or a combination of these destinations.

Although the company offers condominium stays at any time of the year, they strongly recommend their inclusive long-stay package, which has three exclusive departures in 2008: January 16, January 30 and February 13.

Prices for this program range from $3,739 to $5,499 per person quad share for one to three months on the Sunshine Coast. Rates for the Gold Coast, New Zealand or combination packages are available on request or see Goway’s DOWNUNDER brochure. Inclusions are airfare from the West Coast with Qantas, airport transfers, an orientation tour, welcome and farewell parties, a fully self-contained apartment with cleaning and linen service, grocery starter kit, discount coupons, free membership in certain sports clubs, a diary, flight bag, neck pillow and other goodies. Goway also provides the services of an on-site local representative and a toll-free contact for Goway’s Sydney office.

An additional exclusive feature of Goway’s Snowbirds packages is their fully comprehensive insurance, which is offered for only $100 per person, per month, has no age limit and waives pre-existing conditions.

Goway pioneered the idea of Snowbird vacations in Australia and they have perfected the concept. The program is not FLY and FLOP, it is under the supervision of its’ own staff and its’ Sydney office. This can make and has made the difference in the case of emergency.

Full details of Goway’s Snowbird program and their long-stay destinations can be found in their up-side-down DOWNUNDER catalogue and on their extensive website www.goway.com. For more information call 1-800-387-8850 or email info@goway.com.

Fiji Savings with IslandsEscapes

May 23

Posted by CanTrade Admin in IslandsEscapes, Packages | Comments off


IslandsEscapes…by Goway is offering the experience of waking every morning to a new Fiji paradise on a 10 night escape. This great value deal offers a savings of up to $1000 per couple!

Cruise to unspoiled Fiji islands from the most northerly part of the Mamanuca group to the to the most northerly island in the Yasawas visiting remote villages, swimming or snorkelling in some of the most beautiful waters in the world, or enjoying a huge variety of activities with on-board water toys, volleyball, bushwalks, fish feeding, snorkelling, or simply relaxing under a palm tree ashore.

IslandsEscapes‘ exclusive 10 night escape starts from $3399 per person and includes round trip airfare from Vancouver; day room at First Landing Beach Resort & Villas; 6 nights Gold Club Cruise including on-board accommodation on the saloon deck with private facilities, all meals (beverages not included), cruise activities including special theme nights, traditional Fijian entertainment, coral viewing and beach party; 3 nights Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa (ocean view room); airport welcome; all relevant transfers; and access to the airport VIP lounge on departure.

For more information on this cruise or other great escapes please refer to the IslandsEscapes‘ “World’s Most Idyllic Islands” brochure, call 1-800-667-6601, or visit www.islandsescapes.com.

Goway a winner at New Zealand Tourism Awards

May 23

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Awards, Go Globetrotting, Goway | Comments off


On Saturday April 28th, Tourism New Zealand hosted their annual Awards for excellence in promoting New Zealand in North America.

Goway was presented the award for Best New Zealand Marketing/Promotional Campaign for their “Globetrotting” Magazine. The magazine, with a distribution of over 370,000, directs consumers to call their local travel professional to make reservations.

“Our magazine selects unique experiences available in Africa, Asia, Downunder and Latin America,” commented Goway founder and President, Bruce Hodge, “it’s a great vehicle for agents to offer new and unusual travel ideas and destinations to their clients”.

There was a range of criteria for the awards, including promotion of new product, comprehensive range of product, ease of understanding, active promotion of New Zealand and the quality of communications. The objective of the judging process was to recognize successful organizations that sell New Zealand and also to lift the bar for the entire industry to further improve their efforts in the future.

The award is the second presented to Goway within the last 12 months for promoting travel to the South Pacific region. In September 2006, Goway was voted “Best Wholesale Partner” by over 4500 Aussie Specialists at the Tourism Australia Opal Awards held in Cairns, Australia.

To receive your copy of Globetrotting Magazine, call 1-800-387-8850 or visit www.goglobetrotting.com. To order brochures, or for more information about Goway’s product range, visit www.goway.com.

Waltzing Across a Good Tour Downunder

May 16

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Downunder, Packages | Comments off


There are tours, fully escorted tours and then there are HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME®. Goway Travel, North America’s largest and most experienced tour operator to the South Pacific, is the only company to offer the “Waltzing Matilda”, a 22 day guided exploration of the best of Australia and New Zealand.

Australia and New Zealand are generally considered two of the safest travel destinations in the world, and the people of both countries also are considered to be among the most hospitable and friendly.

Journeying south through New Zealand, visitors can expect to see the very best of New Zealand: Auckland, the harbour city; Rotorua’s geothermal activity and the nearby glow-worm caves; cruise on serene Milford Sound and the popular English-style city of Christchurch. Continuing across the Tasman aboard award-winning airline, Qantas Airways, travellers arrive at the tropical city of Cairns. Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. After a few days of exploration the tour continues through Australia’s “Red Centre” with the option to take the world-famous Ghan train to the Festival City of Adelaide. The trip is completed with time in two of Australia’s best Southern cities, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Fred J. Eckert, in an article published in the Washington Times commented “Every hotel, meal and tour was top of the line; the guides also were excellent.” “The reason we now book all our tours through them,” a couple told Fred J. Eckert, “is that so many others suck you in with a seemingly low price, then sock you with tons of extra charges for things Goway includes as part of the package.”

All of Goway’s exclusive HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME are first class fully escorted touring experiences, and are also available in Africa and Asia. Virtually everything is included, including tips. Every departure has a fun theme. Guaranteed departures are available on the Waltzing Matilda and prices start from $9599.

“Our extremely high passenger satisfaction virtually guarantees future repeat business” states Bruce Hodge, founder and President of the 37 year old company. “It is not unusual to see past travellers booking on three or all four itineraries. They are even requesting we create more HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME itineraries” he continued, “and they are very easy for agents to sell in the first place, offering very lucrative commissions”.

Full details of Goway’s “Waltzing Matilda” and additional HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME® tours can be found in their up-side-down DOWNUNDER catalogue and on their very extensive website www.goway.com. For more information call 1-800-387-8850 or email info@goway.com.

East Africa is a Classic

May 15

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Africa, Packages | Comments off


Africa is currently one of the fastest growing regions in the world for inbound tourism, with growth of 19% between 2000-2005. Although most mainstream tourism is occurring in North and South Africa, countries in East Africa are experiencing particularly dynamic growth in their travel and tourism industries.

AFRICAExperts offers several tempting vacations to East Africa, including their highly popular 14-day “Classic East Africa“. This extensive tour is priced from $4348 (land only) and includes accommodation in superior lodges and camps, most meals, all transport and game drives, transfers, guided walks, and the services of a professional driver/guide throughout.

East Africa is rich in diversity, travellers will see everything from snow-clad mountains and glaciers to arid deserts, from dry savannahs to lush lakes and dense forests. Kenya is home to Mount Kenya, Lake Victoria, the largest of Africa’s lakes and the legendary source of the Nile, the famous Maasai Mara Reserve, and the Serengeti.

Crossing into Tanzania, visitors are exposed to the Serengeti’s boundless plains dotted with herds of game – wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, lion and cheetah. 4-wheel drive vehicles travel into the Ngorongoro Crater to see a spectacular array of wildlife including the “Big 5″.

The perfect conclusion to an East Africa vacation is a 4-day visit to the fascinating island of Zanzibar from $415. Zanzibar’s history is fascinating, and it is also home to Stone Town, a world heritage site, which seems to have stepped out of the Arabian Nights.

For more information about this Classic Safari tour and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.africaexperts.com.

Fiji’s Exclusive all-Inclusive Escapes

May 10

Posted by CanTrade Admin in IslandsEscapes, Packages | Comments off


IslandsEscapes, a leading operator to the world’s most idyllic islands, has launched the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury escapes to Fiji. Showcasing Fiji’s most tranquil resorts, Taveuni Island Resort & Spa, and Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, the packages offer spectacular savings.

Small and exclusive, Taveuni Island Resort & Spa caters for just fourteen couples. Set among lush tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls and a magnificent infinity pool, the resort overlooks the shimmering Somosomo Straits. The IslandsEscapes vacation starts from $4599 and includes airfare from Vancouver, 3 nights accommodation in the Coral Coast at Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji in a superior resort view room, round-trip air tickets Nadi/Taveuni/Nadi, 7 nights at Taveuni in a luxury ocean view bure, daily meals including a special romantic dinner for two and a champagne breakfast for two, 20 minute foot & leg massage for two, a bottle of champagne, a sulu (Fijian sarong) on arrival, airport welcome, all relevant transfers, and access to the VIP airport lounge on departure.

Set amongst the palms on a remote island is Yasawa Island Resort & Spa with 18 thatched bures offering complete solitude and absolute luxury. There are no other resorts, no television and just the whisper of the waves and the sea breeze to break the silence. Escape to eternal bliss from only $5169 including airfare from Vancouver, 3 nights accommodation in the Coral Coast at Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji in a superior resort view room, 7 nights at Yasawa in a bure suite, three meals daily with non- alcoholic beverages, an array of daily water sport and activities, airport welcome, all relevant transfers, and access to the VIP airport lounge on departure.

For more information on this and many other great escapes please refer to the IslandsEscapes‘ “World’s Most Idyllic Islands” brochure, call 1-800-667-6601, or visit www.islandsescapes.com.

Downunder Catalogue Featuers Over 350 Ideas

May 9

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Brochure, Downunder | Comments off


If you have clients looking to travel to Australia, New Zealand and/or the South Pacific, (the lands Downunder), you should request the appropriately named DOWNUNDER brochure. Distinguished by its’ upside down DOWNUNDER logo, the 2007/08 edition is now available.

Produced and distributed by Goway Travel, the DOWNUNDER brochure is more a catalogue than a brochure. It features over 350 travel ideas ranging from walking and 4WD adventures to self drive suggestions to rail and cruise ideas to Stays of Distinction and classic independent itineraries.

To help travel agents and potential travellers find their way through the brochure, a new “Bookmark Guide By Travel Idea” has been developed.

“DOWNUNDER is a collection of our most popular travel ideas plus those new product offerings we believe will become popular” states Bruce Hodge, Founder and President of the 37 year old travel specialist company. “Many more ideas can be found on www.goway.com but our main recommendations are featured in the DOWNUNDER brochure.”

Goway Travel, established in 1970 has grown to be North America’s largest travel company specializing in the South Pacific. They also have a very large office in Sydney that maintains price and quality control and is only a toll free call away for assistance and advice to travellers.

To receive your copy of Goway’s DOWNUNDER call 1-800-387-8850 ext 123 or email info@goway.com.

Exploring Hemingway’s Africa with AFRICAExperts

May 8

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Africa, Packages | Comments off


The legendary American writer Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899-1961) was probably the most influential person to introduce the Swahili word “safari” to the English language. Hemingway travelled in East Africa two times in his life and the experiences gave him material for several short stories and novels.

The style and impetus for travel to this spectacular continent is now markedly different from that of Hemingway’s day, when hunting was the motivating factor. Nowadays, a safari in Africa is an incredible journey of observation, of cultures and of wildlife.

AFRICAExperts offers a 13 Day “Botswana Hemingway” tour, which is the ultimate small-group tented safari from Victoria Falls to Maun and is priced from $7290. For the discerning traveller, this is an “off the beaten track” safari in the style of a bygone era. Travellers enjoy all of this amazing country’s highlights aimed at providing the very best for a select few. Price includes deluxe serviced camping, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 12 dinners and airport transfers at Victoria Falls.

Also available is a 13 Day walking safari, “Walk the Wilds of Botswana“. Priced from $4793, this is a unique African safari featuring a thrilling walking safari in Linyanti Private Game Reserve in Northern Botswana, bringing travellers closer to nature than ever imagined. Game-filled Chobe and Moremi Wildlife Reserves, the Okavango Delta and a variety of diverse habitats make for an unforgettable safari. Price includes one night accommodation in Victoria Falls, quality tented accommodation on Walking Safari, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners, airport transfers, Botswana National Park fees, touring by customized 4×4 safari vehicle, flight to Maun, services of private guide and camp assistant, and guaranteed window seat.

For more information on these and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, email info@africaexperts.com or visit www.africaexperts.com.

Doug Vogl joins Goway

May 7

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Goway, New Hire | Comments off


Goway Travel today announced the appointment of Doug Vogl to the position of Product and Marketing Manager, Asia. With over 25 years experience in the travel industry, Doug brings a wealth of experience to the position.

“Doug has first-hand knowledge of Asia, which is imperative in this position” commented VP Product and Marketing, Scott Duncan, “Doug also brings a well-rounded knowledge of the industry and has the skills to expand and improve Goway’s Asia vacations”.

Commencing his career in retail sales, Doug has also held senior management positions with Canadian Airlines and Cathay Pacific. His experience also extends to Business Development with two wholesale companies, with a focus on Asia as a destination.

During his years in the industry, Doug has been on the board of several industry associations including The Toronto-Chinese Golf Association, The Canada-Chinese Business Association and most recently on the ADS (Approved Destination Status) committee for Canada and China and ACTA.

As Product & Marketing Manager, Asia, Doug is responsible for the quality and pricing of the entire Goway Asia product range, training and development of Goway reservations staff, and destination education training.

“I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic organization” remarked Vogl, “Goway has such a stellar reputation in the industry, and I’m looking forward to returning to the wholesale environment”.

Doug Vogl replaces Bob Glazier, who retired from Goway at the end of April. Doug can be reached at 416-322-1034 ext. 534, or by email at doug@goway.com.

New Agent Cash Incentive From Goway

May 1

Posted by CanTrade Admin in Agents, Air | Comments off


From May 1 until June 30, 2007, all international tickets issued by GowayAir will be accompanied by a Goway Voucher worth $25 per person ($50 per couple). These vouchers can be redeemed when booking land product from any of Goway’s signature brochures (DOWNUNDER, AFRICAExperts, ASIA by Goway, IslandsEscapes‘ World’s Most Idyllic Islands and ADVENTURESIncorporated’s World of Adventure). The vouchers can also be redeemed when booking any product from the thousands listed at www.goway.com and www.adventuresincorporated.com. Agents can opt to keep the cash or pass on a saving to their clients.

Each month, agents will be offered bonus rewards when redeeming these vouchers e.g. for the month of June all vouchers will double in value when redeemed for bookings from Goway’s DOWNUNDER travel planner. Other bonus rewards will be announced in Goway’s agent website along with their regular $uper$pecial$.

The team of wizards at GowayAir has the expertise and knowledge to combine several net fares to ensure that the best fare is offered, whilst maintaining commission for travel agents. GowayAir has a wide range of consolidated airfares that covers the South Pacific, Asia/Orient, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe. Agents, when using GowayAir’s services have access to a selection of over 65 Airlines and make it a “One Stop Shop” for all needs to these destinations. Goway’s other specialty divisions (The Dream Team) offer thousands of interesting, independent and escorted travel ideas for long haul globetrotters. “Since we are experts for all interests; from the adventurous to V.I.P.’s, agents will have no trouble redeeming their vouchers”, stated Bruce Hodge, President of 37 year old Goway.

For more information call 1-800-387-8850 or email info@goway.com or visit www.gowayagent.com.