Archive for category Product Updates

Goway’s DOWNUNDER Brochure

Goway today announced the launch of their 2006/2007 brochure, North America’s most comprehensive travel guide to DOWNUNDER (Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the South Pacific).

The award winning brochure, which was rated in the top 10 global brochures for travel to Australia, features every possible style of travel imaginable! From hiking the Milford Track in New Zealand, to languishing poolside at Hayman Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and everything in between!

Catering to the needs of the North America traveller, Goway’s signature range of “Holidays of a Lifetime” escorted tours has been expanded to include a 10 Day Best of New Zealand and 15 Day Best of Australia. These shorter duration tours allow visitors an insight into the destination within the confines of vacation time! Starting from just $4999, these tours include airfare from the west coast, accommodations, meals and great touring. Goway has also introduced guaranteed departures for the 2006/2007 travel season.

Goway has also refined their “Classic Tours”, a series of suggested itineraries that are priced at four levels of accommodation to allow the flexibility for travellers to choose their date of departure and budget. Sample tours include the 11 Day Classic Sydney Rock and Reef, starting at $1440 and because they are priced for land only, they allow travellers to take advantage of the latest airline specials or use frequent flier miles for part or all of the air travel arrangements.

Recognizing a need for greater flexibility and options for travellers, Goway has added tours such as hot air ballooning, wine tours, city walking tours, cultural tours, and even a jetlag recovery package!

For the truly independent traveller, Goway’s 108-page DOWNUNDER brochure offers literally hundreds of travel ideas. From expedition cruising along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to exploring New Zealand’s National Parks, and cultural tours to exploring the wine regions, the brochure has ideas to inspire travellers of all styles.

Goway’s AfricaExperts Ready for 2006

AFRICAExperts by Goway has introduced its new lineup of African Safaris for the 2006 season. “Africa has had a tremendous boost in tourism since 2004 and the double-digit growth in areas of East and South Africa has sparked a great interest worldwide” says Firdosh Bulsara, General Manger of AFRICAExperts.

New for the 2006 season are Gorilla Treks in Rwanda, a totally upgraded East Africa program with new 4X4 Landrovers traversing the game parks of Kenya and Tanzania, and an expanded product range in Egypt with more hotels and Nile cruise vessels.

In Southern Africa, AFRICAExperts’ fully escorted “Holidays of a Lifetime” have been revised to include even better hotels than before. For the independent traveller, AFRICAExperts offers a complete range of options to suit every budget. The new brochure includes the Mala Mala and Ivory Lodges in addition to its current selection of South African Private Game Lodges. Due to popular demand AFRICAExperts is once again offering the 5th night free at selected lodges with a minimum stay of 4 nights, a savings of over $800 per couple.

In Namibia, the product is expanded to offer 4 new itineraries including a 7-day Flying Safari ideal for those with time-restraints. Rail journeys in South and Southern Africa once again include the famous Blue Train, the legendary Rovos Rail and the Shongololo ‘travelling hotel’ with its three journeys. The islands of the Indian Ocean – Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar are being offered with a variety of new hotels and spas, ideal for the honeymoon market.

“We are gearing up for yet another good year in Africa” said Bulsara, “I am very excited with the positive changes taking place on the continent and with the initiatives being taken by governments and tourist boards to ensure safe and memorable holidays to its visitors”.

The Romance of Rail Travel by Goway

Goway Travel encourages travellers to experience the romance of rail travel through legendary and unique journeys in several exotic destinations. The selection of journeys include the longest rail journey in the world, a journey aboard an Orient-Express train, and one of the world renowned trains which journeys through Southern Africa.

“Goway offers a wide range of travel experiences throughout the South Pacific, Asia and Africa” commented Bruce Hodge, “but rail travel is truly exceptional. You experience landscapes, fine dining and unique accommodations that most people miss by flying between destinations”.

Many of the rail journeys are in some of Goway’s most popular travel itineraries.

In Australia, Goway’s “Holiday of a Lifetime”, the Waltzing Matilda, includes travel from Adelaide to Alice Springs aboard the legendary Ghan. The ultimate journey through the heart of the continent is also available connecting right through to Darwin, and travellers enjoy two nights and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, to the tropical splendor of Darwin.

In Asia experience an unforgettable rail journey in the sumptuous comfort of the Eastern & Oriental Express. A journey of 1900 km through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, it connects some of the world’s most remarkable cities and encompasses all the mystery, excitement and sheer beauty of the East. A subtle balance of Eastern culture and Western comfort, combined with the adventure of a journey through the heart of Asia provides a unique travel experience.

In Southern Africa step aboard Rovos Rail’s “The Pride of Africa” the most luxurious train in the world. Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a by-gone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to two weeks, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations from Cape Town at the tip of Africa to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania.

Goway’s Regal Treatment at Select “Stays of Distinction” Properties

Goway Travel offers a signature range of products throughout Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific Islands, Asia and Africa. “Stays of Distinction” are an exclusive group of experiences throughout these exotic destinations. The properties are personally selected for a wide range of qualities, including spectacular location, an historical landmark, exceptional service, architectural magnificence plus many other considerations.

“We have taken the selected properties and have included them in a package which offers not only the accommodation but also sightseeing on an individual and private basis” commented Bruce Hodge, owner and founder of Goway Travel. “We also recognize a need for total customization for these experiences, and offer personalized independent holidays at no additional cost.”

New for 2005 in Australia, is the highly anticipated Wrotham Park. Wrotham Park complements a first-time, or return visit to the “Land Downunder”, with it’s spectacular setting and experiences. It is located in the heart of the Outback, and balances lavish accommodations with the stunning scenery. Guests are able to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of vast landscapes and engage in activities that showcase legendary outback life and the experiences of outback stockman.

In Asia, properties selected include Raffles Hotel in Singapore, a National Monument and birthplace of the “Singapore Sling”. Goway’s recommended travel experience at Raffles includes private airport transfers, two nights accommodation, half day private sightseeing tour.

In Africa, the romance of travelling on Safari is combined with an opulent lodge furnished with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and treasures collected from travels through Africa. Ngorongoro Lodge was selected not only for it’s discrete yet personalized service, but also for the experiences available, including game drives into the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the opportunity to visit a Maasai cultural village and much more.

Goway’s Downunder Travel Planner

Goway today announced the launch of their 2005/2006 brochure, Canada’s most comprehensive travel guide to travel throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the South Pacific.

With 35 years experience arranging travel, Goway also celebrates the 10th anniversary of their Snowbirds program, a revolutionary Goway travel experience for North Americans to spend the winter “Downunder”. Starting from as little as $3539 for a 1-month stay in a choice of exotic locations, the Snowbirds program features discounts for stores and restaurants, memberships in clubs and a grocery starter kit.

Also introduced within their signature range of “Holidays of a Lifetime” escorted tours is an exploration of Australia’s rugged North-West from Perth to Darwin. This 20-day tour was originally developed as a “Return to Oz” holiday for return visitors Down Under, but is garnering interest from travellers who want to explore and enjoy the wine, wilderness and wildlife of this vast continent. Priced from $9699, the journey includes a guide from North America, travel insurance, first class accommodations and virtually all meals and comprehensive touring.

Goway has also refined and expanded their “Classic Tours”, a series of suggested itineraries that are priced at four levels of accommodation to allow the flexibility for travellers to choose their date of departure and budget. Sample tours include the 15-Day Classic Sydney Rock and Reef, starting at $1492; and because they are priced for land only, they allow travellers to take advantage of the latest airline specials or use frequent flyer miles for part or all of the air travel arrangements.

For the truly independent traveller, Goway’s 2005-06 DOWNUNDER brochure offers literally hundreds of travel ideas within the 108-page planner. From expedition cruising along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to exploring New Zealand’s National Parks, and cultural tours to exploring the wine regions, the brochure has ideas to inspire traveliers of all styles.

Self Drives Downunder Are Opportunities for Profit

According to tourism authorities from Australia and New Zealand, one of the largest visitor segments is the self drive market. But, according to Bruce Hodge, President of Goway Travel, most agents are missing out on this lucrative opportunity. “Regretfully”, he says “most agents just sell an airfare and the clients make their own self-drive arrangements”.

“There are several ways agents can tap this market” claims Hodge. “They can sell a car rental, a car and hotel pass combination, a motor home or a pre-arranged itinerary incorporating a car rental with pre-booked accommodations”.

Goway offers competitive car and motor home rentals in both Australia and New Zealand. As well, the Downunder specialist wholesaler offers over 30 different self drive itineraries which they pre-book accommodations in conjunction with their own Sydney office. If your clients still prefer to be more independent, Goway recommends agents use the itineraries as a great guide to what can be done. Whatever they book, Goway’s Sydney office is a 1-800 number away for any assistance if required.

The Pacific Coast Explorer, travelling between Sydney and Cairns for 16 days, is Goway’s most popular self drive itinerary. The price for Economy accommodation is $3,699 and $4,081 First Class. Price includes return airfare, pre-booked accommodations, transfers and other transport mentioned in the itinerary, a Hertz group C car with unlimited mileage and mandatory insurance plus Goway’s unique co-pilot kit which consists of maps, directions and discount offers.

For New Zealand, Goway offers 10 pre-planned itineraries. At this moment, their best selling self drive ideas for New Zealand are two special packages that include airfare from the West Coast, a motor home or car and hotel pass, plus the option to fly free to Australia.

Goway Introduces New Asia Brand with 2005 Brochure

Similar to its AFRICAExperts and IslandsEscapes divisions, Goway has now introduced a new ASIA brand to highlight its expertise in that area. A Chinese dragon is featured as the “S” in the distinctive ASIA logo which now appears on its latest brochure.

“Since we are a very diversified company, our new brand will help emphasize our expertise in Asia”, stated Bob Glazier, Goway’s veteran Product Manager for the Far East. “And we are also able to offer agents the best fares to most destinations in Asia”, continued Vincent Sinniah who heads up GowayAir’s Asia air department.

Goway’s new ASIA Travel Planner for 2005 was recently distributed to all agents in Canada. New programs include a fully escorted tour program from North America that features a vist to Angkor Wat, one of the world’s “real wonders”, in Cambodia.

Altogether, Goway’s ASIA brochure features commissionable travel ideas to 15 Orient-Asia countries. “In addition to our new escorted tour, we’ve added more product for Japan which is growing in popularity”, claimed Glazier. “Our soft adventure programs to Asia also seem to have caught on and, yes, China is coming back in a serious way”, he continued.

To emphasize how really strong Goway is in the Asian market, Bruce Hodge, President of the 35 year old company, stated that their Groups Department currently has more groups booked to Asia than their traditional Downunder market.

Classic Itineraries Help Agents Sell

A great starting point for agents to make travel arrangements for prospective clients to the South Pacific, Africa or Asia, is to suggest a Goway CLASSIC independent itinerary. Twenty-four different itineraries are available on www.goway.com under “travel ideas” (or in the company’s various brochures). They can be easily downloaded and presented by email in minutes.

Virtually all of Goway’s CLASSIC itineraries are made up of popular independent travel modules that can be joined any day. Therefore they can be easily modified into a personalized itinerary for your clients. Final prices depend on the category of accommodation required.

Sample best-selling itineraries are 14 days Classic Australia, 15 days Classic South Pacific, 13 days Classic India and 9 days Classic Egypt. All of these can be extended and some combine very well with other CLASSIC itineraries, e.g. Classic Egypt combines well with Classic Kenya.

Although GowayAir, Goway’s consolidation division, can offer the best fares in conjunction with their clients’ itineraries, agents should also check out our air-land-inclusive GowayGetaways. These are also listed under “travel ideas” at www.goway.com. GowayGetaways invariably include amazing airfares that are only available as part of an air-land package.

GOWAY’S DOWNUNDER KEEPS “RAISING THE BAR”

With over 90 maps, over 400 photographs and illustrations and over 300 travel ideas, Goway’s latest 2004/5 DOWNUNDER travel catalogue continues its tradition to be North America’s most comprehensive brochure for travel to Australia, New Zealand and the beautiful South Pacific. It has a unique name (a distinctive up-side-down DOWNUNDER logo) and with US $ and CA $ editions, the company claims it is the most widely distributed brochure of its type in North America.

Recently Goway’s DOWNUNDER catalogue also became the “brochure of the year”, beating all other similar American and Canadian brochures. The awards, made in Sydney, have the purpose of encouraging excellence in the promotion of the South Pacific’s Tourism Assets. For savvy travel agents, DOWNUNDER has long been their main desktop reference source when selling the South Pacific. Whatever their client’s interest is, invariably there is a travel idea they can offer. Whether they are backpackers or business people, V.I.P. or honeymooners, or are interested in self drive, coach touring, rail travel or adventure experiences, Goway’s DOWNUNDER offers something for everyone. Special mention should also be made about Goway’s fully escorted tours promising “something special” and their exclusive long stay winter escape vacations for snowbirds.

“Small and special” is a new classification for hotels to be included in independent itineraries. They are “specially selected for their individual character and uniqueness; all offer a very personalized service and vary from economy to luxurious”.

Also new this year are the Brisbane/Cairns Tilt Train, the Ghan rail extension from Alice Springs to Darwin; the travelling hotel OZback Rail journey for 6-17 days; more active and adventurous experiences plus more self drive suggestions in both Australia and New Zealand. Of course, Goway’s best selling and old favourites such as their small vessel eco-cruises are prominently featured in their brochure. For more information contact Goway Travel at 1-800-387-8850.

NEW ROMANCE IN TAHITI BROCHURE

Hot off the press and in time for the honeymoon planning season is a new brochure from IslandsEscapes entitled Tahiti Romantic Vacations and Honeymoons . IslandsEscapes is the exclusive division of Goway Travel that specializes in fabulous packages to idyllic islands in the South Pacific.

Tahiti, a place of dramatic beauty, warm waters and gentle climate has been a romance destination since the days of Paul Gaugin. It is a favourite destination for IslandsEscapes .

The new brochure features a variety of romantic holiday packages, cruises and exclusive honeymoon programs. Special honeymoon discounts for Tahiti range between CAD $300 – $720 per couple depending on the program.

“Working with airline and resort partners we are also able to offer agents immediate confirmation for many of our preferred hotels” claims Dave Mackay, General Manager of IslandsEscapes . “As well, through our airline ‘block space’ program, we are able to offer last seat availability up to 30 days prior to clients’ departure date on many of our airline partner flights.”

Mackay also says that the IslandsEscapes romance and honeymoon specialists will personalize a package specifically tailored to meet the client’s needs. “Perhaps a private thatched roof bungalow over a turquoise lagoon, a cruise under star studded skies or a day on a private islet complete with a champagne picnic buffet” he suggests. “We customized romance” continues Mackay.