Archive for April, 2010

Goway Expands Korea Vacations

Goway Travel has expanded unique product offerings to one of Asia’s most intriguing countries, Korea.

Often referred to as the Land of the Morning Calm, South Korea is located at a major crossroads of Northeast Asia. What makes this destination so exciting is it has become a country of endless possibilities.

“Korea is a country that has gained recognition for being the perfect ‘stopover’ destination,” commented Doug Vogl, Goway’s Product and Marketing Manager for Asia. “We have experienced a spike in bookings as more and more people are combining pre or post Korea trips with other destinations in Asia.”

Goway’s 7 Day Korea Showcase package priced from $1159 CAD is a great seller, and offers a combination of sightseeing in Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan featuring the DMZ & the 3rd Infiltration tunnel as well as many historic palaces and museums.

For a completely unique experience, Goway recommends a 2 or 3 Day Korean Temple Stay which starts at just $399 CAD. Travellers will spend 2 or 3 days at the Gulgulsa Temple attending services and sermons with monks on the teachings of Buddha.

Jeju Island is a tourist destination well known for its beaches and natural scenery and is highly recommended stop when visiting Korea. Prices start at $939 CAD for 3 star accommodation and includes return airfare from Seoul, 2 nights hotel accommodation and 2 full day tours.

Travel professionals can access Goway.com/asia/korea for a complete list of Goway’s Korea products. Goway’s extensive 68-page Asia Planner offers more than 200 Independent and Escorted Travel Ideas and is available online at Goway.com/asia or by calling toll free 1-888-469-2988.

GOWAY ANNOUNCES FIRST WINNER OF “40 TRIPS in 40 WEEKS” GIVEAWAY

Goway Travel has announced the first winner of their incredible “40 Trips for 40 Weeks” Giveaway contest.

Nancy Salinas of Faribault, MN, USA, won an incredible trip for 2 to the Cook Islands and New Zealand and will soon be jetting off on a dream vacation that includes round trip airfare with Air New Zealand, round trip transfers in the Cook Islands and Auckland, 7 nights accommodation in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with breakfast daily, 2 nights in Auckland and a full day city and wilderness tour in New Zealand!

Nancy Salinas’ reaction when she was notified that she just won was “I just can’t believe I won! I only entered a couple times and forgot about the sweepstakes. What a great way to start the day when your first call is telling you to pack your bags!”

To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, Goway launched the high profile “40 Trips in 40 Weeks” Giveaway, available to residents of North America. Each week for 40 weeks, Goway is giving away a trip for two. The giveaway, administered by an independent third party, is valued at over $250,000 and is the biggest North American Trip Giveaway ever.

Trips are drawn weekly for entries before 11.59pm on Sundays. Goway’s giveaway is unique in that they allow winners to transfer the prize to a friend or family if they are unable to take the trip, or perhaps have already visited the destination.

To enter, visit Goway.com/40th.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with the local winner, please contact: press@goway.com or call 800-397-8850 xtn 5376.

Free Hot Air Balloon Safari

Goway’s AFRICAExperts are always on the look out for interesting and authentic experiences. Imagine being up high in the sky overlooking East Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve where over two million zebra and wildebeest migrate annually…The Masai Mara is the most famous safari destination in Africa; their eco system contains the largest amount of lions in the entire world. Silently gliding in a hot air balloon over grazing herds as the sun rises, is a spectacular experience.

East Africa, in particular Kenya and Tanzania, is filled with a kaleidoscope of landscape, wildlife and people that are infinite in variety. Boundless stretches of savannah are dotted with herds of game and every herbivore you can think of. There are many places to see here such as: Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Samburu National Reserve, Aberdares National Park, Kigio Wildlife Conservancy and Serengeti. Witness a lion or cheetah stalking through tall dry grass or be enchanted by warriors dancing in the warm sunset.

Explore the best of both Kenya and Tanzania on Goway’s 14 Day East Africa Deluxe Safari. The balloon safari over the Mara is normally an optional extra. Goway is offering a 10th August departure which includes a FREE balloon safari (valued at $500 per person) This classic overland tour follows a circular route incorporating all the major parks and reserves in both countries.

Moira Smith, General Manager of AFRICAExperts, says: “What is particularly impressive about this vacation is that this trip takes place during peak season when the chances of seeing the migration are high.”

Goway’s 40 Trips for 40 weeks promotion includes the opportunity to win a trip to Kenya. For more information on these and other travel ideas please call 1-800-245-0920, or email info@africaexperts.com or visit AFRICAExperts.com.

Goway Improves Online Brochures

With the launch of Goway’s Downunder brochure, new features have been added to the online functionality of the eBrochures.

“Responding to demand from our agent partners, we have improved several of the features” commented Product and Marketing Manager, Emma Cottis. “With so many at-home Agents and a focus on reducing paper usage, agents can now opt to utilize some of the new tools. Of course, the traditional brochures are still available to be ordered atGoway.com/brochure.”

New features include:

  • A more modern look and feel
  • The option to view the brochure in “full screen” mode
  • The ability to download the brochure as a PDF to store a file copy electronically.
  • The function to share the brochure to a number of social media platforms, including twitter, Facebook, my space and more.
  • The brochure can be translated to any language and the translation pops up in a choice of all languages.

Goway’s commitment to providing time-efficient options that reduce the need for paper in today’s electronic environment follows a recent announcement that all most documentation (tickets, vouchers, itineraries, quotes and invoices, are now available in electronic format that are emailed directly to agent partners.

The new 132-page Downunder brochure can be viewed online at Goway’s website, and future Goway brochures will be available in the same format.

Get ACTIVE in Australia with Goway’s new Active Australia & New Zealand adventure BROCHURE.

ADVENTURESIncorporated, the exclusive adventure division of 40 year old Goway Travel, announces the launch of its ACTIVE AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND brochure. Offering the best adventure options in Australia and New Zealand (from soft to extreme), this new brochure adds to the unmatched product offerings for DOWNUNDER offered by Goway.

“The “Active Australia & New Zealand” brochure draws on the experience of more than 20 leading specialty operators, from Australia and New Zealand, to offer unique options for active travellers of all ages (and budgets).

Ranging from 1-365 days in length, each holiday offers a variety of nature based activities and wildlife experiences, including 4WD Safaris, Kayaking, Rafting, Biking, Hiking, Diving, Snorkelling, Sailing, Ballooning, Horse Riding, Zip Lining and Camping.

“If agents have active clients who enjoy delving into the local culture, geology, wildlife, flora, fauna and history of their destination, all while avoiding large crowds – we have the right option. ” states Don Forster, Product Manager for ADVENTURESIncorporated.

With this focused offering of adventure in Australia and New Zealand, Goway offers the best and most comprehensive range of DOWNUNDER adventure product in North America from budget to deluxe.

Some of the featured product is the 12-14 day East Coast Adventure between Sydney and Cairns (from $180CAD per day) which includes a local guide, all transportation, accommodation, majority of meals, 4wd Fraser Island Safari, Sailing in Whitsundays, Outback Farmstay and much more!

Or 4WD Safaris through the Outback, ranging from 2-14 days – including Uluru, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, Palm Valley, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu NP, Litchfield NP, Mary River and more! (from $175 CAD per day).

A great option for backpackers or someone wanting total freedom in their itinerary is the Hop On…Hop Off Passes (similar to Eurail) on a private Backpacker Network throughout New Zealand (from $388-$1145CAD depending on desired region) – valid for 12 months of travel.

For those wanting to be active but at the same time spend their nights in comfort, Goway offers deluxe adventure options such as 4 star Deluxe Small Group Touring in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand (from $114CAD per day) or the famous Kingfisher Bay Resort – 3 and 4 day Fraser Island Adventure, Whale watching or Romance Packages at this 4-star eco resort (from $145CAD per day).

For full details see ADVENTURESIncorporated.com/specials.html or Goway.com/tours/superspecials.html for more details or visit ADVENTURESIncorporated.com or Goway.com to see the full range of Discover Australia & New Zealand adventures on offer!

For more information or to request the ADVENTURESIncorporated, new Discover Australia & New Zealand brochure please contact ADVENTURESIncorporated, on 888.469.2949 or email info@ADVENTURESIncorporated.com

Goway Becomes Eco-Efficient

Goway Travel has announced that they have improved efficiencies and reduced costs by now providing e-documents for their bookings.

Goway’s new reservations system offers a faster turnaround and instant e-documents, eliminating the use of paper. All travel documents such as confirmation/pre-departure packages, itineraries, e-tickets and invoices will be replaced and sent electronically via email to agents.

“Goway is always seeking ways to improve our systems and service,” commented Cathy Mulrine, Goway’s VP Wholesale. “As a travel company that is always progressing, we want to make it easier for agents to work with us.”

This green initiative also serves to reduce the costs of delivering documents to agents and their customers, making Goway’s pricing even more competitive. Information is conveyed to agents faster, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

For several years, Goway has also offered e-brochures available at their website at Goway.com/brochure. In addition, Goway offers a free e-blast service to North American agents at Gowayagents.com whereby agents can email offers to their client database customized with their contact details, to stimulate inquiries for travel to Africa, Asia, Downunder and Latin America.

Goway’s Escorted Tours are Unique… and FUN!

Only Goway offers an escorted tour series branded HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME. To substantiate this claim, Goway’s destination Product Managers draw on years of experience to carefully select hotels and sightseeing experiences. To enhance the series further, Goway includes Fun Themes on each of their departures.

Departures are allocated a specific Fun Theme which is incorporated into the experiences. These themes provide an opportunity to highlight aspects of the destination.

Sample themes include “Lifestyles and Native Culture” which may introduce the indigenous peoples such as the Zulus and Xhosas on the 20 day Magic of Africa tour to South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls. The “Cuisines and Food” theme includes trying an Aussie Meat Pie “Floater” on the 22 day Waltzing Matilda tour of Australia and New Zealand. During theSplendours of China 18-day tour, the “Cuisines of the Region” theme offers the opportunity for travellers to try Sechuan, Shanghainese, Hot Pots and other types of Chinese food. And for travelers on the 17 daySplendours of South America tour to Chile, Argentina and Brazil, one of the themes, “Lifestyles and Native Culture” introduces Spanish and Inca Civilizations and the story of the Rio Carnival

Goway’s professional North American Tour Directors accompany the groups and know these destinations intimately, having been there repeatedly. For more information on Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime, visit the website at Goway.com/hol, or request a copy of the South Pacific, Asia, Africa or Latin America travel planners by calling 1-800-387-8850, or by visiting Goway.com/brochure.

Goway Expands Tibet Vacations

Goway Travel has expanded unique product offerings to one of Asia’s most intriguing countries, Tibet.

Tibet is home to the holy city of Lhasa, Mt. Everest, the Potala Palace and red-clothed Dalai Lama. It is a mystical country that offers a vacation rich in scenery, religion and culture. Visitors to Tibet can visit Buddhist monasteries, enjoy colorful Tibetan art, and marvel at ancient architectural wonders.

“The niche market demand for Tibet was unforeseen“, commented Doug Vogl, Goway’s Product and Marketing Manager for Asia. “We have seen a jump in bookings as the capital , Lhasa, continues to draw people to the famous Potala Palace and the many iconic temples and monasteries.”

Goway’s 7 Day Tibet in Depth package priced from $1589 CAD is one of the hottest sellers, and offers a combination of sightseeing in Lhasa with Gyantze, an old town featuring fortress ruins and the monastery. Visitors will also explore the Tashilhumpo Monastery at Shigatse, the most important religious site in the city and founded in 1447.

Combining Tibet with China is one of Goway’s 13 Day popular tours. Time is spent exploring the sights of Beijing before taking the Tibet Express to Lhasa. The tour culminates with a journey back to China to spend time at Chengdu to visit the Panda Sanctuary.

Travel professionals can access http://www.goway.com/asia/china for a complete list of Goway’s Exotic products. Goway’s extensive 68-page Asia Planner offers more than 200 Independent and Escorted Travel Ideas and is available online at www.goway.com or by calling toll free 1-888-469-2988.