According to Webster’s dictionary, “a wizard is a very clever and skillful person possessed of magical influence”. With this in mind, Goway Travel promotes themselves as the Wizards of OZ (OZ for OZtralia in the Australian slang dictionary).

Goway prides itself on the level of expertise shown by its sales team and has an intense staff training program to qualify genuine wizards, with weekly quizzes and bi-annual Wizard tests and are proud to have the majority of reservations qualified for the company to genuinely promote themselves as the Wizards of OZ. Those that are not yet qualified are designated “wizards in training”. As well as the designation, other privileges for Goway Wizards include the opportunity to go on a special in-house familiarization tours.

“When it comes to Downunder we are always looking for ways to better ourselves, our products and our services to agents” states Meghan Boyd, Product Manager for Goway “Our industry requires our sales team to be more knowledgeable than other wholesalers, and we want professional retail agents to know they can expect only the best from Goway.”

Goway Travel is a multi-award winning Wholesaler for travel to Australia, and offers a wide range of travel styles and ideas for exploringAustralia and New Zealand.

Australia is one of the largest countries in the world and lends itself to endless possibilities for visitors. New South Wales (NSW) is one of the “must see” States which lies on the east coast of Australia, between Queensland and Victoria. One of the highlights of NSW is Sydney, the most cosmopolitan city in Australia, surrounded by modern and historic architecture, a beautiful harbour, dazzling beaches and a sunny climate. The surrounding regions include popular wine regions, beaches, World Heritage National Parks and spectacular coastal and country scenery. The farthest west is the Outback where visitors can catch a glimpse of Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

“People visit Sydney due to the many attractions and activities available. You can walk along the harbour then catch a performance at the Opera House, or you can easily go beach hopping by taking ferries or short bus rides. Sydney is a city where everyone will find something to do” comments Meghan Boyd, Goway’s Product Manager for Australia and New Zealand

Goway has many touring options from Sydney such as; Hunter Valley wine tours, day trips to the Capital of Australia, Canberra, exploring Sydney by helicopter, discovering the lush Blue Mountains and the wildlife, cruising the famous harbour, even the opportunity to spend the night at the zoo for a unique experience!

The perfect way to explore New South Wales is with Goway Travel’s V Australia Sydney Starter package that starts from $1499CAD per person. This includes Round trip airfare from Los Angeles with V Australia and 4 nights hotel.

Australia is known for their great wines, and many travelers opt for Goway’s 2 Day Hunter Valley Wine Country Tour from $581. This gives a great contrast from the action-packed city and includes overnight accommodation, some meals, wine tasting, transfers from Sydney and sightseeing. Visitors will have a chance to view panoramic views of the wine areas.

R.to L.: Bruce Hodge, Cathy Mulrine, Robbie Bastion, Meg Boyd, Emma Cottis Click for High Resolution

After 22 years, travelling the world promoting Australia’s far north Queensland, Parker Travel Collection’s International Director of Sales, Robbie Bastion celebrated his 50th sales mission to North America. Robbie celebrated this accomplishment with the Management and staff of Goway Travel, North America’s largest wholesaler to the South Pacific. Seen here with Robbie and “his book” are Goway’s Owner/President, Bruce Hodge, and Goway Management, Cathy Mulrine, Meg Boyd and Emma Cottis.

In his 22 year tourism industry career, Robbie has worked for only three organizations; Quicksilver Group of Companies, Down Under Tours and now the Parker Travel Collection 2001. With 49 sales missions to North America under his belt Robbie has a wealth of specialized knowledge and developed loyal and long serving contacts that have been invaluable for securing business from this key market. He has visited the USA under four Presidents – Bush, Clinton, Bush Jnr and now Obama. Similarly, he has worked with several heads of Tourism Australia and Tourism Queensland in Los Angeles and yet maintains many old ties. Earthquakes, blizzards, airline dramas and even a quintessential New York mugging have all been part of the experience, an experience that Robbie catalogued in his 2007 book ‘In Continents – Tales of Road Warrior’. “I am still calling on companies and individuals I started calling on in 1989 and they have become good friends as well as work colleagues.”

Robbie has seen many changes in this important market to Australia – the many different marketing campaigns following the successful Paul Hogan advertisements to the ‘Nothing Like Australia’ creative of today.

According to Robbie, “I have also seen the consolidation of many wholesalers into a handful but conversely the growth of the Aussie Specialist (American retail travel agents) Program continues to put Australia in front of the agent and hopefully the consumer. However, the biggest factor influencing North American visitation always has been and will continue to be aviation.

“I’ve seen the rise and fall of airlines like Continental, American and North West try to cash in on the Australian market. Yet, the most steadying influence on the trans-Pacific sector has been Qantas Airways. Their new service into Dallas/Fort Worth will open a whole new market and is a sign of their continuing commitment to Australia. I’ll be doing my best to emphasize this during my upcoming round of calls,” he said.

On his return to Australia Robbie will fly to Melbourne to meet with 150 Aussie Specialist agents for Corroboree USA.