The “Year of the Gorilla” began Monday – a U.N. effort to raise money for primates threatened with extinction from disease, hunting and deforestation. It was launched at a ceremony in Rome where Prince Albert II of Monaco and representatives from more than 100 governments gathered to discuss increasing measures for nearly 30 species endangered by pollution, climate change and over hunting.

In related news, rare mountain gorilla twins have been born in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, home to around half the world’s population of the endangered primates. “It is only the second time in history that we are aware of twins being born in Uganda,” a spokesman for the Uganda Wildlife Authority advised, adding that the twins were healthy. Mountain gorillas are the cornerstone of Uganda’s tourism industry and it is predicted that the twins’ arrival will boost tourist numbers. Bwindi is home to an estimated 340 mountain gorillas, around half the global population, according to the most recent survey conducted between 2006 and 2007.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts offer travellers some programs where they can encounter gorillas up close. One is a 7 day ‘Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps’ (http://www.goway.com/africa/uganda/gorillas-wildlife-chimps.html) which includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and chimp trekking from $4434. Also on offer is the 3 or 4 day ‘Mountain Gorilla Encounter’ in Rwanda from $2940 (http://www.goway.com/africa/rwanda/index.html) which includes flights from Nairobi, a city tour of Kigali including a visit to the very moving Genocide Memorial & Education Center. Accommodation in the capital is at the first class Intercontinental Hotel or similar. Morning gorilla treks occur on days two and three and you overnight at the Gorilla Nest Lodge. Travel through the beautiful Rwandan countryside is by luxury 4WD. “Before I saw my first mountain gorilla he brushed my shoulder as he bounded from the canopy above and went somersaulting down the track behind me,” says Bruce Hodge, President of 39-year-old Goway. “There was another gorilla in the undergrowth to the left and one to the right and even more in the bamboo canopy above. Wow…were we ever close!” The place was Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, East Africa the region where Dian Fossey became famous. “I feel privileged to be one of the very few travellers who have ever encountered mountain gorillas in their own habitat” continued Hodge.

When you consider that only 8 permits are issued each day in Rwanda to visit each of 5 families habituated for tourists, you will be one of only a few travellers to have encountered mountain gorillas in their own habitat, so early booking is essential.

For more information on these and many other great value Travel ideas, visit www.goway.com or call 1-800-245-0920.

AFRICAExperts…by Goway has today released a number of valuable savings on their safaris and custom vacations for travellers to South Africa.

“This is an ideal time to plan a trip South Africa” commented Christy Fraser, Product & Marketing Manager for AFRICAExperts, “the strength of the Canadian Dollar provides excellent value for visitors to South Africa. When converted from the South African Rand, the average cost of a 3-course dinner for 2 including wine is CA$50.

“We have also lowered the prices for some of our tours, or included special value offerings to make a visit to South Africa more attractive.” Continued Fraser.

The most popular small group touring idea from AFRICAExperts, the 14 day Best of South Africa tour has been reduced by over $500 per couple to $2676 per person, and also includes a free Soweto tour.

Also released is 2nd passenger discount of 25% which equates to savings of up to $761. This promotion applies to some of the most popular tours, including the 14-day ‘World in One Country‘ priced from $3043, the 4-day ‘Magnificent Garden Route‘ priced from $951 and the 3-day ‘Hluhluwe, Zulu Culture and Big Game Safari‘ from $667.

For more information on AFRICAExperts reduced pricing and value added offerings, visit the $uper$pecial pages at Goway.com

ADVENTURESIncorporated, the exclusive adventure team at Goway Travel, is offering travellers the opportunity to spend the Christmas holidays in Costa Rica.

“It’s getting cold here in North America and people are looking for exotic alternatives; and Costa Rica has always been a popular choice. Just a short flight from North America, it’s a destination that offers everything from the hard core to soft adventure options. Costa Rica has proven to be a strong seller for ADVENTURESIncorporated” stated Don Forster, Product and Marketing Manager.

“Land of the Seas, Sun & Volcanoes” is priced affordably at $1315 CAD, and offers the best of Costa Rica in just 7 days. Including most meals, all transfers, accommodation in 3 and half star lodgings, horseback riding, and the famous Rainforest Zip Line Canopy Tour, the “Land of the Seas, Sun & Volcanoes” as offered by ADVENTURESIncorporated is the perfect step into the world of adventure and one of the most popular and accessible central American destinations for the winter season.

For full trip information on the Land of the Seas, Sun & Volcanoes adventure, visit their website (http://adventuresincorporated.com/countries/costa_rica/trip_details.php?tid=368). Goway offers over 1200 adventure trips worldwide with an every expanding offering of adventure and more traditional trips to Latin America.

ADVENTURESIncorporated is the exclusive adventure division of 38 year old Goway Travel. For more information on, call 1-800-387-8850, email info@adventuresincorporated.com or visit www.adventuresincorporated.com.

IslandsEscapes…by Goway has announced a number of special added value offers for travellers to the Cook Islands. Starting from just $2189 per person for departure from Vancouver, packages include 12 nights accommodation, transfers and airport welcome. A range of accommodations are available and offer various benefits, including free accommodation, free breakfast, free car rental or food and beverage resort credits.

“These packages represent fantastic savings for travellers” commented Meghan Boyd, Product Manager, “and the value continues in destination because $1 Canadian buys almost $1.50 New Zealand (the currency of the Cook Islands).”

The Cook Islands is populated by warm, welcoming people whose connection to their heritage and unspoilt natural environment permeates almost every aspect of their daily lives. An authentic and vibrant experience is what one will encounter while visiting Rarotonga whose present-day name stems from ‘raro’ meaning ‘down’ and ‘tonga’ meaning ‘south’.

IslandsEscapes offers custom-designed vacations to this unspoiled gem of the South Pacific, including extensions to the stunning island Aitutaki. For honeymoons, IslandsEscapes‘ unique bridal registry allows couples to upgrade or enhance elements of their honeymoon.

All bookings made with IslandsEscapes…by Goway before Dec 27, 2008 will be entered into a draw to win a trip for 2 to the fabulous Cook Islands including round-trip airfare with Air New Zealand from Los Angeles, and 5 nights accommodation at Royale Takitumu.

For more information on these and many other great value Travel ideas, visit the “$uper$pecial” section at www.goway.com or call 1-800-667-6601.

Belinda Combrink
With the launch of Goway’s AFRICAExperts 2009 expanded product range, the company has announced the addition of two destination specialist staff to their Africa Division.

“We are delighted to welcome Belinda Combrink and Kirsty Perring, who bring 30 years combined travel experience to our organization” commented AFRICAExperts General Manager Moira Smith, “Both have travelled extensively around Africa and have worked for the largest wholesale operator in Africa”.

Belinda Combrink has traveled extensively throughout the USA, Asia and Europe as well as her native Africa. Her specialization includes Mombasa, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia,

Kirsty PerringMozambique, Botswana, Seychelles, Mauritius. “Being South African, I have been fortunate to visit most areas of my home country and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to now educate our agency partners on these great destinations” commented Belinda.

Kirsty Perring has worked in Africa and the UK customizing upscale FIT itineraries for discerning travellers to Africa, and aside from her travels around Asia, she has been fortunate to experience Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Egypt, Dubai, South Africa, and Mozambique. “I’m delighted to join such a great company as Goway, and am looking forward to working with North American Agents on such a great product range.”

Goway Travel has just launched an interesting opportunity for Canadians to “Go to Australia for FREE” and enter to win two tickets to the fabulous “Land Down Under”!

For every passenger to book a Goway Travel vacation to Australia flying Qantas before December 31, 2008, they receive:

1) FREE Movie tickets to see Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming epic “AUSTRALIA”
2) Entry into a draw to win two round-trip tickets to Australia

Qualifying bookings must be registered online at Goway.com/AusForFree.

On 26 November, Twentieth Century Fox will release Australia, passionately created by Oscar nominated Baz Luhrmann, one of the world’s leading directors, with production and costumes designed by two time Oscar winner, Catherine Martin. These talented Australians have collaborated previously through their production company, Bazmark Inq to create such masterpieces as Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom.

“Australia” is an epic and romantic action adventure, set on the explosive brink of World War II. In it, an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) travels to the faraway continent where she meets a rough-hewn local (Hugh Jackman) and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she inherited. Together, they embark upon a transforming journey across hundreds of miles of the world’s most beautiful yet unforgiving terrain, only to face the bombing of the city of Darwin.

ADVENTURESIncorporated is offering a chance to earn a free 14 day safari to Botswana.

If escaping the winter isn’t enough then working towards a trip is.

“Africa is hot – literally and figuratively – at the moment” states Don Forster, Product and Marketing Manager for ADVENTURESIncorporated. “Cold winters and the lure of exotic sights and sounds have always been a factor in people looking to Africa for the ultimate adventure. Times are tough now and ADVENTURESIncorporated wants to add that extra incentive for travel agents when looking to Africa for their clients.” continues Forster.

So secure your 10 passengers by December 31st 2009 and the free Botswana Safari is yours. The ADVENTURESIncorporated adventure experts are ready to assist with any questions travel agents or their clients may have.

One of the great selections of ADVENTURESIncorporated small group adventures is the 22 day Southern Experience from $2824 CAD. This is the most popular small group safari, and the best way to see the most spectacular features of Southern Africa.

For full details of all ADVENTURESIncorporated’s adventure choices visit the ADVENTURESIncorporated website.

ADVENTURESIncorporated is the exclusive adventure division of 38 year old Goway Travel.

For more information, please call 1-888-469-2949, email info@adventuresincorporated.com or visit ADVENTURESIncorporated.com.

Goway has today announced the first series of winners for their 2008 “Great Giveaway”. For all new bookings until December 27, 2008, Goway is offering weekly prizes and a Grand Prize trip giveaway for 2 to the Cook Islands.

Winners:
Karen – Marlin Travel, Guelph ON (Australia booking)
Audrey – Cruise Ship Centers, Kelowna, BC (New Zealand booking)
Luis – Cruise Connoisseurs, Newmarket, ON (China booking)
Marie – Renaissance Travel, Toronto, ON (Egypt booking)

To be entered into the weekly and grand prize draw, agents simply make a booking on any Goway vacation and will be eligible to win weekly prizes. Each week, one lucky agent will be selected at random to win a gift basket worth up to $100!*

In addition, all bookings made before Dec 27, 2008 will be entered into a draw to win a trip for 2 to the fabulous Cook Islands including round-trip airfare with Air New Zealand from Los Angeles, and 5 nights accommodation at Royale Takitumu.

*All agents with bookings with a posted deposit or full payment received Monday-Saturday will be entered into the weekly draw and also into the grand prize draw to be announced on January 16, 2009. Weekly prizes will be advised the week following the draw. Only one entry per booking, no form required. Effective 22 Sep ’08.

Goway’s Travel Planners can be viewed and ordered online at Goway.com. For information and reservations, call 1-800-387-8850.

Goway Travel has this month announced two great deals for travellers bound for New Zealand.

“This is a great time to plan a trip Downunder” commented Emma Cottis, Marketing Manager for Goway Travel, “the Canadian Dollar currently buys $1.40 in New Zealand, which means your dollar goes much further on a dream vacation. When you combine the buying power of the Canadian dollar with some of our specials to New Zealand, there are fantastic savings for travellers.”

In conjunction with any of their independent, escorted or self-drive vacations, Goway is offering a fare of just $678 to Auckland for departure from Los Angeles. “Savvy travellers can either opt to take advantage of great fares to Los Angeles or can use points or miles to arrange connecting flights, making this a great deal” continued Cottis. The fare is valid for travel for select dates in 2009, but must be purchased by 24 November.

Also available for New Zealand bound travellers is Goway’s $300 per couple savings for tours 12 days or longer that are booked by 30 November 2008 for travel before 31 March 2009. Perfect for travellers who are less inclined to drive on the “wrong” side of the road, or for those keen to forge new friendships with fellow travellers! Goway’s New Zealand escorted tours can be viewed online at their website Goway.com.

For more information on Goway’s great value vacations which are updated weekly, visit their $uper$pecial pages at Goway.com or call 1-888-GOWAY-44 (1-888-469-2944).