With temperatures in the minus 20s in Toronto yesterday, it’s unlikely that Canadian Aussie expat – and founder of Goway Travel – Bruce Hodge celebrated Australia Day by throwing any shrimp on the barbie. (A toast with a Foster’s lager at the local pub was a more likely outcome). However, Hodge and staff at the tour operator report that the Aussie spirit was “alive and well” on the national holiday (Jan. 26) and continues as company prepares for the projected re-opening of Australia later this year.
Goway’s Shirley Rourke says the Downunder specialist is “re-dedicating itself to sharing Australia with the wider world” after the nation’s pandemic pause on international travel, which with has lasted for 22 months and counting.
“We know that people are champing at the bit to travel to Australia and explore its breathtaking mix of cultural delights and natural wonders,” says Rourke, VP of Downunder and South Pacific.
As such, she says, the company has been refining its small-group and private-guided tour options to ensure it is well-equipped to service the “inevitable and enormous travel demand” it expects when the border reopens.
To this end, Goway has reimagined its travel packages to Australia and polished its collection of best-selling vacations, as well as highlighting emerging travel trends like small-group touring, which reduces the number of fellow travellers that clients interact with on tour.
Rourke says small groups also offer a more intimate experience and personal touch for vacationers, while still providing the security and expertise of a guided group, as well enabling tour participants to access unique local experiences that aren’t available for larger groups.
Goway has also expanded its private-guided offerings in Australia, which allow travellers to customize their itinerary, focus on their specific interests, and have the flexibility to take part in exclusive and intimate experiences, such as wildlife encounters and culinary tours.
Sample tours include:
• “Essence of Australia” offers first-class accommodations and small-group touring on a 9-day tour to popular sites, such as Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock, and the Great Barrier Reef.
• “Ultimate Retreats” upgrades the offerings with a private guide and deluxe accommodations on a 12-day trip to Sydney, a private island resort in the Great Barrier Reef, and the remote wilderness of Freycinet on the island of Tasmania.
• “Authentic Australia” takes travellers on a 15-day journey through the best of Australia. It offers first-class accommodations and affordable shared tours in Melbourne, Sydney, Uluru/Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef, and Kakadu National Park.
Rourke notes that Goway can customize a vacation for any group of 10 or more travellers.
Also, new to the group travel experience is Goway Groups Only’s exclusive “bubble itineraries,” which allow guests to build their own bubble and customize one of Goway’s sample itineraries, such as “Amazing Australia.”
While waiting for Australia’s borders to reopen, Goway is inviting travel professionals to prepare and increase their travel knowledge by watching its recent 20-minute “Best of Australia” WEBINAR.
Agents are also invited to catch Goway’s fun and informative – including “how to speak Australian” – Australia Day video.