With over 50 years of curating global itineraries under their belt, Goway says it is launching a river-cruise product in September to complement its land offerings.
Senior VP Craig Canvin explained at Goway's 25th annual cricket match that along with the new product, the company continues to grow in a number of areas.
It currently consists of Globespan (corporate travel); Across Australia, a DMC; air consolidator Goway Air; and a significant business-processing team based in Manila.
Canvin stayed coy on the new river cruise product, but did point out how the company is on a roll. Some 800 complex FIT itineraries, including private guided tours. are on the books for 2026, he said, up from 700 last year.
In all the company currently employs about 800 staff worldwide.
It’s a milestone for any company to celebrate over 50 years of anything – and Goway knows how to do it in style. In addition to the announcements the company made at the Toronto Cricket Club last week, they also hosted a cricket match, which is an annual tradition.
It was Goway “versus” Air New Zealand, but as the carrier was unable to field a whole team of 11, the tour operator kindly loaned some of its players. Some were keeners (especially those hailing originally from India and Pakistan), while others were hapless but enthusiastic subs who were as mystified by the rules as many of the spectators.
Either way, it’s part of the tradition that the event/office-party bring together staffers from across the continent, showcasing the laid-back cheerfulness that Goway is known for. There were about 100 attendees.
Claire.
“For 25 years, the Goway vs Air New Zealand cricket match has been a highlight event on the Goway calendar,” said Anthony Saba, Goway’s VP South Pacific, who hails from Australia.
Mason Spencer, Account Director at Air New Zealand echoed that the companies have “a special relationship that dates back many decades, and a big part of that close partnership is the annual cricket match that captures the friendship and mutual respect between our companies.”
Spectators included Goway founder Bruce Hodge, 83, who is still in the office every day and happy to reflect on the matches over the years. Born in Australia, Hodge founded Goway back in 1970, working out of his tiny Toronto apartment.
Europe represents the largest destination (with Italy leading the pack, though there is increasing interest in off-the-beaten Northern European path including, for example, Lapland) followed by Australia and Japan for Goway, Canvin said.
“The booking window is up to 160 days, given the complexity of many of the bookings.”
Canvin also commented on the company’s Travel Advisory Board, comprising 10 top-producing retailers from across Canada and the US and now in its second year.
Founded to help the company keep a finger on the frontline pulse of the industry, the Board has been instrumental in seeing the company revamp its documentation system; put a stronger emphasis on Premium Economy and Business class service; and introduce tours for mature female solo travellers.
In 2027, those tours will be offered to Japan, India and Brazil, with more slated to come.
And the result of the annual match? Air New Zealand was declared the winner with 8.2 runs with Goway clocking in at 7.7 and Alice Teramoto, Goway Destination Specialist was declared MVP.
As Bruce Hodge told Open Jaw, “We are still having lots of fun!”
