shirley rourke goway travel

Interview with a VP: Goway Downunder’s Shirley Rourke

• Australia & South Pacific
• May 25, 2020

How long have you been in the travel industry?

Where were you born?

How many countries have you visited?

34 countries, none of which are in Europe. With multiple trips Downunder of course.

Why did you start your career in travel?

I was always fascinated by cultures, geography and geology, so what better way to combine my passions? From a young age, I was also fascinated by Australia, so it’s amazing to be working with it as my travel specialty. In 1990 I packed up my backpack and my Lonely Planet and headed to Australia on a one year working holiday visa. I returned 2 years later with an even greater appreciation for its culture, nature, and personal growth.

What was the last vacation you went on?

My need to get away from it all took me to Noosa in Queensland Australia. This allowed me to relax, take it easy, and enjoy the nature around me. My days were filled with walks along an endless beach, walks through the national park linking deserted beaches, kayaking through the water ways among the mangroves, and eating great cuisine at a variety of local restaurants along the main street. I could have done a variety of day tours, however just exploring the town of Noosa gave me the down time and connection with nature I needed. By the end, I truly felt like a local.

If you were going to the airport (once COVID-19 has passed), where would you want to go?

New Zealand, to Nelson which is the jumping off point to the pristine Abel Tasman National Park, to enjoy our Walk & Kayak Break. Follow that with some R&R in the Marlborough wine region for some fabulous food and wine.

What advice would you give to a Travel Agent during these times?

Be patient. Be prepared, as I feel clients’ needs will change. I believe clients will be looking to get out and do more, experience all they can. To explore the vastness of nature with the excitement of experiences. Start to look at areas of specialty, so when clients are ready to go beyond the Caribbean, you are ready.

What is your ultimate trip for Adventure enthusiasts?

This would have to be a combination of Goway modules.

A visit to Sydney to enjoy the fabulous harbor, including a cruise like a local on a small yacht where you kayak, swim or fish off the back of the boat, sip champagne and enjoy the ambiance and views of the this spectacular harbor. Then a trip to South Australia. One of my favourite trips is Eyre Pennisula to take a 4WD adventure into the Outback to stay at Kangaluna Camp, staying in luxury safari tents, surrounded by outback. See wildlife up-close and personal in the wild, and visit volcanic rock formations and a salt pan lake. The contrast of the dried white salt lake against the red outback sand is amazing. This remote Wildlife & Outback 4WD safari is a must for any nature enthusiast wanting to get way from any crowd at all. Then back to the coast to swim with sea lions and see dolphins. Complete the stay in South Australia with a Great White Shark cage dive in Port Lincoln. Then head up to warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef for a cruise and a visit to the rainforest.

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Gindel joins Goway GroupsOnly as Group Sales & Reservations Manager

Post date: May 29 2024

Date: May 29 2024

By: Travelweek

TORONTO — Goway GroupsOnly has hired Elana Gindel as Group Sales & Reservations Manager.

The move comes as Goway GroupsOnly rides high on its biggest year ever.

Gindel will lead Goway GroupsOnly’s Europe and South Pacific teams and help grow the market in these key destinations for Goway. She joins Goway from TTC Tour Brands where she was Groups Manager, Canada.

Now based in Toronto, and buoyed by a few years of living in London, Gindel has worked in group travel for 10 years.

Shirley Rourke, VP Goway GroupsOnly, says: “With her vast experience in group travel and the hospitality industry, and her ability to connect and build relationships, Elana is an excellent addition to the Goway family. We’re thrilled to have Elana join our team as her experience and energy are a great fit. She fuels our ever-evolving passion and enthusiasm for tailor-made group travel.”

Goway GroupsOnly now has more than 40 team members, adds Rourke. Travel advisors looking for tailor-made group vacations to over 115 countries on all seven continents are asked to get in touch with Goway GroupsOnly.

Tags: Goway, Goway Groups Only, Lead Story

Goway Groups Only Marks Biggest Year Ever

• March 19, 2024
• United States

Toronto, March 19, 2024: Goway Travel, renowned in North America for tailor-made journeys, celebrates its Groups Only division’s unprecedented success, sending 500 group vacations worldwide in the past year. “We are incredibly proud of the exceptional performance achieved by our Groups Division in the past year,” says Shirley Rourke, Vice President of Groups Only at Goway. “This success emphasizes our team’s commitment to delivering unparalleled customer service and unforgettable travel experiences”.

This milestone marks Groups Only’s most profitable period to date and showcases the burgeoning demand for custom group travel experiences. “Group travel is one of the hottest trends in the industry right now. We expect interest in group travel to continue to grow. In particular, we’ve seen growth in women-only group travel opportunities, culinary tours, multi-generational family travel, heritage and ancestry travel, and group trips for special events. We’ve also seen increased interest in multi-country itineraries. Travellers want to visit exciting places, but they also want to share the experience with friends, family, and like-minded explorers. Add in the cost savings, safety benefits, and ease of planning, and you can see why group travel is such an appealing option for so many people. Goway Groups Only makes booking groups easy.”

Goway Groups Only is one of the largest group travel divisions, boasting a team of 40. Goway Group Specialists hand craft customized group trips to over 115 countries worldwide. Travel advisors benefit from experience and expertise when planning with Goway Groups Only as well as Goway’s unparalleled product line and supplier connections. They can also travel for free and make great revenue on group bookings. Goway Groups Only also offers cash rewards as part of the GowayPro loyalty program and helps travel advisors qualify for a free FAM.

To celebrate the occasion, Goway Groups Only is offering a complimentary Welcome Reception to all new groups who book from 20 March to 30 April, 2024. This gesture, featuring tastes of the destination upon arrival, serves as a token of appreciation for the unwavering support and trust advisors have shown.

Visit goway.com to learn more about booking a custom group vacation with Goway Groups Only.

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Is Luxury Travel a Good Fit for Your Group?

Expert Advice , Goway Travel , Magazine Features

Two family travel experts clear up misconceptions about luxury travel and offer their top exclusive history and heritage trips personalized to your group

Welcome to the epitome of group indulgence—luxury travel, where the word ‘ luxury ’ takes on a new meaning. No longer are luxurious trips all about lavish accommodation and upscale prices. Groups can set out on unforgettable, exclusive getaways that cater to them without busting the budget balloon.

In a world where experiences reign supreme, a luxury jaunt with your nearest and dearest transcends mere exploration—it becomes a nurturing escape. To understand more about this emerging travel trend, we spoke to two experts who curate luxury trips and other excursions for groups. They’ll answer burning questions about luxury travel and how they create memorable vacations for families, including heritage and history-focused expeditions for meaningful cultural experiences.

What is Luxury Travel?

“Luxury can mean different things to different people,” says Shirley Rourke, vice president of Groups Only, Goway Travel. Shirley is a dynamo in curating group trips to far-flung places and does so with the utmost thoughtful planning consideration. This is where Goway Groups Only helps travelers make their dreams come true, offering trips to 115 countries worldwide, including exclusive tours.

Shirley explains, “Our ability to customize a trip to the specific needs of an individual group allows us to get to know the travelers and design the right itinerary for them because what seems luxurious to this specific group might differ from the wider consensus.”

Luxury travel for groups offers many compelling advantages, making it an excellent idea for those seeking a heightened and personalized experience. If you’re asking yourself if luxury travel is a good fit for your group, consider what the mavens of group travel have to say.

Travel group at a market with guide

Luxury Travel and Money

Steve Born is the chief marketing officer of Avalon Waterways, a Globus Family of Brands. He agrees that luxury means something different to everyone, but a “high price tag is an outdated notion of luxury travel.” Sure, our minds may automatically determine what a luxury trip will cost. But Steve explains how this isn’t the case these days.

“Today’s luxury travel is about the experience delivered, not the price-point. It’s about feeling welcome, feeling taken care of, garnering access to special and memorable experiences that inspire travelers long after they’ve returned home.”

When it comes to the price tag of a luxurious trip, Shirley agrees that “a big misconception is that luxury costs the same in all destinations as it does at home.”

She says, “This isn’t true at all. In fact, some countries have some amazing luxury travel experiences that are available at a fraction of the price of equivalent services back home.”

Luxury Travel Offers Tailored Group Experiences

Globus is a leading travel company specializing in one-of-a-kind group experiences. They provide exclusive history and heritage-focused trips for groups paired with all the luxurious amenities one could think of.

Steve reveals, “Beyond the guidebooks. Beyond the ordinary. Beyond words. Touring the world with Globus delivers to travelers the stories behind the sights, connecting people with places. That includes history, heritage and everything in between. And when travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures, they come home as better versions of themselves, feeling more connected to the world.

“We do this with our unparalleled, no-one-does-it-like-this Choice Touring vacations. On Globus’ Choice Tours , we invite travelers to follow their passions with a choice of included excursions on two or three days of every tour. It’s a new, ‘you’ way to enjoy the world while on tour,” he explains.

Travel group experience an olive oil tasting

Luxury Travel to Celebrate Milestones

Over the years, Shirley has curated many luxury tours focusing on celebrating milestones. To craft a successful group trip, she knows it’s important to work closely with her travelers. She understands that experience and commitment to the luxe travel market are vital, and Goway Groups Only prides itself on individualized service that “really taps into the interests of the specific group.”

She states, “The beauty of working with Goway Groups Only is that every trip is customized to the specific needs of the individual group, so we don’t have to fit a group into a cookie-cutter luxury experience. Rather, we can tailor the experience to their definition of luxury in the destination they want to explore.”

Premier Access, Special Activities and Exclusive Tours via Luxury Travel

This style of travel often involves meticulously planning and executing logistical details such as accommodation, transportation and activities. Unique to luxury travel, such activities include private tours, back-stage access and exclusive culinary experiences, to name a few. These recreations usually go above and beyond standard tourist offerings to create a one-of-a-kind, elevated journey. In essence, the trend combines the best elements of opulence, convenience and customization for a refined and unforgettable experience.

Expert Guidance on Every Tour

“Touring by nature offers travelers great luxury. There’s no planning, just playing. Front-row parking at the world’s must-see sights with backstage access and insider stories, thanks to expert tour directors and local guides. And because we take care of the ‘how’ for Globus travelers, they can focus on the ‘wow,’” said Steve.

He adds, “On a tour, you’re never alone. You’re led by expert guides who work with on-the-ground operations teams who are in the know about everything from the best route to get to a must-see landmark to places to avoid.”

The Luxurious Package

Shirley insists, “Goway Groups Only goes beyond accommodation when providing luxury service to include private touring in high-quality vehicles, private guides, and exclusive travel experiences, such as expert-selected dining and behind-the-scenes access to landmarks and famous locales, all delivered with exceptional service.”

Goway Groups Only also works closely with trusted partners to ensure quality trips and customer satisfaction. Together, they craft personalized itineraries and unparalleled experiences for the ultimate luxury getaway.

Shared Exclusive Experiences through Luxury Travel

Bonding is one of the most important aspects of family travel. Families can share special experiences together that have meaning for their group. A sense of camaraderie and creating shared memories can deepen relationships and strengthen bonds among the group.

Personalized itineraries are an excellent way for families to enjoy an organized vacation that is special to them where bonding is number one. Include places of interest that speak to everyone. If your family appreciates the brilliant art and culture of diverse regions, fill your itinerary with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, art galleries and exciting museums.

History and Heritage Group Vacations

Globus’ Choice Tours include many exclusive activities and trips full of history and culture.

• Taste: Stir-Up Greek Specialties takes groups to visit Mount Pelion where learning how to cook traditional local specialties is on the menu.
• Float: Loved Bayou brings guests up close to the Cajun culture of Southern Louisiana on a narrated adventure full of local history and regional wildlife.
• Create: Fancy Footwork in Seville takes groups to visit an authentic espadrilles workshop where they can ascertain secrets of the trade from skilled artisans and make their own pair of espadrilles to take home.

Goway Groups Only provides outstanding luxury travel opportunities for groups to soak up culture and history.

• Explore Egypt on a luxury cruise along the Nile River and stay in a deluxe cruise vessel on the journey from Luxor to Aswan. Off-boat excursions include private-guided tours that delve deeper into historic temples and tombs. These tours share exclusive experiences not available with generic tours.
• Explore India and stay in a luxurious palace and indulge in private guided tours led by local guides to see things like wild tigers and historic sites.
• Explore Ireland , where ancient castles are the choice accommodation, and groups can join a behind-the-scenes tour of a local whiskey distillery.

Shirley says, “If a group wants to ride a luxury train across Africa, go on a bespoke camping experience and learn about the Indigenous Dreamtime in Australia, charter a private yacht to cruise the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, enjoy private wine tastings in the best vineyards of Portugal and Spain, or even explore Antarctica during the height of the polar summer, we can make that happen.”

Motorcoach for luxury group travel

Indulge in Comfort, Convenience and Safety

A big aspect of luxury travel is the comfort level and convenience of scheduled safe transportation and activities. When the planning is already done for you, your group can relax and enjoy the all-exclusive amenities of a getaway.

Shirley points out, “Accommodation is the most obvious portion of a luxury trip, and we can provide that with exclusive stays in deluxe accommodations, including luxury tented camps in the Australian Outback or the Serengeti in Tanzania.

“Travelers can enjoy 5-star hotel stays, such as the Ritz in London or a variety of deluxe hotels in Dubai. Group travelers can also enjoy a more boutique luxury experience at a villa in Tuscany or a lodge in New Zealand or South Africa.”

Suspension bridge (with plenty of safety measures)

Safety First! (With Luxury Close Behind)

Many travelers today have legitimate concerns about their safety and well-being while traveling, especially to international or unfamiliar destinations. Safety should be a top consideration no matter what type of travel experience you’re planning.

For Goway Groups Only, Shirley assures that they vet all of their partners to ensure safety.

“Safety is paramount and it’s the first consideration at every step of the travel journey.” She adds, “We have worked with many of our partners for over 50 years and through the years, we’ve built trust with them as well as clear communications regarding the expectations of our clients and the high standard of the travel experiences in destinations.”

The Globus Family of Brands similarly approaches group travel safety.

“It’s a great luxury to not have to worry on vacation. Globus has nearly a century of experience in taking hassles and worries away for travelers, allowing them the freedom to simply experience the world and its wonder. There may be no greater luxury than that,” Steve acknowledges.

Truer words were never spoken. Or maybe they have. Shirley has been in the business long enough to know exactly what luxury travel entails.

“It’s not just about planning a great luxury group vacation. It’s about delivering one.”

Discover more group-friendly travel inspiration and in-depth stories when you subscribe for FREE to Leisure Group Travel today.

By Heather Dale, Managing Editor

Recent Leisure Group Travel Magazine Articles

Travel Industry Today

Wizards of oz: goway celebrates australia day.

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.

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Take Off To Fiji With Goway

October 21, 2021

Goway Travel is offering four new Fiji getaways in anticipation of the country’s announced Dec. 1 reopening. Each of the four 7-night packages is tailored for a different kind of traveller, showcasing the diversity and versatility of a Fiji vacation in 2022.

“We are delighted to see Fiji opening,” says Shirley Rourke, Goway’s vice president — South Pacific.

Rourke continued: “It is such a great destination to get away from it all for anyone.  Fabulous for a Romantic Getaway, an adventure or the ultimate Family vacation.”

Travellers with kids can enjoy the Fiji Family Escape, with first-class accommodation on Castaway Island in the beautiful Mamanucas. Included are daily meals, unlimited use of beach equipment, plus either an Adventure Pass with a Banana Boat ride for two adults and two children, or eight hours of babysitting, ideal for parents with younger children who need some time alone.

Of course, for some couples, time alone is the whole point. These romantics can retreat to the deluxe Savasi Island Resort to enjoy candlelit dining, daily yoga on the beach with an instructor, a guided herbal walking tour and cooking class, unlimited use of beach equipment and more.

Those who want to kick their adrenaline up a notch can opt for an Adventure on the Coral Coast, exploring the interior of Fiji’s largest island, and taking an off-road safari across the Sigatoka River. Guests return each day to complimentary champagne and canapes at their deluxe accommodation.

Finally, Yasawa Island Resort & Spa showcases Fiji as a destination to get away from it all, relax, and recharge. Ideal for travellers with wellness in mind, or who just want to take it easy, the Yasawas are among the country’s most remote islands, yet waiting here on this package are deluxe accommodations, a welcome gift package, daily 50-minute spa treatments, daily meals, and a resort credit. Observing strict COVID-19 protocols to keep visitors and locals safe, Fiji plans to reopen to designated travel partner countries including Australia, New Zealand, the USA, UK, Canada, and most of the Pacific Islands from Dec. 1, when tourist flights on Fiji Airways will resume.

Visitors must show proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of departure. Upon arrival in Fiji, guests are transported to their hotel, enjoying full access to all amenities and relaxing into ‘Fiji time’ for 48 hours before a final Rapid Diagnostic Test.

After this test, guests are free to explore Fiji’s safe travel areas and embark on day trips. Fiji’s re-opening plan follows a rigorous vaccination program. Further loosening of restrictions are anticipated as more Fijians become fully vaccinated, allowing the country to offer its famous Bula! welcome to more visitors from around the globe.

For the most up to date information on selling Fiji, including the latest safety protocols and entry requirements, plus great packages and selling tips, join Goway’s Fiji webinar on Nov. 3.

Agents can sign up on  www.Gowayagent.com and those attending have a chance to win a reward on their GowayPro Card.

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