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Behind the Scenes on Goway’s Agent FAM to Hong Kong and Thailand

On Sept 2nd, a team of Goway’s top agents boarded a Cathay Pacific flight, in premium economy no less, headed for Hong Kong International Airport. Along with Goway Travel and Cathay Pacific, their FAM was co-hosted by Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

At time of writing, the group is still abroad, but we thought it would be fun to give you some highlights of how the FAM is going thus far. Tales from the road, so to speak.

Touchdown Hong Kong

For a country concentrated in such a small area, Hong Kong doesn’t lack for great attractions and varied activities. It is affectionately known as the “City of Life” and deservedly so. It is also known for its amazing skyline which gives Hong Kong the title the “world’s most vertical city.” There are more than 1220 skyscrapers, all clustered close together, creating an iconic Hong Kong vacation image.

Goway’s eastern Canada business development manager Sam Cottar and Jose Cid from 1-2-1 Travel Connections get comfy in their premium economy Cathay Pacific airline seats.

The group were welcomed by one of Goway’s favourite Hong Kong properties, the Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel. As the name suggests, this hotel offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbour, and is close to some scrumptious restaurants.

The team took in many of the key sights that Hong Kong has to offer including the tram ride up to Victoria Peak, a sampan ride through Aberdeen and a stroll through Stanley Market, Repulse Bay, the Big Buddha of Lantau, and a visit to the top of Sky100, Hong Kong 360-degree indoor observation deck overlooking the city.

On Sky Terrace 428 at the top of Peak Tower, the group took a quick time-out for a pic.

Goway offers a number of packages for Hong Kong such as the famous 3 or 4 Day Vibrant Hong Kong. For passengers who are looking for something more unusual or have more than 3 or 4 days to explore the country, Goway has a number of options to choose from. If you are a hiker, a shopper, a foodie, a history buff, or a culture vulture, there is something for every client. The biggest mistake clients make when booking Hong Kong is not allowing for enough time. This FAM was no exception. Before long, the group were onward bound towards Phuket.

“So far the itinerary has been so well organized with excellent hotel choices in Hong Kong. Loved our 6-hour tour to the Peak (Victoria Peak) by tram and then onto Aberdeen and Repulse Bay, then lunch in Stanley (market). Amazing evening at Sky100 with specular views and incredible dinner on the 101st floor in a Michelin star restaurant,” said Michelle G from The Travel Network.

Great new friends made everyone forget the inclement weather of the day.

Because we love our agents, we’ve made sure a significant amount of pampering is part of the itinerary. Fresh off the natural highs of Hong Kong, the group arrived at the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. The trick for group leader Sam was of course to then try and pull the team out of the resort after one brief night. Anyone who has ever stayed at the Anantara Layan knows that it’s pure luxury all the way. The lucky agents were upgraded to the resort’s pool villas complete with butler service, private pool, and sun terrace, all with beach access. Safe to say, the only downside to the experience would have been facing the inevitable check out time.

Anantara’s Deluxe Pool Villas offer an oasis for romance.

“And if it couldn’t get much better….off to paradise in Phuket and our private residences at Anatara Layan. Never have I seen a place so beautiful and the staff and private butlers went above and beyond,” added Michelle G.

Ramona Mitchell form Goliger Travel Plus enjoys her morning coffee beside Anantara’s infinity pool perched above Layan Beach. Tough way to start the day!

It was a quick stop before the group headed north to incredible Elephant Hills Tented Camp situated in Khao Sak National Park. Agents got to enjoy a true nature experience in the heart of the jungle. This is one of Goway’s most popular excursions for good reason.

Ramona Mitchell takes some lessons on how to cut pineapple in just the right way to satisfy her hungry multi-ton customers.

The second day of the Elephant Hills program has the group travel to Cheow Larn Lake where they stay in floating tents on the water. It’s not unusual seeing Gibbons and Langur monkeys swinging in the jungle behind the tents.

“Our tents were so comfortable. Sleeping surrounded by nature, it’s a true haven to unwind and relax. This is the best familiarization trip I have ever been on and hats off to Goway. Truly a superior tour operator!” said Michelle G.

The group pose with the residents of the park.

Thanks Michelle!

The Rainforest Camp is a great place to completely unwind and unplug. The idea of a day without WIFI is bliss for many of us. Yes, our jobs in this industry can be challenging sometimes but days like these, getting paid to experience a destination on behalf of our clients, make it all worthwhile.

Jose Cid from 1-2-1 Travel Connections relaxes with a coffee contemplating whether he should go for a swim or go for a canoe trip or better yet, do both.

That’s all we have for now. The group will move on to Chiang Rai and then back to Hong Kong before returning home. There will be more highlights from the road in weeks to come.
If you want to get yourself a highly coveted seat on an upcoming Goway FAM, all you have to do is sell. We list all of our upcoming FAMs on GowayAgent.com and preference is always given to agents who have sold Goway at least once. Also check out our Passport to a Free FAM program. FAM participant Steve Carey got his golden ticket on this FAM by completing the program.

Taking some time for a photo is (from left to right) Sam Cottar, Goway’s BDM Eastern Canada, Jose Cid, Thomas Rapin from Cathay Pacific and Steve Carey from Travel Only.

And if you have clients who you think a similar tour would be perfect for – a honeymoon couple, for example – Goway has a number of promotional offers that pair both the frenetic and exciting pace of Hong Kong with the ‘kickback’ nature and romantic appeal of Thailand.

If you want to check out more photos from this FAM, be sure to ask your Goway BDM to connect you to our private Facebook page developed just for our top agents. Soft launched at the beginning of September with over 450 members so far, full launch will be in October, so get a jump start now.

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