New Goway V.P. signals agent commitment

Goway Travel’s new vice-president for U.K.-Europe, Craig Canvin, told PAX that travel agents represent an important part of his plans as he prepares to step into the newly-created role.

Speaking shortly after his appointment was made public earlier today, Canvin described himself as a ‘strong proponent’ of the travel agent network, and noted the company’s focus on the agent community. “We have a very strong commitment to retail travel agents, and they’ve been very strong partners for us,” he said. “We want to be able to provide them with the tools necessary for them to be successful.”

Canvin, who will be based out of Goway’s Toronto head office, said that he was ‘unbelievably excited’ to be joining the company, having amassed over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry to date. “I’ve had the utmost respect for Goway over the years,” he commented, “and I really believe I’m going to be a good fit. I’m excited to work with the team developing our European program.”

While acknowledging that things were still at an ‘early stage’ in his new role, Canvin said that one of his priorities was to deliver a range of different options for travellers to the U.K. and Europe.

“What I’m excited about is the opportunity of… developing travel opportunities for all wallet sizes,” he said, “and really go look from the value propositions, all the way to the luxury private guided experiences. I’m excited about fulfilling each of those areas.”

Goway founder and president Bruce Hodge said that the role reflected the current potential of the European market for the company. “We have been searching for six months for the right person,” he commented. “In the process, we came to realize the potential for U.K.-Europe to be as big as our Australia & South Pacific program.”

Canvin has held senior positions with Kensington Tours, Thomas Cook, Fun Sun Tours and Inter Vacations throughout his lengthy career in travel, and Hodge noted that the appointment – which ended an extensive search for the right candidate – would signal significant expansion of its European product.

“Goway.com currently features well over 500 European travel ideas for agents,” he said. “With Craig at the helm, we expect this to double over the next 18 months.”