Bruce Hodge addresses the indoor crowd
Anita Emilio & Bruce Hodge
Posing players
Voguing players
“We don’t do everything,” is how Bruce Hodge responded to me about the secret to Goway’s success. We were chatting over a beer at the rained-out annual cricket match between Goway and Air New Zealand. What else can one do at a wet non-cricket match but help dry out the place?
I started to wonder whether, in travel, where broad product offerings are the norm, ‘not doing everything’ was something to boast about. But before the thought had formed, Bruce explained:
“For instance, we don’t do Europe. We leave that to our competitors. When we offer a country, we fully specialize in that country. “Mary” in reservations doesn’t try to sell soup to peanuts. If an agent calls asking about Asia, they are forwarded to one of our Asia specialists. Agents trust us to have in-depth knowledge.”
The outspoken founder of Goway never minces words about the quality of his product and his staff. The latest addition to the team is Anita Emilio, who, as General Manager Wholesale, has been charged with continuing the inroads Goway has made south of the border.
Anita says it’s been a steep learning curve over the last month, but she is loving all of it and relishes the new challenges. “I’m having a blast and looking forward to growing our U.S. business. It’s amazing how much the American market is embracing our products. Many have the time and the money to get out there and explore the world.”
As far as the cricket is concerned, a few brave players pulled out their bats and made a show of it for the cameras – but with a soaked pitch, the real playing has to wait another year.
