Thank god it’s Friday, right?

And of course the last thing you feel like doing on the wind down to the weekend is get clued in on all the latest agent news on every website out there.

So we’ve done it for you – you’re welcome. Check out the latest famil snaps, hotel deals and airline news for your Friday fill.

Here’s to a fantastic weekend!

Last chance to be a better parent!

Our comp this week with World Journeys is coming to an end today, and we’re asking for all your hilarious family holiday stories by the end of today.

The prize? The Travel Without Tears book that gives you 645 hot tips to travelling with kids. Regift for a friend, share it with clients, our put the wisdom to use with your own whipper snappers.

Send your story to competition@themisfits.media by close of business today.

Hot deals in chilly Hobart

This week’s hot deal release includes TFE Hotel’s Hobart sale, which includes the Stay & Fly package for Travelodge Hobart Airport.

From $104 per room per night, you can squeeze in accommodation, return airport transfers, on-site parking and a take away tea/coffee on departure.

Find out more here.

AccorHotels Showcase lands in Syd

Formerly known as World of Accor, AccorHotels Showcase will take place at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth on Tuesday August 4, providing travel agents, wholesalers, corporate clients, tourism partners and MICE organisers the opportunity to discover AccorHotels.

Commencing with a daytime exhibition from 10.30am – 3.30pm, expect prizes and giveaways, a free-flow workshop, and evening cocktails at 6pm, the event invites the global AccorHotels network to learn about the trends and products, with registration found here.

Fly for less for BA’s 80th

As the only European airline to fly to Australia, British Airways is continuing to celebrate its milestone year by reducing fares across its economy, premium economy, business and first class cabins.

Aussies can travel for as little as $1716 in Economy, $3464 in World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), $7454 in Club World (Business Class) or $10,614 in First.

The special fares are now available until August 13, with travel permitted between September 25 – November 25, 2015 and January 16 – March 16, 2016, with more info here.

APT and Travelmarvel team up

Through a series of nationwide workshops, APT and Travelmarvel will showcase to travel agents how they can build on regular F.I.T. group bookings by using their inclusive cruise packages as an opportunity to engage with local membership and community-based organisations looking to host a group departure.

To showcase the new groups offering and assist travel agents as to how they can grow their groups business APT and Travelmarvel are running a nationwide series of workshops around Australia.

The events are free of charge to attend and locations and dates, with registration available here, and are as follows:

• 4^th August – Sydney, Harbourview North Sydney
• 5^th August – Sydney, Novotel Parramatta
• 6^th August – Brisbane, Pacific Golf Club at Carindale
• 12^th August – Melbourne, Rydges CBD (Exhibition Street)
• 13^th August – Melbourne, Novotel Glen Waverley
• 1^st September – Adelaide, Stamford Plaza
• 2^nd September – Perth, Crown Plaza

Luxury Dubai with Creative Hols

Save $400 in Dubai when staying two nights at the 5-star Jumeirah Emirates Towers, followed by one night at the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab.

Exclusive to Creative Holidays, this package is priced from $1,409 per person and includes two nights at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and one night at the Burj Al Arab with complimentary buffet breakfast.

The luxury package is valid for sale until 24 July, 2015 and for travel from 19 July until 22 September, 2015.

For more information, call 1300 747 400.

Escape cold with hot MH fares

Jetsetters in need of a holiday can snap up must-grab ‘End of Winter’ fares starting from $595 Economy Class return or $2992 Business Class return to destinations including Malaysia, South-East Asia, UK and Europe.

On sale until August 10, the fares depart from capital cities around Australia, with more info on the travel dates and booking found here.

Instant Purchase Functionality in Calypso

Qantas Holidays and Viva! Holidays reservations systems, including easyway, can now accommodate instant purchase functionality for the very first time. The wholesale brands can now serve up a range of additional new dynamic content sources to our agency partners for inclusion when packaging holiday solutions.

Holiday components booked via  instant purchase rates will remain valid for 10 minutes during which time they must be paid for , either via credit card or enett on easyway after which the booking will update automatically to show a confirmed and paid segment.

Hollywood in Hawaii comes down under

Earlier this week 70 industry professionals gathered at the Marble Bar at the Hilton Hotel Sydney to celebrate Hollywood in Hawaii at a cocktail event sponsored by Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Hawaii Tourism Oceania, Hawaiian Airlines and Oahu Visitors Bureau.

Hawaii has been a popular movie destination since the 1930s with its golden beaches, volcanic deserts, lush rainforests and  has served as the ultimate backdrop for over 130 movies and 160 TV-shows. This year two blockbusters ‘Aloha’ and ‘Jurassic World’ has yet again put Hawaii on the world-map.

Lucky attendees took home a number of accommodation prizes and the big winner will be jetting off after winning 2 tickets on Hawaiian Airlines and 4 nights accommodation in Hawaii.

Ashlee Galea- Hawaii Tourism Oceania, Vanessa Ligovich, Pinpoint Carina Mullen, eCruising Valerie Okamoto, Hilton Hawaii
Nina Henderson, House of Travel, Larissa Centorino, The Travel Authority
Fiona Dalton, Qantas Holidays, Andrew Denman, Hawaiian Airlines