Travel writer Rob McFarland will be holding two travel writing workshops in Sydney. The exclusive workshop is limited to 12 spaces and will run on 13 September and 20 September 2014.

McFarlane is a highly qualified journalist regularly contributing to the Sydney Morning Herald, Sun-Herald, The Guardian, San Francisco Chronicle, NZ Herald, West Australian, Luxury Travel, Let’s Travel & GQ magazines. Winning nine writing awards in Australia and the US.

Places will fill quickly so secure your spot by emailing here.

Qantas has announced a range of supplementary services across a range of flights to cater for strong demand over the peak summer holiday period.

Including six return supplementary services from Sydney to Auckland during January 1 and 26 2015, and five return services from Sydney to Santiago during December 1st the 14th

“This reaffirms our new approach to aircraft utilisation, taking advantage of opportunities in the market and increasing services for our customers.” Qantas said.

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced it will celebrate the maiden arrival of Carnival Legend to Australia on 22 September with a performance by Cody Simpson and the Australian Girls’ Choir.

With 150 million views on YouTube, the Australian singer will welcome the Carnival Legend when it sails into Sydney.  The one-off concert will take place on top of the ship, against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

This will mark the start of Australia’s summer cruise season, which will set new records for the booming cruise industry

The Australian version of US based SinglesCruise.com has launched under the trading name of SinglesCruising.com.au.

Specialising in groups of singles on board cruises to the likes of the Caribbean and Mexico the first ever Australian SinglesCruise will be on board Carnival Spirit departing 30 November 2015 on a nine night South Pacific sailing.

Virgin Australia has launched an enhanced online check-in system for domestic flights, giving customers more information and control over their booking when checking-in via smart phone, tablet or computer.

The new system, developed by the airline to integrate with the SabreSonic booking and check-in system, offers a simplified design, more functionality and tailored destination information including weather and tourism sights. 

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced the hiring of two new seniors in line with the company’s significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region in 2013/14.

The new additions are Christine Gardiner, business development manager, and Lisa Pagotto, strategic partnerships manager.

Jeremy Lindblad, business development director for Lindblad Expeditions Australia stated “we are so excited to welcome Christine and Lisa to the team…the sky is the limit for 2015 and this growth to the team ensures that we continue to develop itineraries to cater to passengers in Asia Pacific.”

Scenic Tours has launched its 2015 Europe & Britain program which includes a range of new tours and extensions.

Additionally, Scenic Tours are offering some Early bird offers for bookings made before 30 November 2014, including fly free to Europe on selected land tours booked with a river cruise or fly to Europe deals.

The Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort in North Queensland has appointed Shirley Dodt to the position of director of sales and marketing.

Bringing plenty of experience to her new role, Dodt has spent more than 25 years working across a variety of diverse and interesting areas of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort general manager Peter Richardson says, “We are very excited to be welcoming Shirley on-board to guide, direct and inspire the resort’s sales and marketing team.”

Accor has announced, they will be the Official Accommodation Partner of Good Food Month 2014 presented by Citi, in celebration of Australia’s extraordinary culinary scene.

This partnership between Australia’s largest hotel operator and Australia’s largest food festival will bring the best Good Food Month experience to food-lovers with great accommodation packages and more events across NSW, ACT and VIC. The ‘Good Food Month Early Booking offer’ is now available with rates from only $113 per night, offering savings up to 30% off at participating hotels.