Tourism Australia’s chief marketing officer Nick Baker was last night named the Australian Marketing Institute’s Marketer of the Year for 2014, acknowledging his long-term service and achievements in the sector.

The AMI paid special tribute to Baker for his delivery of a series of campaigns, including ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’, ‘Best Jobs in the World’ and ‘Restaurant Australia’, while highlighting his contribution to strong customer engagement and content marketing.

The award comes just days after Baker announced his decision to leave Tourism Australia, which he will be doing at the end of January 2015.

Melbourne man Paul Goudie was rushed to a Phuket hospital for emergency surgery after he was mauled by a tiger at the Tiger Kingdom theme park in Phuket.

The man had entered the cage to pat the tiger, however the tiger attacked him, leaving him with injuries to his stomach and legs.

Travelmarvel has released its earlybird specials that include free flight deals to Europe across a range of cruises and tours.

For example clients who book any Travelmarvel European River Cruise holiday of 21 days or longer that features a 15-day European Gems cruise, before October 31, 2014 will receive free return flights.

For more information and the conditions click here.

AAT Kings has expanded its latest Melbourne Day Tours program to 10 half and full day tours offering holiday-makers a convenient yet fun way to explore the citys many attractions.

AAT Kings, managing director Anthony Hayes, said, “Our Day Tours program offers guests great value-for-money and perfectly complements a previously arranged short break, whether that be during school holidays or when friends and family come to visit.”

For more information click here.

Renowned chefs Tony Bilson and Ben O’Donoghue have visited Peppers Manor House and Peppers Beach Club & Spa this month to share their knowledge and expertise at gourmet public events.

With Tourism Australia’s #RestaurantAustralia initiative showcasing our food and wine experiences to the world, Peppers decided to also celebrate our home grown talent in unique country and coastal settings.

Busabout has launched a new ‘Cruise to the Beat’ package from June to August 2015 giving passengers tickets to seven of the hottest music festivals as they sail around soaking up summer.

Starting off at the Hideout Festival on June 27, 2015 ‘Cruise to the Beat’ includes two and three day festival tickets in conjunction with the popular eight-day Croatia sailing. This package offers music enthusiasts the chance to see some of the best international artists along with the iconic sights such as Krka waterfalls, Kornati Islands National Park and visits to historical towns Zadar and Primosten Vodice.

globalCARS have announced a new arrangement with Citroen that will allow the lease vehicles to be collected and returned at London’s Heathrow airport.

These new arrangements will cater for traffic to the rugby world cup in the U.K.  in 2015 and will allow travellers to also use the car in Europe for those wanting to tour wine regions or other destinations across the Channel.

For pricing and more information click here.

Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering trips aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin cruising through the Cook Islands and French Polynesia 

There are two opportunities to adventure through the South Pacific Ocean and experience blissful island life on the m/s Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship.

For information about these opportunities click here.

DriveAway Holidays’ has released their new 2015/16 brochure “Worldwide Car & Motorhome Rentals”.

This edition contains car hire & motorhome fleet guides along with planning tools such as distance tables and maps. It will also contain new features such as Top 5 Drives for Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, USA & Canada.

Wilderness Safaris have decided  to amend their cancellation policy as below until further notice.

"In the event of a travel cancellation as a result of an Ebola Outbreak confirmed by the World Health Organization in any of the countries listed in the client’s itinerary, Wilderness Safaris will guarantee that all cancellation fees pertaining to its properties included on that itinerary are waived. "

Africa Reps are proud to announce they will be representatives of Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa which has just been recognised by Conde Nast Traveller as the Number 1 Hotel in the World.

Baillie Lodges has taken out the trifecta in US Cond√© Nast Traveler magazine’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards 2014 with all three of its luxury properties earning a place in the list of 10 Best Resorts in Australia and New Zealand.