The cream of travel writing and photography was celebrated with the unveiling of the British Guild of Travel Writers’ 2016 Members’ Awards on the eve of World Travel Market. As usual they were judged by an independent panel of travel professionals from whom the identity of the publication and author are concealed.
Travel Writer of the Year – sponsored by Travel PR: Pol O Conghaile, for a portfolio of articles including “Manta Rays in the Maldives” which, the judges said, communicated the writer’s genuine love for the creatures he was seeing and showed the quality of Guild members’ writing.
Photographer of the Year – sponsored by Fuji: Rudolf Abraham, whose varied portfolio of high quality images included an ultra wide angle shot of London’s Lord Mayor arriving in his carriage. “Superb reportage”, according to the judges,“giving a strong sense of place and occasion”.
Best UK Feature over 850 words – sponsored by the Eden Hotel Collection: Rudolf Abraham for Mountain Playground – Cairngorm for Kids, published by BBC Countryfile. The judges said it was strong on child oriented tips. One said: “It is a very human and personal story, that almost made me want to jump on the train.”
Best UK Feature under 850 words – sponsored by TravMedia: Ben Lerwill for London for Last Orders, Edinburgh for Breakfast, published by RoughGuides.com. The judges said: “You’re caught by the excellent turn of phrase in the opening paragraph which continued throughout, kept the judges attention and bears re-reading. On top of this are great characterisation and personal touches”.
Best European Feature over 850 words – sponsored by Sunvil: Jeremy Seal for Somewhere for the Weekend? Bozcaada, published by Conde Nast Traveller. Beautifully written, said the judges, with historic insights. It brought to life “the experience of a calm, quiet island amid the chaos of mixed nationalities – a Turkish island amidst Greeks”.
Best Overseas Feature – sponsored by ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives):Jonathan Thompson for Ledge of Glory published by Conde Nast Traveller (the judging was so close there was a special mention for Juliet Rix). “Excellent writing” said the judges, “captivating story telling, gripping narrative and a very different perspective.
Kenneth Westcott Jones Memorial Award for Best Transport Feature – sponsored by Airportr: Tristan Rutherford for Diving into the Blue on the Cote d’Azur, published in The Independent. “ Quirky and creatively written” said the judges, and encouraged the reader to “want to give it a go”.
BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year – -the US Travel Association:Kirstie Pelling for A Family Adventure Project (familyadventure project.org). The judges said this blog was “a glorious celebration of adventurous life and the ups and downs of family travel”. The quality of writing was superb – from fast paced and hard hitting to reflective and lyrical. There was also great use of a YouTube video to tell the family story in an equally engaging way.
Adele Evans Award for Best Guidebook – sponsored by Experience Kissimmee: Basque Country and Navarre – France and Spain by Murray Stewart, published by Bradt Guides. “A great guidebook” said the judge. The history and politics of one of Europe’s less well know regions was written in an engaging way”. It described the fascinating mix of Basque culture and language and contemporary influences.
Best Narrative Travel Book – sponsored by Pure Michigan: Michael Booth for The Almost Nearly Perfect People – Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia, published by Jonathan Cape. The writer delved into the realities and contradictions of modern Scandinavian societies in a clear journalistic style free of clichés, said the judges. “With a strong personal voice and occasional flashes of wry, often ironic humour, the author conducts this part meditation and part travelogue on Scandinavia with confidence and panache.”
