Global Travel Media Alliance

The GTMA brings together the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW), the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).

The historic collaboration was formalised at the SATW’s 2018 convention in Barbados, at a signing ceremony between leaders of the organizations at the time: Alastair McKenzie (representing BGTW), Barbara Ramsay Orr and David Swanson (SATW), and Danielle Lancaster (ASTW).

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Introducing the GTMA Awards

All entrants must be members in good standing with the ASTW, SATW or BGTW. The qualifying period is for work produced between 1 January, 2019 and 31 December, 2019. Before you enter your selected categories, please read the criteria carefully.

By entering, you are agreeing to abide by the entry criteria and the rules therein. The decision of the judges shall be final and non-appealable and no correspondence will be entered into. Entry fee for each entry is US$25.

NB. EXTENDED DEADLINE Entry closes on Mar 9th.

The Award Categories

Sponsors and Judges

2020 Global Travel Writer Award

The 2020 Global Travel Writer Award is sponsored by AccorHotels. The prize includes a five-night stay at the legendary Raffles Singapore. Originally opened in 1887, the Raffles Singapore reopened last August following a painstaking, two-and-a-half-year restoration. The winner will be among the first to experience this new chapter for an iconic hotel, now a flagship property for Accor.

Gaynor Reid, Vice President Communications and CSR Accor Asia Pacific, says that Accor is delighted to be involved in the inaugural Global Travel Awards because it will bring together the very best travel writers from around the world and help to inspire people to travel more and experience more of this beautiful planet. “With 5,000 hotels and resorts globally, including almost 1,200 in Asia-Pacific, Accor is the most diverse hotel operator in the world with the broadest geographical footprint. We are always keen to help support great storytelling around the wonders of travel.”

Accor is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in their hotels, resorts and residences across 100 countries. Its internationally renowned hotel brands encompass the entire range from luxury to economy, from upscale to lifestyle.

Accor has successfully expanded its range of services, becoming the world leader in luxury private residence rental with more than 10,000 stunning properties around the world. The Group is also active in the fields of concierge services, co-working, dining, events management and digital solutions. Accor is committed to playing an active role in its local communities and promoting sustainable development wherever it operates.For more information please go to our website.

The 2020 Global Travel Writer Award judges are…

• Tony Wheeler – Co-founder of Lonely Planet and the Planet Wheeler Foundation.
• Mark Richards – Creator of the ‘Best Dad I Can Be’ column/blog and author of the ‘Father, Son’ walking books.
• Domini Clark – Travel Editor of The Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper.

2020 Global Travel Photographer Award

The 2020 Global Travel Photographer Award is sponsored by Abercrombie & Kent, who will award an exciting Arctic Cruise Adventure to the winning photographer. The 15-day trip for two aboard the luxurious, all-balcony ‘Le Boreal’ will journey in search of the polar bear — from the Svalbard Islands to the remote east coast of Greenland on to the West Fjords of Iceland – in the company of an award-winning Expedition Team of scientists, historians and a dedicated photo coach.

Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Co-Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent said: “As the world’s leading luxury and adventure travel company with over 55 offices in more than 30 countries, we are pleased to sponsor this new global award to honour the best travel photography of the year. Distinctive images that capture authentic experiences inspire curiosity and fuel the desire to travel.”

Abercrombie & Kent pioneered luxury adventure travel with their first african safaris in 1962. Today, their award winning travel services extend around the world to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents. A&K’s custom itineraries and small-group journies offer one-of-a-kind inspiring experiences, while their more than 55 on-site offices ensure invitation-only access to the people and places that make every destination unique.

Expedition cruising, A&K style, is designed for the culturally-curious traveller. Each voyage brings together a carefully-selected small ship with A&K’s unparalleled Expedition Team, the best of the best in their respective fields: marine biologists; ornathologists; historians; geologists and archaeologists whose education, field research and personal accomplishments, are unmatched.

Join the world of A&K by joining them on Facebook, Twitter: @AKTravel_USA and Instagram @aktravel_usa

The 2020 Global Travel Photographer Award judges are…

• Conor MacNeill – Fine-art travel and destination photographer specialising in landscape, cityscape and astrophotography.
• David Kirkland – Widely published tourism photographer and online photo library owner.
• Danita Delimont – Photo agency owner representing 300 worldwide travel and nature photographers.

2020 Global Travel Communicator Award

The 2020 Global Travel Communicator Award is sponsored by TravMedia, the travel industry’s global media networking platform. The award will go to a PR firm or individual for their work in PR communications focused on sustainable travel. The three organisations are committed to the promotion of responsible, sustainable and balanced tourism, and this award is designed to reward that effort on a global level. The winner will receive a $5,000 Apple gift card.

Owner and CEO of TravMedia, Nick Wayland, said they are thrilled to be supporting the collaboration of the travel media organisations spread across three regions of the world. “Awards highlight the hard work and dedication of individuals in our industry, and it’s exciting to see our colleagues recognized for their contribution in promoting both great destinations and sustainable travel.”

TravMedia is the travel industry’s social media network. Connecting media and public relations professionals worldwide.

Established in 1999 by Nick Wayland, a former travel editor seeking a better way to research and report travel news, TravMedia now delivers a social network for business, that enables PR professionals and media in the travel space, to share content, coverage and collaborate like never before.

TravMedia currently operates in 10 countries – Australia, United Kingdom, United States, China, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Canada, India, New Zealand, and South Africa – with a community of over 40,000 media and PR members.

TravMedia operates sister company Food4Media. Food4Media distributes food-related press releases, videos and information on the food industry. TravMedia also pioneered the technology that powers Property4Media.com and Homes4Media.com.

The 2020 Global Travel Communicator Award judges are…

• Alison Cryer – Founder & owner of UK travel PR firm, Representation Plus.
• Robyn Sefiani – Founding principal of Australia’s Sefiani Communications Group.
• Christine Barney – CEO of the USA’s rbb Communications.

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The Global Travel Media Alliance was formed in September 2018, when the three organisations, which represent the top travel writers, photographers, and PR professionals in three regions of the world, signed an agreement to identify synergies, to share best practices, and to collaborate on bi-national projects.

GTMA Award winners will be announced on May 12, 2020.

Detailed information and entry forms can be found on the GTMA website.

Further information on the nine independent judges can be found here.