Around The Globe at The Underglobe
BGTW’s Annual Gala Awards Dinner on 2nd November 2026
Presented in partnership with Discover South Carolina and Explore Charleston
PRESS RELEASE: 12TH AUGUST 2026
Tickets are selling fast for the British Guild of Travel Writers’ (BGTW) annual celebration of travel media excellence on the eve of WTM
Join us to celebrate the Members’ Excellence Awards, BGTW International Tourism Awards, and, new for 2026, the BGTW PR Recognition Awards, supported by TravMedia.
The BGTW is pulling out all the stops for the 2026 Annual Gala Awards Dinner at The Underglobe, part of London’s cultural landmark, Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside. We’re excited to bring our glitzy, long-standing highlight of the international travel calendar to such an iconic venue, where immersive videos will “transport” our award-winning members and industry colleagues around the globe to our partner destinations.
Now’s the time to secure your tickets or tables, or partner with us to present an award. Tickets, priced at £249+VAT pp, and tables from £2,450+VAT can be booked online or via [email protected], and include:
- Sparkling network reception
- Three-course dinner with wine/soft drinks
- Awards presentations
- Post-awards networking bar and dancing
- Charity travel raffle prizes supporting Just a Drop
- A few (good) surprises
At the heart of the evening are the 18 BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards (MEA), recognising outstanding travel writing, photography, blogging and broadcasting. Also presented are the BGTW International Tourism Awards (ITA), spotlighting global under-the-radar or community-led tourism projects and, new for 2026, the member-voted BGTW PR Recognition Awards.
Partnerships: be part of the story
Very few MEA and ITA sponsorship opportunities remain, offering excellent brand visibility at one of the travel media industry’s most high-profile events. To secure an award or request the partnership pack, please contact Renate Ruge, BGTW Joint Chair: [email protected].
We’re grateful to our dear friends Discover South Carolina and Explore Charleston for their continued support as headline partners, Visit San Antonio and Trav Media for their partnerships, and our award sponsors (so far): Antor, Gran Canaria, Greece, Pure Michigan and St Kitts Tourism Authority.
C. Douglas Warner, Executive Vice President of Special Projects at Explore Charleston, says: “The United Kingdom remains our top international market outside North America, and the talented members of the BGTW have played a significant role in that success. We’ve been proud partners with the Guild for the past eight years, and it’s been one of the best investments we’ve made in growing awareness of Charleston and South Carolina in the UK market. We’re delighted to once again join the State of South Carolina in supporting the Guild’s Annual Gala and look forward to celebrating with everyone at The Globe this November.”
Nick Wayland, TravMedia CEO and Founder, says of the BGTW’s new PR Awards: “Celebrating the very best in travel storytelling, the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards continue to set the standard for excellence, integrity, and inspiration in our industry. In a world where travel has never been more meaningful, these awards recognise the voices that bring destinations to life, challenge perspectives, and connect us across cultures. It’s a privilege to be part of a community that champions such outstanding talent and creativity.”
About: Founded in 1960, the BGTW is the UK’s leading organisation for top-tier travel media professionals, including award-winning writers, photographers, bloggers and broadcasters who produce trusted, independent travel content for a global audience.
