BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards 2025

Winners & Finalists

The BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards (MEA) scheme recognises the very best work of members in travel writing, photography, blogging and broadcasting in a series of awards judged by UK and international travel industry professionals.

For 2025, there are a total of 18 awards. The finalists, work, and outlets are detailed below, and the winners were announced on 3 November 2025 at the BGTW Gala Awards Dinner.

You can jump straight to a category’s winners and finalists using these quick links:

• BGTW Travel Writer of the Year
• BGTW Photographer of the Year
• BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year
• BGTW Travel Broadcaster of the Yearb
• Travel Feature of the Year – UK
• Travel Feature of the Year – Europe
• Travel Feature of the Year – Wider World
• Travel Feature of the Year – UK Regional Media – NEW for 2025
• Travel Feature of the Year – Travel Trade Media
• Specialist Travel Feature of the Year
• Journey Feature of the Year
• Sustainability Feature of the Year
• Travel Guide Book of the Year
• Travel Narrative Book of the Year
• Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling – NEW for 2025
• Travel Photo Feature of the Year
• Travel Blog Post of the Year
• Travel Broadcast of the Year

Portfolio Awards 2025

BGTW Travel Writer of The Year: Claire Boobbyer

Sponsored by Explore Charleston

Our winner scored a maximum 10 out of 10 from one judge who described the portfolio with three words: “What an entry!” Overall the judges said it was easy to get caught up in this writer’s adventures, making it a very worthy winner.

WINNER: Claire Boobbyer, for the portfolio:
My great great grandmother’s Lahore flirtation with Rudyard Kipling – The Telegraph
I followed in the footsteps of Sebald to see how Suffolk has changed in 30 years – The Telegraph
Môt Hai Ba Dzô in Vietnam – Tonic Magazine, Volume 7
Surviving and thriving: Meet the Havana changemakers forging a future in crisis Cuba – Adventure.com

Finalist: Kassondra Cloos, for the portfolio:
This is What Happens When You Unleash 500 Singles on an IRL Date – Outside Magazine
My family couldn’t visit me in London, so we went to ‘London’ in Florida instead – The Independent
I used to hate my Rhode Island hometown. Then I tried this – Adventure.com
Fancy a cuppa? A chain of Rhode Island-themed coffee shops in England serves up a small slice of the Ocean State – Rhode Island Monthly

Finalist: Mike Unwin, for the portfolio:
Face to Face – Travel Africa Magazine Issue 106
Wild Isle – Saga Magazine, July 2025
Out of the Woods – Travel Africa Magazine Issue 108
The lost South African wilderness that’s finally returning to life – The Telegraph

BGTW Photographer of The Year: Jeremy Flint

Sponsored by Discover Dominica

The judges commented that the photographer has an excellent sense of space and a great eye for capturing special moments and emotions. They described the entry as being a beautiful portfolio.

WINNER: Jeremy Flint, for this portfolio of six images, including the required published work in National Geographic Traveller UK, National Geographic Calendar, and Athesia Kalenderverlag.

Finalist: Frances Howorth, for this portfolio of six images, including the required published work in Yachting Monthly Magazine and Sea Breezes Magazine.

Finalist: James Rushforth, for this portfolio of six images, including the required published work online on fotoVUE.

BGTW Travel Broadcaster of The Year: Simon Willmore

Sponsored by Pure Michigan

The judges said the tone of the portfolio was very conversational and engaging, adding that the guest perspective comes through with a knowledgeable and informative view on each subject, letting guests tell their stories without unnecessary interruption and with excellent journalistic questions.

WINNER: Simon Willmore, for the portfolio (all broadcast on the JRNY Podcast):
“Literally trying to get in the room” with disability rights advocate Sophie Morgan
A platform for voices that had been muted with Sherry Rupert
Transporting vodka on a fire engine with Cazenove and Loyd
A pile of sleeping crocs and all-day kayaking with Audley Travel

Finalist: Ash Bhardwaj, for the portfolio:
D-Day in Normandy – BBC Radio 4
The evolution of tourism in India – Monocle Radio, The Globalist
Destination Dupes – BBC One’s Morning Live
Flooding in Spain, Insurance and the FCDO Traffic Light System – BBC One’s Morning Live

Finalist: Jonathan Thompson, for the portfolio (all broadcast on the Discovery Channel):
Adventure Cities Season Three: La Paz/Lafayette
Adventure Cities Season Three: Golfito/Puerto Jiminez
Adventure Cities Season Four: Derry
Adventure Cities Season Four: Belfast

BGTW Travel Blogger of The Year: Victoria Watts Kennedy

Sponsored by Visit USA

The judges noted the writing was clear, helpful and visually appealing, with practical advice mixed into travel stories.

WINNER: Victoria Watts Kennedy, of bridgesandballoons.com, for the portfolio:
Facing fears and finding joy on a family surf camp in
A San Antonio Vacation Guide: The USA’s Most Underrated City
France: West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Is Disney World worth it?

Finalist: Martin Hesp, of martinhespfoodandtravel.com, for the portfolio:
Sailing the Mediterranean: Naples to Malta Aboard Sea Cloud Spirit
Cornish Walks: Lansallos
Home of the Vikings
Exploring the Swiss Historic Hotels: A Scholarly Journey Back in Time

Finalist: Katie MacLeod, of storiesmysuitcasecouldtell.com, for the portfolio:
Cellardyke Tidal Pool: Wild Swimming in the East Neuk of Fife
On the Importance of Rural Stories
Elephant Mountain: A Top Experience in Taipei for Skyline Views
In Sonoma County, Come for the Wine, but Stay for the Scenery

Individual Awards 2025

Travel Feature of The Year – UK

Presented by Hyatt Place London City East

WINNER: Adrian Phillips
I took my entire family on a canal boat holiday – and found the antidote to our hurried age – The Telegraph

The judges said that this was a beautiful story with lots of personality, and a real pleasure to read such accomplished writing.

Finalist: Jonathan Thompson
The Ancient Irish Spirit That’s Making A Comeback After 350 Years – Travel + Leisure

Finalist: Kate Wickers
Weekend in Deal – Coast Magazine October 2024

Travel Feature of The Year – Europe

Sponsored by Gran Canaria

WINNER: Daniel Stables
In the Valley of Thor – National Geographic Traveller

The judges noted the evocative, atmospheric writing, compelling descriptions and great interviews.

Finalist: Niki Blasina
Learning the Swedish art of ‘wild skating’ – Financial Times

Finalist: Jonathan Lorie
Stay at the real Sicilian palace from The Leopard – The Times

Travel Feature of The Year – Wider World

Sponsored by TravMedia

WINNER: Dom Tulett
Breaking Barriers In Botswana: The Trip That Helped My Dyslexic Daughter Overcome Her Writing Fears – The Sunday Times

The judges commended this writer for taking an original angle that gave the story structure and purpose, as well as great rhythm.

Finalist: Emma Gregg
Make it Count – National Geographic Traveller Middle East & Africa Collection

Finalist: Nathan Thomas
Was I wrong about Singapore? – Intrepid Times

Travel Feature of the Year – UK Regional Media

Sponsored by Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Cyprus

WINNER: Robin McKelvie
Among the ghosts of the Hebrides – Sunday National 

The judges commented on the beautiful turns of phrase used by this writer, describing the feature as being a competent and well-rounded profile.

Finalist: Martin Hesp
Delightful sights, history, and a touch of luxury – Western Morning News 

Finalist: James Ruddy
West Texas hits the right note: Discover Buddy Holly’s life story, giant steaks and ranch living – Yorkshire Evening Post & Sunderland Echo

Travel Feature of the Year – Travel Trade Media 

Sponsored by Gran Canaria

WINNER: Domhnall O’Donoghue
An LGBTQ+ Guide to Portland – Travel Weekly

The judges noted this feature engages the reader with snappy, succinct and stimulating writing, and an excellent example of ‘show, don’t tell’.

Finalist: Monica Meade
Discovering the Deep South’s diverse food scene – Travel Weekly

Finalist: Sarah Rodrigues
Secrets of the Nashville Cultural Icon celebrating its 100th Birthday – TTG Media

Specialist Travel Feature of the Year 

Sponsored by the Tunisian National Tourist Office

WINNER: Mike Unwin
Eternal Fascination – Travel Africa Magazine 105

The judges described this feature as a captivating niche tale with tight pacing, and being a masterful written journey blending historical insights with first-hand experiences.

Finalist: Mary Novakovich
An alpine winter feast: cheese, wine and a side dish of snowshoeing in France – The Guardian

Finalist: James Stewart
The trick to puffin snorkelling is nonchalance – The Telegraph

Journey Feature of the Year

Sponsored by Travel Switzerland 

WINNER: Jessica Vincent
Find the ancient heart of America on a road trip through the Indigenous Southwest – National Geographic

The judges said this was an altogether outstanding feature that demonstrated committed, sustained journalism, immersed in background and foreground detail, whilst combining historic fact, political perspective and clear, mobile narrative.

Finalist: Claire Boobbyer
I followed in the footsteps of Sebald to see how Suffolk has changed in 30 years – The Telegraph

Finalist: Kerry Walker
Hiking the Huemul Circuit – Lonely Planet’s Women Travel Solo

Sustainability Feature of the Year

Sponsored by Visit Scotland

WINNER: Becki Enright
8 ways to be a responsible tourist in Vienna – Lonely Planet

The judges noted this was a well written and well organised feature, and a practical, informative piece with useful tips.

Finalist: Tristan Rutherford
The grannies who saved Albanian cuisine – BBC Travel

Finalist: Kate Wickers
Dances with Wolves – The Ethicalist Magazine

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling 

Sponsored by Meet Boston

WINNER: Shebs Alom
Inside the $300 Billion Halal Tourism Boom: What Travel Brands Need to Know! – Adventure Travel Networking

The judges noted that the idea behind this feature was a solid one, focusing on a specific area of tourism that ensures inclusivity for those with specific cultural expectations.

Finalist: Shafik Meghji
Mapping London’s South Asian history – Runnymede Trust

Finalist: Anna Richards
Paris by night: The drag queers and cabaret ‘creatures’ of Pigalle – Adventure.com

Travel Guide Book of the Year

Sponsored by Antor

WINNER: Daniel James Clarke
Pocket Algarve – Lonely Planet (Full Rewrite; Sole Author)

The judges described this book as being an incredibly detailed guide and very engaging, helping readers seeking more meaningful experiences.

Finalist: Rudolf Abraham
Slovenia – Bradt Travel Guides (Full Rewrite; Sole Author)

Finalist: Victoria Watts Kennedy
New England Road Trip: Charming stays and pretty places – Bridges and Balloons (Sole Author)

Travel Narrative Book of the Year 

Sponsored by Amelia Island

WINNER: Shafik Meghji
Small Earthquakes: A Journey Through Lost British History in South America – Hurst Publishers

The judges described this book as being beautifully written, a seductive historical narrative, and a fascinating and rewarding travelogue.

Finalist: Ash Bhardwaj
Why We Travel – Bedford Square Publishers

Finalist: Simon Parker
A Ride Across America: A 4,000 mile adventure through the small towns and big issues of the USA – September Publishing

Travel Photo Feature of the Year

Sponsored by Meet Boston

WINNER: Karolina Wiercigroch
City Life: Cartagena – National Geographic Traveller UK (in part online)

The judges made the point that an editor being presented with this portfolio would be genuinely excited, attracted by the movement, emotion and clever composition, giving a great feeling of place.

Finalist: Tim Bird
The Lost Cathedrals of Industry – Hidden Compass

Finalist: Jeremy Flint
Turkey’s Adventure Wonderland – Jetsetter Magazine Autumn 2024

Travel Blog Post of the Year

Sponsored by Sri Lanka

WINNER: Claire Martin
Not flying is best for the environment. But the cost of not visiting could be greater. – Claire’s Footsteps

The judges noted the quality of writing combined with a clear structure and engaging storytelling.

Finalist: Richard Collett
Why is Ceuta Spanish? Everything You Need to Know – Travel Tramp

Finalist: Abi King
What’s New in Ancient Egypt? A Journey Back After Twenty Years – Inside the Travel Lab

Travel Broadcast of the Year

Sponsored by Discover Philadelphia

WINNER: Alex Outhwaite
So You Think You Know: Belize – ONS/Prime Video UK.

The judges thought this was a fun, engaging episode with excellent production values and a great selection of unexpected experiences and stories. They specifically liked the meaningful and believable engagement between host and the diverse, knowledgeable local storytellers.

Finalist: Ash Bhardwaj
D-Day in Normandy – BBC Radio 4 From Our Own Correspondent

Finalist: Simon Willmore
A platform for voices that had been muted with Sherry Rupert – JRNY Podcast

Thank you to the 2025 BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards Judges:
Chris Ashton, Diana Bancale, Jane Bentley, Larry Bleiberg, John Borthwick, Dianne Bortoletto, Felicity (Flip) Byrnes, Ivy Carruth, Vanessa Dewson, Jennifer Doré Dallas, Caroline Gladstone, Helen Hayes, Carrie Hutchinson, Briar Jensen, Benedict (Benny) Kennedy-Cox, Maureen Littlejohn, Christine Loomis, Emily McAuliffe, David McGonigal, Steffen Michels, Barbara Orr,
Ildi Pelikan, Maria Pieri, Jocelyn Pride, Gregor Rankin, Jen Ruiz, Nick Savage, David Swanson, Meena Thiruvengadam, Annita Thomas, Richard Trillo, Ernest White.

How do the MEAs work? Members submit their best work for judging. The judging panel comprises a wide range of national and international travel editors, photographers, bloggers and broadcasters, including members of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW).

In each category, the judges look for a combination of creativity, originality and quality, identifying a shortlist of up to three entries in each category. The list of finalists are then announced at the start of October. The winners will be announced at the BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner on 3 November 2025 in central London.

Buy tickets or be a sponsor

Individual tickets, or tables of 10, 11 or 12 at the BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner. Individual tickets, or tables of 10, 11 or 12 are available for purchase. There are also opportunities to become an event partner. For more information, please email the BGTW Administrator.