BGTW Members' Excellence Awards 2026: Finalists

The BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards (MEA) scheme recognises the very best work of members in travel writing, photography, blogging and broadcasting across 18 awards in 2026.

Trophy

MEA Categories

4 Portfolio Awards

12 Individual Awards

Alarm

Key Dates

Finalists: Mid-September

Winners Announced:
2 November – Gala Dinner (Tickets)

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Partnerships

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BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards (MEA) 2026

Judged by UK and international travel industry professionals, the MEA scheme recognises the very best work of BGTW members in travel writing, photography, blogging and broadcasting in a series of awards.

In 2026, there are 18 awards: fourteen single awards for individual pieces of work and four portfolio awards, crowning the BGTW Travel Writer, Photographer, Blogger and Broadcaster of the Year.

Finalists will be announced before the end of September and published here. See the 2025 MEA Winners here.

Sponsor an award

BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner 2026: "Around the Globe at the Underglobe"

Headline Partners: Discover South Carolina & Explore Charleston

Monday 2nd November 2026 | The Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe

The winners of this year’s MEAs will be announced at the glitzy BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner (AGAD), celebrated in an immersive style at the Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Bankside. As usual, it will provide a spectacular start to World Travel Market week, held on WTM-eve, Monday 2nd November.

Alongside the MEAs, we also present our external awards at the Gala Dinner:

Buy your industry tickets using the link below.

Buy Your Industry Gala Tickets & Tables

BGTW Travel Writer of the Year (Portfolio Award)

BGTW Photographer of the Year (Portfolio Award)

BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year (Portfolio Award)

Presented by Pure Michigan
Pure Michigan – Award Partner

Pure Michigan – Award Partner

Breathtaking landscapes, family fun, starry skies, outdoor adventures and places to shop, eat and stay local—everyone can experience it all in Pure Michigan.

BGTW Travel Broadcaster of the Year (Portfolio Award)

Presented by Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria - Award Partner

Gran Canaria - Award Partner

Gran Canaria is a fascinating place. A tiny Eden in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that wins over anyone who sets foot there. Without a doubt, it’s a great destination.

Travel Feature of the Year – UK

Presented by Discover South Carolina
Discover South Carolina – Award Partner

Discover South Carolina – Award Partner

Discover all the rich history, sandy beaches & family attractions a South Carolina vacation has to offer.

Travel Feature of the Year – Europe

Present this award: email [email protected]

Travel Feature of the Year – Wider World

Presented by Explore Charleston
Explore Charleston – Award Partner

Explore Charleston – Award Partner

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in a rich coastal culture, hop on a historic tour, splash in the waves, or set out on a flower-strewn stroll, you’ll find what you’re looking for here in Charleston.

Travel Feature of the Year – UK Regional Media

Present this award: email [email protected]

Travel Feature of the Year – Travel Trade Media

Present this award: email [email protected]

Specialist Travel Feature of the Year

Presented by SKTA St Kitts Tourism Authority
St Kitts – Award Partner

St Kitts – Award Partner

At the heart of St. Kitts' magnetic allure lies her people. Our rich culture and traditions are a testament to our history and national pride.

Journey Feature of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Sustainability Feature of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Travel Guide Book of the Year

Presented by Antor
Antor – Award Partner

Antor – Award Partner

A global voice for destinations. ANTOR's purpose is to promote safe, ethical, sustainable and inspirational global travel for all.

Travel Narrative Book of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling

Presented by Visit San Antonio
Visit San Antonio – Award Partner

Visit San Antonio – Award Partner

San Antonio is where history runs deep, and culture is always in motion. It's a city of UNESCO-designated missions, a legendary River Walk, and a fantastic food scene.

Travel Photo Feature of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Travel Blog Post of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Travel Broadcast of the Year

Present this award: email [email protected]

Buy tickets or be a sponsor

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

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 five entries.

Thank you to the 2026 BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards Judges:

To Follow

Commission A Member

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Host our AGM, partner with our Better World Symposium or our Annual Gala Awards Dinner, organise a group trip, or host a members’ event in the UK. There are plenty of ways to connect with our award-winning members.
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