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MEA Categories

18 Awards in Total:

4 Portfolio Awards

14 Individual Awards

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Key Dates

Finalists: Live Reveal at 12:30, 21/09/2026

Winners Announced:
2 November – Gala Dinner

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Winners

See the winners below.

Scroll down to see category finalists.

BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards (MEA) 2026 Winners

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.

Stuart Render, BGTW Awards Director, said: “The Members’ Excellence Awards scheme showcases the quality and creative talent of Guild members. This has been a record-breaking year for entries, demonstrating the important role our members play in travel writing, blogging, broadcasting and photography.”

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists listed below. The winners of this year’s MEAs were announced at the glitzy, sold-out BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner, celebrated in an immersive style at the Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe on London’s Bankside. As usual, it provided a spectacular start to World Travel Market week, held on WTM-eve, Monday 2nd November.

BGTW Travel Writer of the Year: Jessica Vincent

Presented by Friuli Venezia Giulia

For a portfolio of work in National Geographic Traveller and AFAR.

The judges noted that the way our winner has crafted excellent narrative driven stories, with real heart and a compelling voice, blending the senses of adventure with beautifully written observations of everyday life in the various locations. 

Meet our winner, Jessica

BGTW Photographer of the Year: Jeremy Flint

Presented by Visit Isle of Man

For a portfolio of work, including photography published in National Geographic Traveller USA and Marco Polo.

The judges said that the winning photographer has perfected their art, showcasing great imagination in how they depict their subjects and with a wonderful eye for both colour and composition. The judges noted that this was a very close competition but in the end, the winner had more scores of 9 or 9.5 out of 10 than any other finalist.

(BGTW Membership & Skills Development Director, Daniel Edward, collected the award on behalf of the winner, who was travelling on assignment)

See Jeremy's Winning Photography Portfolio

BGTW Travel Broadcaster of the Year: Jonathan Thompson

Presented by Gran Canaria

For a portfolio of work (all broadcast on Discovery Channel):

The judges said our winner this year is an inspiration for getting you off the sofa and ready to go. They noted the professional quality of the production, with the end result that it makes you feel like you’re right there with them.

Meet our winner, Jonathan

BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year: Mark Bibby Jackson

Presented by Pure Michigan

For a portfolio of work on Mark’s website, TravelBeginsat40.com:

The judges said this writer has a very engaging and characterful writing style, with a strong personal voice and a great use of humour and self-irony. They said the writing feels authentic, accessible and entertaining, with vivid storytelling that keeps the reader engaged.

Meet our winner, Mark

Travel Feature of the Year – UK: Tristan Rutherford

Presented by Discover South Carolina

My Screen-free family holiday on a Scottish island (Daily Mail – Print)

The judges said the winning feature is a story with a great angle and excellent pace. They say it’s the kind of feature that you bookmark instantly and make a mental note to make your own journey there at some point in the future.

Meet our winner, Tristan

Travel Feature of the Year – Europe: Daniel Stables

Presented by Attica, the Greater Athens Region

The world’s most haunted forest’: twisted trees, UFOs and spooky stories in Transylvania (The Guardian)

The judges said this feature was captivating from start to finish commenting on the beautiful use of language and strong storytelling. They noted that in a competitive field, this story was the clear winner.

Meet our winner, Daniel

Travel Feature of the Year – Wider World: Dom Tulett

Presented by Explore Charleston

The Writing on the Wall (JRNY magazine – print)

The judges said that the atmosphere of the places visited and their variety are vividly brought to life as are the encounters with local people leaving you with a curiosity to visit the country being featured.

Meet our winner, Dom

Travel Feature of the Year – UK Regional Media: Bridget McGrouther

Presented, on behalf of the BGTW, by Strawberry Field, Liverpool

Tranquillity on dramatic yet familiar Canada coast (The Sunday Post)

Our judges noted that the winning feature is as informative as it is entertainingly well written, taking the reader into the heart of the subject and transporting you there, with a tone that feels honest and believable.

Meet our winner, Bridget

Travel Feature of the Year – Travel Trade Media: Oliver Beckett

Presented by Explore Louisiana

How this Canadian town is building back better after wildfires (Travel Weekly)

The judges said the winning article was both uplifting and a compelling read.

Meet our winner, Oliver

Specialist Travel Feature of the Year: Tracey Croke

Presented by SKTA St Kitts Tourism Authority

Is the world’s most outrageous David Bowie experience found in this tiny town in outback Australia? (adventure.com)

The judges noted how the writer deftly weaved past and present to produce a surprisingly revealing, quirky, passionate and all-in experience.

(BGTW Membership & Skills Development Director, Daniel Edward, collected the award on behalf of the winner, who was travelling on assignment)

Meet our winner, Tracey

Journey Feature of the Year: Mike Unwin

Presented by Sri Lanka

Adventure in the Congo (The Sunday Times)

The judges said this was an exceptionally good longform piece where every sentence progresses the story beautifully towards its “I-want-to-read-more” conclusion.

Meet our winner, Mike

Sustainability Feature of the Year: Stuart Kenny

Presented by Visit Scotland | Alba

The Tourism Economy Is Booming. But For Whom? (Much Better Adventures Magazine)

The judges said this is an expertly crafted piece, well researched, nuanced and evocative, balancing critical insight with a strong sense of hope, and leaving a lasting impression.

Meet our winner, Stuart

Travel Guide Book of the Year: David McElhinney

Presented by Antor

Intrepid Japan

The judges noted that the winning book provides an in-depth cultural guide, offering a fresh and insightful approach to understanding the destination in question, as well as being a thoughtful and engaging guide to deeper travel.

Meet our winner, David

Travel Narrative Book of the Year: Daniel Stables

Presented by Sri Lanka

Fiesta: A Journey Through Festivity

The judges said this book was often compelling, enabling the reader to virtually be there. They said the book is delightfully well-written and often laugh-out-loud funny.

Meet our winner, Daniel

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling: Nel Scroggie

Presented by Visit San Antonio

Discovering Lucie Schwob (The Barefoot Backpacker)

The judges said the story is fascinating and beautifully told. One judge commented that they’d love to know more about the subject matter saying the writer’s insight and curiosity added to the colour of the narrative.

Meet our winner, Nel

Travel Photo Feature of the Year: Karolina Wiercigroch

Presented by Viking Cruises

Follow Kerala’s water from source to sea for a glimpse into southern India’s soul (National Geographic Traveller UK)

The judges noted that the photographer has not only captured the destination and its soul, but has also brought together great variety, composition and subject matter that together gives the viewer a sense of place while drawing them into the story.

Meet our winner, Karolina

Travel Blog Post of the Year: Stuart Kenny

Presented by Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Paphos

Why We’re No Longer Visiting Comuna 13 in Medellín (Much Better Adventures)

The judges said this blog post was an outstanding and thought-provoking piece, representing travel writing at its best. The article tackles a complex issue with nuance, sensitivity and excellent journalistic depth using local voices to give the story authority and authenticity.

Meet our winner, Stuart

Travel Broadcast of the Year: Nel Scroggie

Presented by Sri Lanka

Travel Through the Senses (Travel tales from beyond the brochure)

The judges noted how the winning broadcast provides a new perspective on how we experience our travel destinations through our senses. The approach helps us be fully engaged by becoming more aware of what we hear, see, smell, and touch.

Meet our winner, Nel

BGTW Travel Writer of the Year (Portfolio Award) | Finalists

Presented by Friuli Venezia Giulia
Richard Collett

Richard Collett

For a portfolio of work in Wanderlust, BBC Travel and The Telegraph.
Tristan Rutherford

Tristan Rutherford

For a portfolio of work in The Times, Daily Mail and The Telegraph.
Daniel Stables

Daniel Stables

For a portfolio of work in National Geographic Traveller and The Guardian.
Dom Tulett

Dom Tulett

For a portfolio of work in JRNY Magazine and The Sunday Times.
WINNER: Jessica Vincent

WINNER: Jessica Vincent

For a portfolio of work in National Geographic Traveller and AFAR.
Friuli Venezia Giulia (Award Partner)

Friuli Venezia Giulia (Award Partner)

Italy’s Best-Kept Secret

BGTW Photographer of the Year (Portfolio Award) | Finalists

Presented by Visit Isle of Man
Tim Bird

Tim Bird

For a portfolio of work, including photography published on ThisisFinland.fi.
WINNER: Jeremy Flint

WINNER: Jeremy Flint

For a portfolio of work, including photography published in National Geographic Traveller USA and Marco Polo.
William Gray

William Gray

For a portfolio of work, including photography published in Bradt Guides.
James Rushforth

James Rushforth

For a portfolio of work, including photography published in ‘Photographing the Dolomites’.
Karolina Wiercigroch

Karolina Wiercigroch

For a portfolio of work, including photography published in National Geographic Traveller.
Isle of Man (Award Partner)

Isle of Man (Award Partner)

BGTW Travel Blogger of the Year (Portfolio Award) | Finalists

Presented by Pure Michigan
Mary Anne Evans

Mary Anne Evans

maryannesfrance.com
Martin Hesp

Martin Hesp

martinhespfoodandtravel.com
WINNER: Mark Bibby Jackson

WINNER: Mark Bibby Jackson

TravelBeginsat40.com
Abi King

Abi King

insidethetravellab.com
Lucy Ruthnum

Lucy Ruthnum

AbsolutelyLucy.com
Pure Michigan (Award Partner)

Pure Michigan (Award Partner)

BGTW Travel Broadcaster of the Year (Portfolio Award) | Finalists

Presented by Gran Canaria
Shebs Alom

Shebs Alom

For a portfolio of work (various):
Isabel Conway

Isabel Conway

For a portfolio of work (various):
Claire Martin

Claire Martin

For a portfolio of work (all broadcast on Claire’s Footsteps):
Susan Schwartz

Susan Schwartz

For a portfolio of work (all broadcast on A Lush Life):
WINNER: Jonathan Thompson

WINNER: Jonathan Thompson

For a portfolio of work (all broadcast on Discovery Channel):
Gran Canaria - Award Partner

Gran Canaria - Award Partner

Travel Feature of the Year – UK | Finalists

Presented by Discover South Carolina

Claire Boobbyer

My behind-the-scenes tour of the Suffolk stately home with a Punjabi past (The Times)

Mary Novakovich

Head to the river for some oarsome fun (Metro)

Ian Packham

Chasing the UK's Northern Lights (Daily Mail)

James Ruddy

Retracing an Irish journey through Coventry (The Irish Post)

WINNER: Tristan Rutherford

My Screen-free family holiday on a Scottish island (Daily Mail)
Discover South Carolina (Award Partner)

Discover South Carolina (Award Partner)

Travel Feature of the Year – Europe | Finalists

Presented by Attica

Ross Clarke

Of myth and merlot (Beau Monde Traveller)

Estella Shardlow

Is this mountain region Portugal’s answer to the Alps? (The Independent)

WINNER: Daniel Stables

The world’s most haunted forest’: twisted trees, UFOs and spooky stories in Transylvania (The Guardian)

Mike Unwin

Between Birds and Bogs (Breathe magazine)

Kate Wickers

Tropea: That's Amaro (Tonic)
Attica (Award Partner)

Attica (Award Partner)

Travel Feature of the Year – Wider World | Finalists

Presented by Explore Charleston

Sarah Rodrigues

Come Hell or High Water (JRNY magazine)

Phil Thomas

It's Time To Return To Tunisia, The Med's Most Intriguing Country (The Independent)

WINNER: Dom Tulett

The Writing on the Wall (JRNY magazine)

Jessica Vincent

Ice-climbing with Bolivia’s cholitas—on this rare adventure tour, only women need apply (National Geographic Traveller UK)

Antonia Windsor

Islands of ink and stone (Arrival magazine)
Explore Charleston (Award Partner)

Explore Charleston (Award Partner)

Travel Feature of the Year – UK Regional Media | Finalists

Presented by Strawberry Field, Liverpool

Rudolf Abraham

From Bristol to Bordeaux (Bristol Life)

WINNER: Bridget McGrouther

Tranquillity on dramatic yet familiar Canada coast (The Sunday Post)

Renate Ruge

Fine Wines Along With Fine Times (Yorkshire Post magazine)

Sarah Tucker

Henry Moore Exhibition at Kew Gardens, Surrey (Essential magazine)

Jane Wilson

Hats, heritage and seconds of glory in San Antonio Texas (The Birmingham World)
Strawberry Field Liverpool

Strawberry Field Liverpool

(Presented by, on behalf of the BGTW)

Travel Feature of the Year – Travel Trade Media | Finalists

Presented by Explore Louisiana

WINNER: Oliver Beckett

How this Canadian town is building back better after wildfires (Travel Weekly)

Meera Dattani

Beyond the big five (Travel Weekly)

Kirsten Henton

A week of wellness at Turkey's Anda Barut Collection (Travel Weekly)

Lynn Houghton

This Train is One of the Movie Stars of Rail Travel but it is not that well known (TTG Media)

Domhnall O’Donoghue

Why Spain's Basque Country is attracting LGBTQ+ travellers (Travel Weekly)
Explore Louisiana (Award Partner)

Explore Louisiana (Award Partner)

Specialist Travel Feature of the Year | Finalists

Presented by SKTA St Kitts Tourism Authority

Hilary Bradt

Back on the piste – at 83: Hilary Bradt and her ‘gang of oldies’ go skiing in Austria (The Guardian)

Yvette Cook

Under Southern Skies - Stargazing in Australia’s Warrumbungles (BBC Sky at Night Magazine)

WINNER: Tracey Croke

Is the world’s most outrageous David Bowie experience found in this tiny town in outback Australia? (adventure.com)

Mike Unwin

Beak and Claw (BBC Wildlife Magazine)

Sue Watt

Buffalo Bedlam (BBC Wildlife Magazine)
 St Kitts (Award Partner)

St Kitts (Award Partner)

Journey Feature of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Sri Lanka

Katja Gaskell

Why Norway and Sweden are perfect for a cross-border ski trip (National Geographic)

Diana Jarvis

The Scenic View: Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr (JRNY America)

Sarah Rodrigues

My fairytale road trip through the Grimm brothers’ Germany (The Sunday Times)

Tristan Rutherford

I flew to Sri Lanka for £177… and you can too (The Times)

WINNER: Mike Unwin

Adventure in the Congo (The Sunday Times)
Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

Sustainability Feature of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Visit Scotland | Alba

Claire Boobbyer

Overtourism is causing this city to suffocate in trash. These eco-pioneers are trying to change that (adventure.com)

Yvette Cook

The overlooked Canary Island with cobbled streets, local markets and subtropical forests (The Independent)

WINNER: Stuart Kenny

The Tourism Economy Is Booming. But For Whom? (Much Better Adventures Magazine)

Jessica Vincent

In Patagonia, You Can White-Water Raft for 62 Miles from Lodge to Lodge (AFAR)

Joshua Zukas

Protecting Vietnam’s vast caves may have sparked a wildlife comeback (Mongabay)
Visit Scotland | Alba (Award Partner)

Visit Scotland | Alba (Award Partner)

Travel Guide Book of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Antor

Jade Bremner

Lonely Planet Guide to London

William Gray

Photography Weekends Britain

WINNER: David McElhinney

Intrepid Japan

David McElhinney

Frommer’s Japan

Rachael Rowe

The Science Lover's Guide to London
Antor (Award Partner)

Antor (Award Partner)

Travel Narrative Book of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Sri Lanka

Richard Collett

Along the Borders: In search of what divides and unites the British Isles

Juliet Coombe

Brief Garden, Sri Lanka - Unlocking the heart and soul of tropical landscape design

Caroline Mills

This is not my land (30 years on a small Cotswold farm)

Debbie North

Access Adventure

WINNER: Daniel Stables

Fiesta: A Journey Through Festivity
Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling | Finalists

Presented by Visit San Antonio

Kassondra Cloos

Remote Native Nations are changing the way we road trip - for good (adventure.com)

Anna Richards

Inside France’s first LGBTQIA+ senior living residence (Positive.news)

Lucy Ruthnum

It felt like I was trespassing on the privilege of adventure travel (Much Better Adventures)

WINNER: Nel Scroggie

Discovering Lucie Schwob (The Barefoot Backpacker)

Jessica Vincent

In Bolivia's capital, women are leading a culinary revolution (National Geographic Traveller)
Visit San Antonio (Award Partner)

Visit San Antonio (Award Partner)

Travel Photo Feature of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Viking Cruises

Peter Ellegard

Impressions from Southern China (Planet Golf Review)

Jeremy Flint

Scilly Season (Discover Britain Magazine)

Diana Jarvis

How I learned to slow down on a car-free Swedish island (Intrepid’s Good Time Blog)

Nori Jemil

Islands of Ink and Stone (Arrival magazine)

WINNER: Karolina Wiercigroch

Follow Kerala's water from source to sea for a glimpse into southern India's soul (National Geographic Traveller UK)
Viking Cruises (Award Partner)

Viking Cruises (Award Partner)

Travel Blog Post of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Paphos

Diana Jarvis

How I learned to slow down on a car-free Swedish island (Intrepid’s Good Times blog)

WINNER: Stuart Kenny

Why We’re No Longer Visiting Comuna 13 in Medellín (Much Better Adventures)

Abi King

How to Climb Sigiriya, The Lion Rock in Sri Lanka (insidethetravellab.com)

Claire Martin

How to take the Eastern Express train in Türkiye 2026 (Claire’s Footsteps)

Lucy Ruthnum

Netherlands: Plan the Perfect Weekend City Break (AbsolutelyLucy.com)
Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel (Award Partner)

Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel (Award Partner)

Travel Broadcast of the Year | Finalists

Presented by Sri Lanka

Shebs Alom (producer) / Nathan Thomas (presenter)

Martin Hesp on travel journalism from coal fires to AI (Intrepid Times)

Claire Martin

In 130 years, this country could vanish (Claire’s Footsteps - YouTube)

Susan Schwartz

How to find the spirit of Cincy (Lush Life Podcast)

WINNER: Nel Scroggie

Travel Through the Senses (Travel tales from beyond the brochure)

Jonathan Thompson

Adventure Cities: Sydney (Discovery Channel)
Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

Sri Lanka (Award Partner)

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:


Chris Ashton, Roger Bailey, Diana Bancale, Jane Bentley, Larry Bleiberg, Alison Booth, Debra
Bokur, John Borthwick, Dianne Bortoletto, Flip Byrnes, Ivy Carruth, Vanessa Dewson, Liz Gill,
Caroline Gladstone, Helen Hayes, Jon Holmes, Carrie Hutchinson, Kate Kenward, Helena
Lang, Kathryn Liston, Maureen Littlejohn, Christine Loomis, David McGonigal, Mary Jo
Manzanares, Steffen Michels, Paris Norriss, Barbara Orr, Ildi Pelikan, Maria Pieri, Sue
Pollack, Jocelyn Pride, Laura Rhodes, Ruth Robson, Jen Ruiz, Nick Savage, Mike Schibel,
Meena Thiruvengadam, Annita Thomas, Richard Trillo and Roni Weiss.
A special thank you to our sister organisations: Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW)
and Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) for their support in finding judges to join this
year’s cohort. It is very much appreciated.


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