PRESS RELEASE
10 February 2026
The British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) is excited to announce Daniel James Clarke and Renate Ruge as the new Joint Chair for 2026, following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in London on Monday, 2 February 2026. A new Board team has also been appointed to lead the Guild into its next phase.
Daniel James Clarke, a renowned guidebook author, travel writer, and blogger with a passion for slow travel
and train journeys, is excited to take on this new leadership role. “It’s an honour and pleasure to be Joint Chair
of such a long-standing and esteemed organisation,” Clarke says. “I’m looking forward to our plans for the year
ahead, including expanding the BGTW Better World Symposium, campaigning on behalf of our members, and
fostering closer relationships with our industry friends and partners.”
Renate Ruge, an accomplished travel writer and editor with over 20 years of experience in global media having
lived and worked around the world, will serve alongside Daniel as Joint Chair. “I am thrilled and honoured to be
joining Daniel as Joint Chair,” Ruge says. “The BGTW is a wonderfully supportive travel media community.
Serving on the Board for the last three years has only deepened my appreciation for the camaraderie and
professionalism defining this organisation. The Guild’s 65-year history speaks to its strength, and I am excited to
help continue that legacy.”
The new leadership team is committed to promoting the BGTW as a proactive and influential voice, advocating
for a more inclusive and equal travel industry, representing the highest standards of travel media excellence
and fostering opportunities for members who work at the top of the travel media field.
A New Board Team
The BGTW is also pleased to introduce the 2026/2027 Board team:
BGTW is also pleased to introduce the 2026/2027 Board team:
- Vice Chair & Awards Director: Stuart Render
- Membership & Skills Development Director: Daniel Edward
- Annual Gala Awards Dinner & Events Director: Mary Anne Evans
- BGTW Better World Symposium & Sustainability Director: Alicia Sheber
- Member Benefits Director & Events Associate: Kirsten Henton
- Communications Director: Sarah Rodrigues
- Governance & Financial Oversight Director: Richard Villar
Together, this dynamic team will lead the Guild forward with renewed purpose and energy. Learn more about the new Board Directors and the BGTW’s off-board team here. Both Clarke and Ruge are available for comment or interviews upon request.
Press Enquiries: please contact [email protected]
For general or administrative inquiries, contact: Charlotte Copeman, BGTW Administrator [email protected]
About BGTW
Founded in 1960, the British Guild of Travel Writers is the UK’s premier organisation for top-tier travel media
professionals. Its members include award-winning writers, photographers, bloggers, and broadcasters who
create trusted, independent travel content for audiences around the world.
