Now in its 13^th edition, the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition has been attracting outstanding talent since its launch in 2011.  

In a new case study, APL Media’s National Geographic Traveller (UK) team is proud to celebrate how the initiative has helped establish the career paths of countless budding travel photographers and continues to attract thousands of entries each year, having become a renowned and sought-after accolade in the field. 

Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “When we launched the competition back in 2011, we had no idea how long it would last or how successful it would become. From helping the brand stand out in the marketplace to facilitating breakthroughs for numerous photographers, it’s been an incredible journey — with still a long way to go.” 
 

Nearly 15 years after the inaugural edition of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition, the case study looks back at the contest’s origins, successes and groundbreaking talent, featuring key highlights of the reoccurring event: 

• Six categories are available for photographers to submit their work  
• A panel of professional editors, writers and photographers judges each entry 
• Prize sponsors have included leading travel industry names, including Nikon, Exodus Travel, CeWe Photo World and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) 
• A global press and media campaign supports the competition and promotes winners  

Open to entrants from the UK and Ireland, the competition has been consistently and masterfully growing National Geographic brand presence and awareness, as well as boosting magazine sales of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) print editions. 

Following the contest’s return earlier this year, preparations for the 14^th National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition in 2026 are underway. 

Find out more about this year’s winners here.  

Discover the competition here.

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Notes    

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel     

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, find us on the National Geographic app or visit us at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.  

CONTACT:    

For editorial enquiries:    
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906    
[email protected]    

Pat Riddell, editor  
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906  
[email protected]   

 Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer    
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906    
[email protected]    

Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer    
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909    
[email protected]    

Anthony Leyens, chairman and co-founder    
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909    
[email protected]    

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About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital, and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events, and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability, and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards and Step Up. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers. 
aplmedia.co.uk