AITO Travel Writer Awards 2026 

National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s executive editor Lorna Parkes and freelancers, Sarah Gillespie and Daniel Stables, have received nominations for the Travel Writer of the Year — Consumer Publications in the 2026 AITO Travel Writer of the Year Awards.  

AITO — The Specialist Travel Association represents more than 100 UK specialist and independent tour operators. Judged by AITO and the wider travel industry, the awards recognise outstanding travel journalism across trade and consumer media.  

This is a significant year for the association, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2026. 

The nominations are:  

🔹 Lorna Parkes, for ‘Secrets of the deep’ 

🔹 Sarah Gillespie, freelance writer, for ‘Roots & rhythm’ 

🔹 Daniel Stables, freelance writer, for ‘From kasbahs to couscous — how Sicily has celebrated its diversity through the centuries’ 

The winners will be announced on Monday 5 October 2026 at a ceremony at Six Park Place, London. 

Follow the link to see who else is shortlisted: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aitotravel 

Find out more about AITO via the link: aito.com 

BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards 2026 

In further awards news, National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributors have received an incredible seven nominations in the BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards 

The British Guild of Travel Writers’ MEA scheme recognises the very best work of BGTW members in travel writing, photography, blogging and broadcasting in a series of awards. 

BGTW Travel Writer of the Year (Portfolio Award) 

🔹 Daniel Stables 

🔹 Jessica Vincent 

BGTW Photographer of the Year (Portfolio Award) 

🔹 Karolina Wiercigroch 

Travel Feature of the Year – Wider World  

🔹 Jessica Vincent, for ‘Ice-climbing with Bolivia’s cholitas’ 

Journey Feature of the Year 

🔹 Katja Gaskell, for ‘Why Norway and Sweden are perfect for a cross-border ski trip’ 

Celebrating Diversity Through Storytelling 

🔹 Jessica Vincent, for ‘In Bolivia’s capital, women are leading a culinary revolution’ 

Travel Photo Feature of the Year 

🔹 Karolina Wiercigroch, for ‘Follow Kerala’s water from source to sea for a glimpse into southern India’s soul’ 

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at The Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe on Monday 2 November 2026. 

See the full shortlist at https://bgtw.org/awards/members-awards/ 

Congratulations to everyone shortlisted across all categories and thank you to AITO and BGTW for the recognition.   

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About APL Media   
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating 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 since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.    

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It’s also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk