APL Media’s year in review 2024
This year, APL Media celebrated several exciting milestones and moments, from launching new campaigns and initiatives to networking around the world and welcoming new team members. As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve compiled a handful of highlights, including the publication of 10 innovative issues of National Geographic Traveller (UK); guides spanning South Korea, Cruise and Massachusetts; over 50 lifestyle newspaper guides and digital listings; multiple award nominations for our talented editors and designers; four indulgent issues of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK); the continuation of The Collection coffee-table bookazines covering Lakes & Mountains, Luxury and Ultimate Escapes; and much more.
We look forward to sharing even more incredible achievements with you in 2025!
JANUARY
The APL Media team hit the slopes
The year began on the slopes, with several of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team taking to the pistes. Acting branded content manager Megan Hughes explored the backcountry of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, assistant editor Sam Kemp took a trip to the French Alps and content strategist Berkok Yuksel tried freestyle skiing and snowboarding in Laax, Switzerland.
FEBRUARY
To help consumers put their best foot forward this new year, APL Media’s lifestyle division created a range of guides, each covering topics spanning food, health, wellbeing, finance and more for national publications including The Telegraph, The London Standard and The Guardian.
APL Media introduced Social Asking to revolutionise audience engagement
In February, APL Media was thrilled to introduce Social Asking, a fresh and innovative SaaS division the company. The new venture brings cutting-edge AI to audience engagement, making it easy for brands to understand their audience in real-time. With Social Asking, we’re not just collecting feedback; we’re helping brands make smarter, quicker decisions based on genuine audience sentiment. It’s a big step forward in connecting brands with their audiences more effectively.
MARCH
International Women’s Day recognised with content from the APL Media lifestyle team
For International Women’s Day on 8 March, APL Media’s lifestyle division rounded up articles that put female experiences front and centre, including thoughts from leaders in business and finance and discussions on pregnancy care and postnatal health. The team worked on stories for Living360, The London Standard and The Guardian.
APRIL
National Geographic Traveller (UK) celebrated three TravMedia Awards wins
The National Geographic Traveller (UK) team took home three awards at the TravMedia Awards in April. The publication was named Travel Magazine of the Year, highlighting the team’s hard work, expertise and talent. Senior editor Sarah Barrell and associate editor Farida Zeynalova were also individually recognised, in the Feature of the Year and Specialist Travel Writer of the Year sections respectively.
ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25 was published
This month saw the release of the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25, a publication for the American Society of Travel Advisors. The guide is an integral resource widely used by the US travel industry, complete with useful trade and member information, country-by-country listings and in-depth features.
MAY
APL Media Youth Internship scheme launched
In early May, APL Media welcomed its first candidate as part of the newly launched Youth Internship programme for rising talent from underrepresented communities. In the months since, the company has welcomed four youth interns, who have each researched, pitched and written articles, networked with staff and developed their confidence with the support of Olivia McLearon and the wider editorial team.
Travel Geeks hosted successful Greek islands event
National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s Travel Geeks: Plan the Ultimate Island-Hopping Adventure was a great success, with a panel of five travel professionals sharing their top tips for the Greek islands. While guests sampled cocktails and mezze bites, the panel discussed everything from where best to sail as a novice to what time of year to visit.
APL Media discovered the future of US tourism at US Travel’s IPW
Farida Zeynalova, associate editor of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) and editor of Travel Leaders Network’s US publication, Postcards, headed to Los Angeles to engage in one-on-one meetings, attend insightful conferences and participate in vibrant social events at US Travel’s IPW — all to gain further insight into the sector’s scope and depth.
JUNE
Staff summer trip to Eryri (Snowdonia)
Led by chief executive Matthew Jackson, 20 of the APL Media team headed to Eryri for a weekend of hiking, swimming and canyoning. The adventure began with a hike up Moel Siabod, followed by canyoning the next day and, finally, a trek up Snowdon, the highest peak in the range. The trip marked APL Media’s third hiking expedition and second adventure in Eryri.
JULY
National Geographic Traveller (UK) celebrated the success of its fourth annual Food Festival
Thousands of food-lovers came together at London’s Business Design Centre on 20-21 July for the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2024 — a globetrotting celebration of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations. Now in its fourth year, the event has established itself as a fixture on the UK culinary calendar with its blend of world-class street food, hands-on workshops and a high-profile Main Stage line-up, which this year included Nadiya Hussain, Matt Tebbutt, Nisha Katona and Theo Randall.
Travel Media Awards Step Up internship winners started industry placements
Summertime saw the inaugural participants of the Travel Media Awards Step Up internship, Kira Richards and Sasha Wiltshire, start their placements, bringing fresh perspectives to the world of travel media publishing and PR. Kira spent eight weeks across APL Media and FINN Partners, while Sasha interned with TTG Media and Intrepid Travel. Both interns gained invaluable industry insights and worked alongside leading editors, who also provided mentorship for six months following the scheme.
AUGUST
The Independent and APL Media launched the Travel Marketplace
Towards the end of the summer, The Independent and APL Media teamed up to create the Travel Marketplace, a platform that connects brands in the travel sector with a highly engaged audience. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to delivering innovative and effective advertising solutions, leveraging The Independent’s vast reach to provide brands with a strategic tool to deliver meaningful outcomes.
SEPTEMBER
Maria Pieri served as PPA Next Gen Awards judge
Maria Pieri, APL Media’s editorial director and chief operating officer, was selected as a judge for the PPA (Professional Publishers Association) Next Gen Awards 2024. The awards celebrate the rising stars of the UK specialist media industry, particularly those under 30 who are making significant contributions and innovations in their fields. Maria’s involvement as a judge underscored her commitment to nurturing new talent and her belief in the importance of celebrating the achievements of young professionals.
OCTOBER
The Travel Media Awards celebrated its 10th anniversary
The Travel Media Awards, in association with Visit Qatar, marked its 10th anniversary at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane on 28 October 2024. The evening brought together the UK’s finest travel journalists, publications and industry figures, reinforcing the event’s status as the premier occasion in the travel media calendar. This year, 23 individuals and organisations received honours, reflecting excellence in journalism, photography, broadcasting and more.
The Living360 team visited Morocco and Italy
The Living360 team explored Taghazout Bay’s wellness options, engaging in activities like sound baths, yoga, boxing and a traditional Moroccan hammam. Lifestyle editor Mattie Lacey-Davidson summed up the experience by saying, “In just a few days, I experienced everything from horse-riding on the beach to hiking in Paradise Valley.”
Meanwhile, in the Italian Dolomites, deputy editor Anna Evdokimou visited Madonna di Campiglio, famous for its winter sports.
Winners of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Hotel Awards 2024 announced
National Geographic Traveller (UK) announced the winners of its annual Hotel Awards, celebrating the best new and improved hotels across the world. Covering everything from impeccable service to extraordinary design, the Hotel Awards acknowledge the latest tastemakers and game-changers in the business. Each of the 12 categories has a winner and two runners-up, meaning a total of 36 hotels received recognition in this year’s awards. The full results were featured in the November 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
The APL Media team participated in 2024 Diversify Photo review
Picture editor Olly Pulglisi and picture researcher Aisha Nazar, part of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team, participated in Diversify Photo’s third annual portfolio review. The three-day, international event addressed representation in photography by expanding opportunities for marginalised creatives.
NOVEMBER
Living360 launched a menopause campaign to improve healthcare for women over 40
In November, Living360 launched a groundbreaking campaign, petitioning for menopause support to be included in NHS Health Checks for women over 40, with the aim of improving the health experience for women across the UK.
Following its research into attitudes around the menopause, which revealed most women felt uninformed and increasingly negative towards the subject, Living360 called — and continues to call — on the government to add menopause support to NHS Health Checks for women over 40.
National Geographic Traveller (UK) hosted event to showcase the best of Lombardy
National Geographic Traveller (UK) celebrated the food, wine, music and culture of Lombardy this week, in a special evening event held at the Italian embassy in London. The event, sponsored by Regione Lombardia and Lombardia Style and hosted during World Travel Market London, saw more than 150 guests from the world of travel, food and media invited to explore the best of the region.
DECEMBER
National Geographic Traveller (UK) revealed its Best of the World list for 2025
The December issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) invited readers to discover the most unmissable destinations for the upcoming year. From island-hopping in Stockholm to rock-climbing in India’s Suru Valley, the Best of the World list for 2025 brings together 25 meaningful travel experiences, each one recommended by a UK or US National Geographic editor.
The 2025 list spotlighted timeless and up-and-coming destinations, along with experiences that benefit locals, travellers and the natural world. From visiting Indigenous communities in Raja Ampat, Indonesia to supporting the protection of the rare kiwi bird in New Zealand’s far north, the list aimed to celebrate the people, places and projects making a positive impact.
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About APL Media
An award-winning publisher and content marketing agency founded in 1997, APL Media Limited has been changing the narrative, and the way clients communicate with their audiences, for over 27 years. In addition to publishing the award-winning magazines National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) and organising related events under the National Geographic brand umbrella, APL Media produces print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sector. aplmedia.co.uk