The Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR) marked a historic milestone this week, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a glittering awards ceremony that honored the finest voices in global travel journalism. The fifth annual ANTOR Travel Media Awards, held at the prestigious Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London, brought together the industry’s top editors, journalists, and international destination representatives to recognize excellence in travel reporting.
This year’s event was particularly significant as it introduced a new accolade, the Travel Trade Publication of the Year, acknowledging the vital role media outlets play in supporting the travel trade. The atmosphere in Kensington was one of celebration, as the association reflected on three quarters of a century spent bridging the gap between national tourist boards and the traveling public.
The ceremony saw three major titles and talents take center stage. The Independent was crowned Publication of the Year, with Philip Thomas accepting the award on behalf of the outlet. The publication was recognized for its diverse and high-impact coverage of Sweden, ranging from innovative rail journeys and sleeper train experiences to lesser-known walking routes.
In a landmark moment for the new category, Travel Weekly became the inaugural winner of the Travel Trade Publication of the Year award. Accepting the trophy, Katie McGonagle and Andrew McQuarrie were lauded for their consistent, high-quality reporting. Travel Weekly was specifically highlighted by members for its responsible and timely coverage of Türkiye during times of regional uncertainty, as well as its extensive support for the UK travel trade regarding destinations like Tunisia and Gibraltar.
Meanwhile, the title of Travel Writer of the Year was awarded to Ross Clarke. His success was driven by a compelling October 2025 feature in National Geographic that explored the culinary landscape of Asturias. His work, which highlighted the region’s female chefs, was praised for its masterful ability to weave gastronomy and culture into a narrative that resonates deeply with potential travelers.
The event was opened by the newly appointed Chair of ANTOR, José Manuel de Juan, who also serves as the Director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK. “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, these awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognize the journalists and publications whose work continues to inspire travel and shine a spotlight on destinations around the world,” de Juan said. “The quality and breadth of travel journalism represented here demonstrates just how important a strong and engaged media remains to the wider tourism industry.”
The evening served as a vital networking platform, with representatives from countries including France, Korea, Samoa, and St Helena on hand to share the latest updates with the media. The event was bolstered by sponsorship from Travel Uni, which supported both the welcome reception and the newly established trade publication category.
As ANTOR looks toward the future, these awards solidify its commitment to fostering strong relationships between destinations and the journalists who help bring the world to the reader’s doorstep.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
