British Guild of Travel Writers marks 65 years with anthology, podcast and London gala

The British Guild of Travel Writers is marking its 65th anniversary with a travel anthology, podcast access to its sustainability symposium and a London awards dinner on Nov. 2. The celebrations spotlight the Guild’s members, industry partnerships and a growing focus on sustainable tourism and travel media standards.

Why it matters: - The British Guild of Travel Writers is using its 65th anniversary to showcase travel journalism, photography and broadcasting while reinforcing its role in the UK travel industry. - The anniversary program also puts sustainability, inclusivity and responsible tourism front and center for travel media and industry partners. - The Guild’s events and publications are aimed at extending its influence beyond members to destinations, brands and the wider travel sector.

What happened: - The British Guild of Travel Writers continued its year-long 65th anniversary celebrations with three main initiatives: a travel anthology, a sustainability symposium podcast and a London gala awards dinner. - The Guild published Around the World in 65 Years through Journey Books by Bradt, with an RRP of £12.99. - The anthology includes 101 travel stories, experiences and photographs written by Guild members. - The book draws on work from the last six decades and includes features on the USA’s “founding cities” ahead of the country’s 250th celebration. - The annual Better World Symposium took place at the London Canal Museum on Jan. 19, 2026. - The next BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner is set for Nov. 2 in London, the eve of World Travel Market.

The details: - The anthology spans time and place, mixing archive material with newer work from acclaimed members. - The BGTW Better World Symposium was supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Pledge. - Panels at the symposium were moderated by BGTW members Meera Dattani, Emma Gregg, Rashmi Narayan and Alicia Sheber. - The sessions covered inclusivity in travel media and ESG in luxury travel. - Juliet Kinsman delivered the keynote titled “Solutions-led Storytelling.” - The Guild has made recordings from the symposium available as a podcast on its website and other platforms. - Daniel James Clarke, BGTW Joint Chair, said the podcast release keeps the conversations from being limited to “a single day or a single room.” - The next Better World Symposium is planned for January 2027. - The gala will be held at The Underglobe, part of Shakespeare’s Globe in Bankside. - Discover South Carolina and Explore Charleston are partnering on the gala. - The evening will feature the BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards, the BGTW International Tourism Awards and, new for 2026, the BGTW PR Recognition Awards. - TravMedia is supporting the new PR Recognition Awards. - Tickets, tables and award partnerships are available to the travel industry. - C. Douglas Warner, executive vice president of special projects at Explore Charleston, said the UK remains Charleston and South Carolina’s top international market outside North America. - Warner also said the partnership with the Guild has been one of Explore Charleston’s best investments for growing awareness in the UK market. - TravMedia CEO Nick Wayland said the awards continue to set a standard for excellence, integrity and inspiration in travel storytelling.

Between the lines: - The anniversary program shows the Guild moving beyond a single celebratory event and into a broader platform for industry conversations. - Making the symposium sessions available as a podcast extends the reach of the Guild’s sustainability messaging. - The gala partnerships suggest the awards remain valuable to destinations and travel brands seeking visibility with UK travel media. - The emphasis on ESG, inclusivity and mindful tourism reflects where travel media and destination marketing are being pushed to focus.

What’s next: - The Guild’s next major milestone is the Annual Gala Awards Dinner in London on Nov. 2. - The next Better World Symposium will follow in January 2027. - More anniversary-related promotion and industry engagement may continue as the Guild closes out its 65th year.

The bottom line: - The British Guild of Travel Writers is turning its 65th anniversary into a platform for recognition, industry networking and a louder conversation about responsible travel.