British Guild of Travel Writers celebrates 65th anniversary: Anthology, Gala Awards Dinner and sustainability podcast

The BGTW's 65th anniversary celebrations continue with a glitzy London Gala Awards Dinner (November 2nd), a travel anthology, and a Sustainability Symposium.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, August 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Since 1960, the members of the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) have been at the forefront of travel media. As part of their year-long 65th anniversary celebrations, the BGTW has continued to champion travel media excellence, finding new ways to celebrate its members and travel media colleagues, spotlight destinations with creative partnerships (such as its annual trip hosts in 2026, Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites and Paphos, Cyprus) and support the wider travel industry.

"As our industry evolves, it’s the friendship among fellow creatives that still draws the very best professional writers, photographers, bloggers and broadcasters to the Guild’s community, even after 65 years," says Renate Ruge, BGTW Joint Chair, of the Guild’s talented membership.

To commence the 65th celebrations, the BGTW published Around the World in 65 Years (Journey Books by Bradt; RRP £12.99), an inspiring travel anthology of 101 travel stories, experiences and photography written by acclaimed members. Spanning both time and place, the anthology revives articles from the last six decades of the travel industry, right up to today, including timely features on the USA's “founding cities” leading into the nation’s 250th celebration.

With responsible, sustainable and mindful tourism being more important than ever, the BGTW began the year with its now-annual BGTW Better World Symposium, supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Pledge.

Held at the London Canal Museum on 19th January 2026, a range of panels moderated by BGTW members, including Meera Dattani, Emma Gregg, Rashmi Narayan and Alicia Sheber, covered topics as diverse as inclusivity in travel media and ESG in luxury travel. A Solutions-led Storytelling keynote was presented by Juliet Kinsman. Recognising the importance of the conversations, BGTW has now made each of these session recordings available as a podcast on its website and wider platforms.

Daniel James Clarke, BGTW Joint Chair, said: “The Better World Symposium was created to ask challenging questions about the role travel media plays in shaping perceptions and influencing behaviour. By releasing the sessions on our podcast, we are ensuring those conversations are not limited to a single day or a single room.” The next edition of the symposium will be in January 2027.

Rounding off an unforgettable anniversary year, the BGTW is delighted to announce the BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner will be held in London on November 2nd (the eve of World Travel Market) with the theme “Around The Globe at The Underglobe”.

Hosted at The Underglobe, part of London’s cultural landmark, Shakespeare's Globe, Bankside, and presented in partnership with Discover South Carolina and Explore Charleston, it promises to be a spectacular and immersive evening celebrating the BGTW Members’ Excellence Awards, BGTW International Tourism Awards, and, new for 2026, the BGTW PR Recognition Awards, supported by TravMedia. Tickets, tables and award partnerships are now available to the travel industry to celebrate with, and meet, some of the UK’s top travel media.

Speaking of the Gala and partnership, C. Douglas Warner, Executive Vice President of Special Projects at Explore Charleston, says: “The United Kingdom remains our top international market outside North America, and the talented members of the BGTW have played a significant role in that success. We've been proud partners with the Guild for the past eight years, and it's been one of the best investments we've made in growing awareness of Charleston and South Carolina in the UK market. We're delighted to once again join the State of South Carolina in supporting the Guild's Annual Gala and look forward to celebrating with everyone at The Globe this November.”

Echoing these sentiments, Nick Wayland, TravMedia CEO, adds: “Celebrating the very best in travel storytelling, the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards continue to set the standard for excellence, integrity, and inspiration in our industry. In a world where travel has never been more meaningful, these awards recognise the voices that bring destinations to life, challenge perspectives, and connect us across cultures.”

About the BGTW
Founded in 1960, the British Guild of Travel Writers is the UK’s leading organisation for top-tier travel media professionals, including award-winning writers, photographers, bloggers and broadcasters who produce trusted, independent travel content for a global audience.

Renate Ruge
British Guild of Travel Writers
renate.ruge@bgtw.org
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