Inspiring Travel Journalism rewarded in world-class location

2013 Winners of Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence Announced

Over 100 members from the travel industry came together at the Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast on Saturday to celebrate the very best in travel journalism; with 12 category winners announced for the 2013 Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence.

The Awards included the esteemed ASTW Travel Writer of the Year category, which was sponsored by Etihad Airways and presented by Marketing Manager Jessica Ullmann to Louise Southerden who took out the same accolade in 2012, as well as 2013 categories for Best International Story Over 1,000 Words and Best Responsible Tourism Story.

Photographer of the Year was awarded to Roderick Eime who, thanks to South African Tourism and South African Airways will enjoy a trip to South Africa. Communicator of the Year was awarded to long-serving PR Member of the ASTW Committee and the organiser of the glamorous weekend’s festivities, Lynne Ireland of Inspired Luxury.

Life Membership was also awarded to Industry icon, Helen Wong with the Jack Butters Memorial Award presented to Kay O’Sullivan.

Kerry Heaney, who was elected as the incoming President of the ASTW at the Society’s Annual General Meeting earlier in the weekend, was impressed by the calibre of finalists and winners; and inspired by the opportunity to lead the Society in what will be a year of ongoing change for the media landscape in Australia.

Newly elected ASTW president,
Kerry Heaney

“I’d like to congratulate all of our finalists and winners at this year’s Travel Journalism Awards for Excellence. Their dedication to upholding our integrity of producing excellent quality communications should be highly commended. Special mention must be made to our key event sponsors Palazzo Versace, Vibe Hotels and TravMedia and the sponsors and prize supporters of each category. We must also thank our judges who collectively read thousands of words to review the winners,” said Kerry.

“I am also looking forward to taking over the reins as the President of the Committee and ushering in another exciting year of journalism and promotion of the travel industry.”

Full details of the Award Categories, Judges, Finalists and Winners; as well as comments from Judges on the winning entries can be found on the home page of the ASTW website.