A record number of finalists were acknowledged at tonight’s ASTW Awards of Excellence virtual event, including travel writers, PR professionals, photographers and digital influencers.
As host of the annual event, Australian comedian Jean Kittson shared her signature wit and absurd humour with almost 200 ASTW members and guests who tuned in throughout Australia.
“While we were unable to connect in person, our virtual Awards of Excellence was a huge hit, celebrated via a professional platform featuring a networking room where attendees could engage with each other, as well as spontaneous competitions and giveaways,” says Elisa Elwin, President of the ASTW.
Platinum Sponsor, Tourism Australia, presented two awards on the night: Best Australian Travel Story over 1000 Words and Best Australian Travel Story under 1000, while Gold Sponsor, TravMedia presented the award for Best PR Professional.
“Given the current media and travel environment, there has never been a more important time to recognise the very best published work and tourism promotion by ASTW members,” says Nick Wayland, CEO of TravMedia.
The highly esteemed Jack Butters Award was presented to long-standing ASTW member, David McGonigal, for his tireless support and valuable contribution to the society during the past 12 months.
Much-loved travel writer Jack Butters co-founded the ASTW in 1975. The award was created to commemorate Jack following his death, with the objective of recognising the person or people who have contributed significantly to the society throughout the year.
ASTW Awards for Excellence 2020 winners
- BEST FAMILY TRAVEL STORY
Anabel Dean – Maple Magic
- BEST TRAVEL BLOG POST
Natascha Mirosch – Turning Back Time – Staying in a Medieval Mountain Village in Abruzzo
- BEST TRADE AND TOURISM NEWS STORY
Sue Williams – How Australian passports are made and checked: The secrets behind our passports
- BEST FOOD TRAVEL STORY
Lindy Alexander – Vegan Food Adventure Across India
- BEST TRAVEL BLOG
Michael Turtle – Time Travel Turtle
- BEST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STORY
Carolyn Beasley – Paradise with a paddle
- BEST INSTAGRAM PHOTOGRAPH
Jeremy Drake – Korul Village Boys, PNG
- BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL STORY
Tracey Croke – The Path of Hope and Unity
- BEST CRUISE TRAVEL STORY
Craig Tansley – Magical Realism
- BEST TRAVEL STORY ABOUT AGM DESTINATION
David McGonigal – A Whole Lotta Lava
- BEST INTERNATIONAL STORY
Craig Tansley – Horse riding through Patagonia
Tracey Croke – The Path of Hope and Unity
- BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPH
Rachelle Mackintosh – African Gold
- BEST AUSTRALIAN STORY OVER 1000 WORDS
Steven Madgwick – These Unearthly Plains
- BEST AUSTRALIAN STORY UNDER 1000 WORDS
Catherine Marshall – On Eden’s Shore
- BEST TOURISM ORGANISATION OR TRAVEL PRODUCT
Destination Canada
Wild Bush Luxury
- PR PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Shelley Winkel – Tourism and Events Queensland
- ASTW TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Dan Avila
- ASTW TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR
Sarah Reid – As the oil flows, can Guyana continue to be a beacon of sustainable tourism? Is Saudi Arabia really ready to receive the world’s travellers? Celebrating a nation that doesn’t exist.
- JACK BUTTERS AWARD
David McGonigal
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