The Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) will stage the peak event for travel media professionals – the annual Convention and Awards for Excellence – in The Tweed region of northern New South Wales from 4-6 November 2022.
More than 120 delegates will meet for the society’s first face-to-face gathering in three years.
This essential event connects travel writers, digital publishers, photographers, videographers and public relations (PR) tourism professionals from a range of sectors and media outlets.
Hosted by the Tweed Tourism Company, and taking place at the Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff, the theme of the 2022 ASTW Convention is ‘Beyond Words’ – encompassing everything from expressing shock at the impact of COVID-19, to being ineffably excited about the resumption of travel this year. The theme also hints at mediums, other than the traditional written word, that can inspire and influence travellers to pack their bags.
The Convention’s seminar program reflects this diversity, with trending topics such as the convergence of print, digital and branded media. Phil Barker – author of ‘Axed: Who Killed Australian Magazines?’ – will consider the changing media landscape, while a panel of luminaries including Emma Sturgiss from Tourism Australia, Craig Platt from Traveller.com.au and Justin Jamieson from Grin Creative (publishers of get lost) will add their valuable insights.
How tourism will look in 2023 and beyond will be addressed by Jacqui Walshe, executive chairman of The Walshe Group (which represents global destinations and airlines) as well as by panellists from accommodation, cruise and travel insurance companies.
Other topical issues on the program include indigenous tourism and travel writing; the ultimate guide to writing a travel book, and how to plan a cracking social media and digital marketing campaign, while sustainability will be at the heart of every discussion.
ASTW President Caroline Gladstone said: “I can’t wait for us to meet in The Tweed, we are all so excited to be meeting new members for the first time, or re-meeting our old colleagues from other parts of the country. I’m thrilled that the Tweed Tourism Co is hosting us – it’s a beautiful little pocket of Australia and one which has only recently recovered from disastrous floods. I’m sure our media delegates will return home with plenty of good stories to tell and those will certainly boost tourism to the area. I am also grateful to Tourism Australia for their continued support of the ASTW, which also helped to make this long-awaited event possible.”
The finale of the convention, on Saturday 5 November, will be the gala dinner and announcement of the winners of the prestigious ASTW Awards for Excellence.
Before and after the Convention, delegates will familiarise themselves with the rich natural, cultural and culinary experiences on offer in The Tweed through a range of tours and special events. From visits to sparkling seaside villages, riverside towns, hinterland hamlets and gin distilleries, The Tweed will showcase the best of this beautiful region to a host of writers, bloggers and influencers, who will in turn amplify this to their audiences.
