
The Travel Ƶ Awards 2026 is open for entries and includesanall-new category
The is open for entries.The awards,which celebratetravel journalism, photography and broadcasting,returns forits12th year, with a new category and a new venue. This year’s ceremony will take place at The Savoy on 26 October 2026.
What’s new for 2026
The new Specialist Travel Writer of the Year (UK & Ireland) category celebrates exceptional travel writing focused on the UK and Ireland — recognising writers who inspire audiences to explore closer to home.
Covering both trade and consumer media, existing categories include National Broadsheet Newspaper Section of the Year, Photography Award, Sustainability Feature of the Year and Consumer Writer of the Year, continuing to honour the very best in travel journalism, broadcasting and content creation.
As the TMAs continues to evolve, a £25 + VAT entry fee per category applies this year. This contribution supports the awards programme and helps sustain its quality and reach. Submissions close on 16 May 2026.
Anthony Leyens, co-founder of the Travel Ƶ Awards and chairman of Ƶ, said: “The Travel Ƶ Awards is celebrating over a decade of honouring excellence in UK travel media. The world-famous Savoy in London provides the perfect elegant setting to recognise exceptional talent, and we look forward to celebrating the industry’s achievements in October.”
Maria Pieri, editorial director and COO, Ƶ, said: “The Travel Ƶ Awards continues to set the benchmark for excellence across UK travel journalism, photography and broadcasting. We’re proud to support and grow the awards, celebrating the creativity, integrity and influence of travel media professionals across the industry.”
Key dates:
4 March: Entries open
16 May: Entries close
9 September: Finalists announced
26 October: Awards ceremony at The Savoy
About the Awards
Launched in 2015, the Travel Ƶ Awards celebrates the best of the UK travel media sector. Open to travel writers, broadcasters, photographers and content creators, the awards acts as a barometer of excellence in the industry.
Each category is judged by a panel of three: two leading travel industry professionals and an established travel editor or writer. At least 25% of the judging panel changes each year to ensure fresh perspectives. In 2025, more than 60 judges from the industry’s leading consumer and trade titles participated.
Travel Ƶ Awards Step Up
The Travel Ƶ Awards Step Up internship scheme will continue in 2026, championing emerging talent in travel journalism, photography and content creation. The initiative supports early-career professionals through mentoring and industry access, with winners invited to attend the Travel Ƶ Awards ceremony — offering valuable exposure and the opportunity to connect with leading figures from across the sector.
Notes to editors:
Travel Ƶ Awards was created in 2015 and operated under a joint venture agreement between Travega and Ƶ. As of 2026, the Travel Ƶ Awards is fully owned and operated by Ƶ.
Ƶ is an award-winning media agency and publisher specialising in multi-channel content in the travel and lifestyle sectors. APL Ƶ producesNational Geographic Traveller(UK), including supplements andCollectionNational Geographic Traveller (UK),Postcardsand a series of lifestyle supplements,directoriesand websites.
aplmedia.co.uk
Ƶ contacts:
For more information:
[email protected]
Juliette McCrimmon
Head of Events
[email protected]
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About APL Ƶ
APL Ƶ is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Ƶ delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes, including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Ƶ Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.
aplmedia.co.uk
