Australia's prolific travel writers, digital publishers and photographers were celebrated at this week's ASTW Awards for Excellence virtual event, with Kerry van der Jagt winning the prestigious ASTW Travel Writer of the Year Award, sponsored by TravMedia, after being nominated in six categories.

“Kerry has been nominated for Travel Writer of the Year no less than four times in previous years, so it was thrilling to see her receive this well-deserved recognition,” says Caroline Gladstone, President of the ASTW.

“As a long-time member of the ASTW and accomplished travel writer, Kerry van der Jagt is a worthy recipient of the ASTW Australian Travel Writer of the Year Award.”

This year's virtual event was a huge hit, with ASTW members able to connect through the networking platform in real time, as well as utilise the 'photo booth' feature to create humorous profile photographs and enter them for the chance to win a prize.

As host of the annual event, ASTW member, Jac Taylor shared her warmth and charisma with almost 200 ASTW members and guests who tuned in throughout Australia.

Diamond Sponsor, Tourism Australia, presented two awards on the night: Best Australian Story over 1000 Words and Best Australian Story under 1000.

The ceremony featured pre-recorded videos of finalists and winners in each category, describing the fascinating stories behind their short-listed pieces of work.

Caroline believes the event provided a valuable opportunity for ASTW members to get inspired about the future of travel as we emerge from the pandemic.

“Many of our members gathered together in each state to share a drink, reconnect and share their excitement about what's on the horizon for travel in 2022,” she says.

“After many months of travel restrictions, it's great to pause and take the time to recognise the very best published work by ASTW members.”

ASTW Awards for Excellence 2021 winners

ASTW TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR – Sponsored by TravMedia
Winner: Kerry van der Jagt
Rising from the ashes (MiNDFOOD)
Connecting with country (Intrepid - The Journal)
Modern city, ancient voices: Maori culture tours in Wellington, NZ (Traveller)

BEST AUSTRALIAN STORY OVER 1000 WORDS – Sponsored by Tourism Australia
Winner: Craig Tansley - Wessel Islands, NT - A spectacular forgotten part of Australia (Traveller)

BEST AUSTRALIAN STORY UNDER 1000 WORDS – Sponsored by Tourism Australia
Winner: Kerry van der Jagt - Connecting with country (Intrepid - The Journal) 

BEST AUSSIE ROAD TRIP STORY - Sponsored by Outback Queensland Tourism
Winner: Justin Meneguzzi -  The road to recovery: a year on from the bushfires on Australia's Sapphire Coast (National Geographic)

BEST NATURE / WILDLIFE STORY - Sponsored by Visit Sunshine Coast
Winner: Kate Hennessy - Hunters & collectors (T Australia: New York Times Style)

BEST SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STORY – Sponsored by Norfolk Island Tourism
Winner: Carolyn Beasley - Home on the rangelands (Australian Geographic)

BEST FOOD / BEVERAGE TRAVEL STORY – Sponsored by Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia
Winner: Ellie Cobb - Japan's unknown indigenous cuisine (BBC)

BEST IMMERSIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE STORY - Sponsored by Azamara 
Winner: Kerry van der Jagt - Rising from the ashes (MiNDFOOD)

BEST INSTAGRAM PHOTOGRAPH – Sponsored by Lord Howe Island Tourism
Winner: Lynn Gail - Pockets of symmetry

BEST INTERNATIONAL STORY OVER 1000 WORDS – Sponsored by Globus
Winner: Anabel Dean - GO NZ: A map-free road trip from Auckland to Northland (NZ Herald)

BEST INTERNATIONAL STORY UNDER 1000 WORDS – Sponsored by YourLifeChoices
Winner: Craig Tansley - The remains of Tuscany (Which?)

BEST TRADE AND TOURISM NEWS STORY
Winner: Aleney de Winter - Backyard blitz (Holidays With Kids)

BEST ACCOMMODATION STORY
Winner: Kirstie Bedford - Ultimate Aussie adventures (Luxury Escapes)

BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPH
Winner: Lynn Gail - Homeland departure (Travel begins at 40)

BEST FAMILY TRAVEL STORY
Winner: Flip Byrnes - The ultimate odyssey (Out and About with Kids)

BEST TRAVEL BLOG POST
Winner: Marie Barbieri - Rollin' on the… Murray River

BEST TRAVEL BOOK
Winner: Laura Waters - Bewildered

For more information about the ASTW or for membership enquiries, please visit the ASTW website or email secretariat@astw.org.au.

About the ASTW

The ASTW is a 270-strong group of travel writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters and producers, digital publishers, guidebook authors, photographers, whose work appears regularly in major newspapers, magazines, airwaves and websites across Australia and the world. The ASTW's membership base also includes travel industry public relations and marketing professionals who enjoy the opportunity to network with Australia's most prolific travel media individuals.

All ASTW members must satisfy strict criteria to join and are obligated to substantiate their membership annually by providing details of their published output or industry participation. They must also adhere to a Code of Ethics. By ensuring that only bona fide applicants are admitted, the ASTW maintains its integrity and the professionalism of the travel industry.

ENDS

For more information please contact:
pr@astw.org.au