Australian Society of Travel Writers member Kerry van de Jagt has won the 2019 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award for Travel Journalism for her destination article entitled “The Thailand you didn't know you were missing” published in Traveller in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Melbourne, and online at traveller.com.au

Ms van de Jagt said she was thrilled her feature about two little-known towns in northern Thailand - Phrae and Nan – The trip, which was a post-famil organised after the 2018 convention in Bangkok, is a good example of how getting off the beaten path in familiar destinations can lead to interesting encounters and travel stories.

“I am indebted and grateful to all who made this article possible, including the support of Anthony Dennis, editor of Traveller, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Australian Society of Travel Writers. I am honoured to be travelling to Kazakhstan in September to accept my award at the PATA Gold Awards Dinner and Presentation”.

ASTW member Catherine Marshall was named “Best Travel Writer – Consumer” in the annual National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA), hosted by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents on Saturday, July 20.  

Ms Marshall was one of four ASTW members to be named as finalists in the award category. Other nominees included Helen Hayes, Roderick Eime and Steven Madgwick.

The winning article 'The art of keeping it rial in Iran'was featured in Traveller. It reviewed the nature between Iran and the USA, touched on the hospitable nature of locals and highlighted that wonders of a country whose reputation has been tarnished through politics and media over the years. ( http://www.traveller.com.au/iran-travel-guide-what-its-really-like-to-travel-iran--its-not-what-youd-expect-h18jrl)

“I think this award recognises the importance of exposing readers through our stories to new experiences and under-explored destinations, especially in this era of over tourism. It's important, also, to encourage them to make their own judgments about so-called 'dodgy' places rather than rely on political proclamations and media hype. It's a testament to my editor at Traveller, Anthony Dennis, that he's willing to publish such stories.”

said Marshall.

Marshall is a freelance journalist and travel writer who makes a living doing the things she loves best – travelling and writing. Her articles have been widely published in Australia and internationally.

ASTW President, Helen Hayes said: Congratulations to Kerry, Catherine and all the finalists on behalf of the ASTW community. We are thrilled at the recognition of talent within the Society and encourage members to take opportunities such as PATA and NTIA to profile their work”.

For more information about ASTW or to become a member, visit www.astw.org.au or contact Secretariat, Justine White, on secretariat@astw.org.au.

IMAGE: Catherine Marshall (L) accepting her award with World's Leading Cruise Lines, Katrina McAlpine (R), Commercial Director, Cunard

About the ASTW

The ASTW is a 300-strong group of travel writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters, bloggers, guide book authors and photographers (as well as travel industry public relations and marketing professionals) whose work appears regularly in major newspapers, magazines, airwaves and websites across Australia and the world.

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.