From little things big things grow – that's why the Australian Society of Travel Writers is targeting its small-membership states and territories with a new recruitment campaign, waiving the $175 joining fee for eligible applicants until March 31, 2022.

The offer is open to travel writers, digital publishers, photographers and tourism PR professionals living in the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania.

“We hope to expand the Society's small but enthusiastic groups of ASTW members residing in these regions by offering potential members a 'taster' of the wonderful benefits and networking opportunities enjoyed by our 270-strong membership base,” says Caroline Gladstone, ASTW President.

The Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) is the most highly respected travel media body in Australia. Founded in 1975 and incorporated in 2011, it is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting ethical and honest travel, and the unbiased reporting of it.

“The main reason travel industry professionals join the ASTW is to align with an organisation that's regarded as the absolute authority in travel industry media,” says Caroline.

“Members can network through our private ASTW Facebook page, regular lunches across the country, as well as our fun and famously competitive trivia nights.”

In addition to being sought after as industry professionals, ASTW members are given the opportunity to enter the annual ASTW Awards for Excellence, open to members only.

“The prestigious ASTW Awards for Excellence are generally presented at our annual Convention, held in different domestic and international locations each year,” says Caroline.

“The ASTW Conventions are renowned for their engaging keynote speakers and outstanding famil opportunities in diverse host destinations, as well as being a wonderful opportunity to socialise with travel media professionals from across the country.”

ASTW writer and digital publisher members receive automatic membership to TravMedia, with the Society enjoying a strong presence at its annual International Media Marketplace (IMM).

“We encourage travel writers who are living in the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania to take advantage of this special offer and connect with like-minded people in their local areas,” says Caroline.

Travel industry professionals who wish to join the ASTW can apply HERE. The joining fee will be waived for those residing in the ACT, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania until March 31, 2022. However, all applicants must satisfy the criteria to be approved as members.

For more information about ASTW visit www.astw.org.au or contact the Secretariat on secretariat@astw.org.au.

About the ASTW

The ASTW is a group of travel writers, editors, radio and television broadcasters, bloggers, guidebook 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.