As 2022 wraps up, the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) is celebrating a bumper year, with a flurry of new membership applications, a host of successful Christmas lunches around the country, and in the spirit of giving back, a $1,000 donation to Take 3 for the Sea.

Following a flash sale for Black Friday, ten potential new members across print and digital media, as well as PR, have taken advantage of saving $175 on the joining fee for the ASTW - the peak body for travel media professionals.

Members new and old also gathered in droves for sumptuous lunches and networking opportunities at incredible venues around Australia, including in NSW at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour; in Victoria at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley; in Queensland at Indigo's Izakaya Publico restaurant (with thanks to ProInvest Property), and in WA at Seashells Mandurah (via Mandurah Cruises and with support from Visit Mandurah) - as well as having a few cheeky cocktail aperitifs overlooking the Indian Ocean courtesy of Mataya Eatery!

Heartfelt thanks go to all the sponsors and event coordinators who made these memorable events possible.

Christmas is about giving, as well as receiving though, so the ASTW was proud at the 2022 Convention held last month to donate $1,000 to Take 3 for the Sea. This charity's simple premise is that everyone should take three pieces of rubbish with them when leaving the beach, waterway or anywhere, to make a difference. They were thrilled to be selected for this donation by the Convention host, Tweed Tourism, and the ASTW was delighted to have it received by the next generation, represented their ambassador Leela Siva – an HSC student.

Wishing all our members, sponsors and partners in the travel & tourism industry a happy festive season - and looking forward to a cracking 2023, packed with many more successful ASTW forums and lots of new members joining.

-ENDS-

About the ASTW: Founded in 1975 and incorporated in 2011, the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting ethical and honest travel writing and representation. The Society represents Australia's leading travel media and travel industry communicators who retain their membership through a substantiation process. 

The ASTW has 280 members who are freelancers and staff writers, travel editors, radio and television broadcasters, digital publishers, guidebook authors, photographers, videographers and public relations (PR), social media and marketing professionals.

For media inquiries please contact: Silke Kerwick 0414 844 147