- 19th January 2026: Better World Symposium – Complimentary Members Tickets Now Available
- Antor discussion: Monday, 24 November – RSVP!
- Christmas anthologies
- Sri Lanka coverage – final call
Hi everyone,
I’m writing from St Lucia, where none of my FOUR showers were working this morning.
I’m aware that this sounds incredibly bratty but it does kind of matter, as I’m writing a resort review – so I can’t exactly skirt the issue, can I? “Guests can perform their ablutions in their villa’s private pool” doesn’t quite cut it.
I bet there are far more compelling stories to tell about St Lucia, though. Did you know that it’s known as the Helen of the Caribbean? She’s the face that launched a thousand ships … and, speaking of faces, I’ve been surprised to notice several thunderous/ tense/ unhappy ones. I get the distinct impression that as many marriages have reached crunch point as have been celebrated here. Nothing like a healthy dose of realisation in the sunshine, eh!
And with that … bring on the Ashes.
Have great weekends, all.
Sarah
19th January 2026: Better World Symposium – Complimentary Members Tickets Now Available
When? Monday 19th January 2026
– Symposium 10am – 6pm
– Networking and “New Year’s Party” 6pm – 9pm
Where? London Canal Museum, Kings Cross, London
The BGTW Better World Symposium 2026 is our forum for discussion and debate. For questions and solutions. A series of sessions and inspiring talks all striving towards a Better World for travel media, tourism businesses, and the industry as a whole, covering sustainability, responsibility, ethics, and inclusion. To get an idea of the event, you can listen to the 2024 podcasts. In January, we plan to be bolder with six sessions that will delve deep, all led by nearly two dozen BGTW members and special guests, including – at members’ request – a closing keynote by Juliet Kinsman. The complete programme will be announced in the coming weeks, with the first round of panellists now posted. In-person tickets are limited; please register to attend today to secure your space.
* We are currently only accepting registrations for the Daytime Symposium + Evening Networking. We will open registrations for the evening only at a later date.
Antor discussion: Monday, 24 November – RSVP!
The annual Antor (the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives) & BGTW discussion will be Monday, 24 November. Members who are up for a spirited discussion about this year’s topic, “Is over-tourism overrated?” are invited to email Alicia Sheber at alicia.sheber@bgtw.org to register their interest in joining the event to listen, share opinions and network. It’s a fantastic opportunity to form valuable new connections, as well as strengthen existing relationships, with Antor’s destination members and spark ideas for future travel stories around this hot topic. Moderator Eva Stewart is from the advisory firm GSIQ, which provides data-driven insights uniting the sports, sponsorship and tourism industries. The event is free and for Antor and BGTW members only.
Venue: Zimbabwe House, 429 The Strand, London WC2 (nearest station Charing Cross/Temple Underground)
Moderator: Eva Stewart, GSIQ, Global Managing Partner
Panellists from Antor member countries Spain, Italy, and one more TBA, along with BGTW members Daniel Edward, Chris Coe and Rashmi Narayan.
Format:
3.30 pm: Antor and BGTW guests arrive and visit Shona Art exhibit, teas & coffees and biscuits in the library;
4 pm: Round Table begins, followed by general discussion with audience participation and questions;
5.30 pm: Networking drinks and informal discussion;
6.30 pm: ends
Christmas anthologies
If you’d like to order an anthology of top-notch travel writing and photography, and avoid paying P&P, we have taken a few boxes from the distributor’s warehouse for this purpose. These can be ordered over the next two weeks (£12.99) by emailing charlotte@bgtw.org, with free postage in the UK for up to two copies. For any extras, or international shipping, Charlotte can advise on P&P via email.
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Sri Lanka coverage – final call
If you were on the Sri Lanka trip earlier this year, please make sure that your send in your coverage ASAP, as this is key to securing 2026 conventions.
