In:House #19

Posted on in Announcements by Mark Bibby Jackson

In this issue of In:House you will find:

Intro from Chris

The members’ survey, which Dan put together to get your views, has made interesting reading and the majority of the comments and ideas were very constructive and helpful, so thank you.

Two things that come through very strongly are Member behaviour / code of conduct and AGM venues, so here’s an update on current plans:

Sarah is working on a new code of conduct, to be completed well before Membership Renewals in October. Acceptance of this will be part of the renewal process. You will, of course, have the opportunity to comment on it in advance. We will also be tightening up on criteria for membership at the same time.

For AGM destinations, tightening budgets mean that potential destinations are reluctant to pay for a projected 100-120 flights. This again raises the issue of whether we have a UK-based AGM with an overseas trip afterwards. At present, this has to remain on the table as an option.

BGTW Symposium
In a fascinating new initiative, Dan has also been working on a not-to-be-missed BGTW symposium in London (provisional date 18th September). So watch this space for more news on all this shortly.

This year’s awards
Voting for the International Tourism Awards (ITA) for 2024  is now open! There is a new category this year – the Better World Project. More info below and on the website.  

The Members’ Execellence Awards (MEA) will open on Friday 14th June at 9.00am after a thorough review, especially of entry criteria. There’ll be a separate newsletter coming round about the awards.

Face-to-face
With events coming thick and fast there will be plenty of opportunities to socialise and discuss any burning issues. Over 30 members are going to Glasgow, so we’ll see you at our social event on 25th June.  This will take place at Champagne corner @ Champagne Central between 4.30pm and 6.00pm. 

Currently 73 members are also coming to the 1st July Summer Party (not many spaces left).

Other news
The podcast pilot went well last week (see below), so we’re now looking for Members’ content and travel stories to develop the format further.

Three new webinar-style workshops are in the planning (see below).

The modernisation & rebranding panel are making good progress and will deliver their report next week. We are in discussions with an external expert to help us implement any recommended changes.

In the last few months, we’ve had 16 new membership applications. Some of the paused members are also in the process of rejoining.

Phew! That’s more than enough for now. More details at the Summer Party.

Chris 

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2024 International Tourism Awards

Voting for the International Tourism Awards (ITA) for 2024 is now OPEN!

If you’ve seen a project that’s no more than three years old (for eligibility this must be within the past three years; ie after September 1st, 2021) that you feel deserves wider recognition and the valuable publicity that receiving a prestigious ITA generates, then let us have your submission.

Nominate your projects here

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Membership update from Sarah

We continue to have regular applications from people interested in joining the Guild: thank you for your support in checking out the work of applicants during the gazetting stage. As members, we have an opportunity to promote the Guild to others and to encourage them to join, so if you meet people during the course of your travels and feel they’d be a good fit, don’t hesitate to point them in the direction of the application form on the website!

Last month, I contacted a number of members whose details weren’t on BGTW Connect. Thanks to all of you who updated your profiles. If you’ve yet to do so, or are having problems with the form, drop me a line and we’ll be able to help.

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Celebrating our members

Congratulations to Simon Urwin and Karolina Wiercigroch! Simon is the winner of the James Beard Foundation Photography Award in the Pink Lady Food Photography Awards. Karolina was placed 3rd in the Food on the Table category.

More congratulations to Jon Holmes for picking up a trophy in the 2024 New York Festivals Radio Awards.

And finally, a huge congratulations to all Guild members nominated in the USA Media Awards: Kav Dadfar, Claire Dodd, Peter Ellegard, Teresa Gomez, Paul Harris, Mary Moore Mason, Jonathan Thompson and Simon Urwin.

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Members’ survey and benefits – a update from Dan

Members’ Survey

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the anonymous members’ survey. While the number of responses was low (17% of members), your feedback on sustainability, website functionality, the kinds of events, socials and networking opportunities we organise, and overall views on the Guild’s branding have been particularly insightful. It’s also very clear which benefits we should prioritise sourcing for members and the kinds of training and industry representation you would like to see. Some items we’ve already started working on, others will take a little longer to put in place. The Board will review all the survey feedback at our next meeting and share a report in July.

Members’ Benefits

If you’ve tried to use one of the member benefits recently, you’ll have realised many lapsed and are no longer valid. I’m in the process of reestablishing these expired benefits and negotiating new ones – particularly those requested in the recent survey. As part of this process, the members’ benefits webpage will be overhauled and separated into two sections from July: Benefits, for supporting work and research trips without a commission; and Story Support, which will include the fully-comped support brands have extended to members dependent on a commission. I’ve had a handful of new benefits confirmed in the last few days and am now awaiting discount codes and landing pages to be created, which will be circulated to members shortly.

In the meantime, the benefits webpage has had some updates. Expired benefits have been removed, and those which are now re-activated or confirmed have a status next to them. These include Bloc Hotel Gatwick, Larking Gowen Legal Consultancy, No1 Airport Lounges, Aquapac, Briggs&Riley, Fleet Street Clinic, Whistledown Recording Studios and DFDS. All benefits without a status next to them are waiting for renewal or confirmation. Any questions, email daniel.clarke@bgtw.org

I’m trying to secure better access to paywalled content for members (whether to see their own work or see what has been recently covered). While that’s ongoing, I’ve arranged with Readly to offer Guild members a two month free trial followed by a 15% discount on their annual plan. This can be taken advantage of on our landing page: https://gb.readly.com/bgtw

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Podcasts, webinars and skills development

Podcasts

Our first podcast is now recorded! Now we need suggestion from you for a name for this new podcast series. Suggestions to Chris asap and by 21st June latest. We’d like to be able to make an announcement at the Summer party on 1st July.

This pilot was recorded live with an audience at the Hyatt London Stratford. In a 30-minute talking heads style conversation, John Carter shared his life in travel writing and broadcasting – 63 years’ worth! John has been unwell for nearly a year with the after-effects of COVID, so it’s great to see him back fit and well.

The evening was fascinating and entertaining, with John frequently having the audience of both members and PRs in stitches. Towards the end of the session, Jon Holmes joined the discussion with a segment on podcasting and this will form part of the second podcast.

Webinar workshops

Three new webinar-style workshops are in the planning to start in July: Working with Editors; Working with PRs and The Changing Roles of Travel Journalists. These will be live panel discussions with an audience, including audience questions, but we’ll also be recording them for those who can’t make the dates to listen to. We’re looking at these as a possible income stream for the Guild.

Skills development

Nine members have signed up for the photography workshops. There are also about 20 PRs interested. Chris will be setting up two workshops to take place over the next few months.

The podcast format we’re working on is 30 minutes long episodes with 3 or 4 segments. Any members who would like to contribute, please come forward with ideas for material they’d like to share. PRs are champing at the bit to be part of this.

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Board vacancy

We’re sorry to say that Richard Villars has had to resign from the Board. Richard is involved in humanitarian relief work in Gaza which requires more and more of his time. Thank you for all your efforts, Richard, and we wish you well with the fabulous work you’re doing. 

Consequently we need a new Board Secretary so if anyone would like to take on the role then please contact us asap. We also still need a Finance Director & a Comms Director. Any takers? Please contact Chris. It’s your chance to give something back.

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Graphic designer recommendations please!

With the launch of the new podcast series and the possible rebranding of the Guild, we need a graphic designer to design logos etc.

If you have any recommendations then please send these to Chris and Dan.

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London Events – an update from Mary Anne

July 1: Summer Party – 6.30pm to 10.00pm, Fredericks Restaurant Islington

Sponsored by Destination Canada. This will be a really enjoyable event, in a good restaurant with a garden in Islington.

If you are attending, please remember that we have some newer members who don’t know many of us and make them feel especially welcome. If you are yet to RSVP, please click below. Deadline to RSVP is 21st June.

rsvp here

July 2-8: RHS Tickets for Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival Reminder

Charleston has very generously given us a lot of tickets for members to attend this event, with a plus one, between 2nd and 6th July. They are a big supporter of the Guild and are asking nothing in return, but they will obviously be assessing our uptake of tickets as part of an ongoing review of working with the Guild. This could even include another AGM. 

It’ll be a lovely day out and we’d like to get at least 30 members going (that’s 60 tickets) to show our support. Chris will be doing some f.o.c. photography of the event for them as a thank you. Let’s get some more members attending, please. It’s not compulsory for those who get hayfever, but this is a great chance to give something back!

Apply for your tickets now on a first come, first serve basis by 20th June. Please provide your name and address and the date you would like to visit

request your tickets here

September 18th: Travel Media for a Better World Symposium (London, Daytime, Details TBC)

We’re putting together the final arrangements for this BGTW member event and will circulate an update and invites soon. It will be a relaxed afternoon of learning, networking and rethinking travel media in terms of sustainability, conversation and cultural preservation with networking sessions (brands and editors) and panels and workshops with actionable insights from industry insiders, experts, editors and PRs. 

The day will end with the announcement of the BGTW International Tourism Awards and a chance to raise a glass for all shortlisted projects. (For those attending Bradt’s 50th celebration, the timings have been planned to ensure no crossover).

November 4 (Monday): BGTW Annual Gala Awards Dinner

We are working hard on this and will provide more information as we firm up the details. In the meantime, put it in your diary!

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Regional Events – an update from Valery

June 24-26: Members’ Social at Travel Connections Event in Glasgow

BGTW post meetings ‘early evening tipple’ @ Glasgow Media Getaway

For all you Guildies going to Glasgow!

You are invited by members of the Board team (attending) for an early evening glass of bubbles / G&T or soft drink at Champagne Central, where we have reserved a lovely private room called Champagne Corner for those who’d like to join us.

This ‘members-only’ invite on TUESDAY 25 JUNE is taking place from 4.30pm until 6pm (sharp), which fits in with Howard Salinger host of Media Getaway’s schedule in the free time slot, before the official evening event takes place at 6.30pm.

Address: Champagne Corner @Champagne Central, 99 Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SF.

It is a three-minute walk up the road from the event hotel Radisson Blu, found right next to Glasgow Central train station.

We are shouting members a first drink, then a pay bar is available until we leave.

Please email your RSVP to: Regional Events Director Valery.Collins@bgtw.org to secure your place. We have room for 30 members, so make haste to register your interest… Slàinte Mhath!

July: Save the Dates – Launch of Summer Programmes in Bath and Bristol

It was announced recently that Bath will be launching their summer programme on Tuesday, 2 July, and Bristol will be launching their summer programme on Tuesday, 9 July. Members are invited to attend these launch parties. If you are interested in attending, please contact valery.collins@bgtw.org, who will forward the details of these evening events.

August 8-10: Durham Event

I have received some expressions of interest for this event but I need to hear from more members before this event can be confirmed and an itinerary put together. In particular, I would like to hear from members local to Durham who could join us either on the networking evening or the day we are exploring Durham. If you are interested, please contact me, valery.collins@bgtw.org as soon as possible so we can finalise the programme for this event. Thank you.

October 16: Harrogate Event

I intend to confirm this event for 16 October, but looking for more interest before this becomes possible. Please let me know if you are interested and specify if you are looking for overnight accommodation or if you live locally and will be attending but do not need accommodation. I look forward to hearing from you at valery.collins@bgtw.org. Thank you.

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Aladdin theatre event report

British Guild of Travel Writers members were invited to see a super theatre production of animated classic Aladdin at Palace Theatre Manchester last week. 

A huge BGTW thank you goes to Jonathan Mountford and our friends at MADE Travel for hosting us.

Recreating the magic and spectacle of a Disney movie live in a theatre, there were fun modern updates to the script, fabulous sets and costumes resulting in a spectacular show. Add in great performances from the actors, with Gavin Adams’ winning charm as Aladdin, Desmonda Cathabel portraying the perfect 21st Century Princess Jasmine and Yeukayi Ushe stealing the show as the hilarious Genie of the Lamp, a good night was had by all. A ‘magic’ carpet ride over the rooftops of Agrabah and North African deserts captivated the audience. Bravo!

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Press trips update from Valery

13th June: London – Art Exhibition Private Viewing

On behalf of Bankside Hotel, a design-focused luxury hotel on London’s Southbank, Lotus is delighted to invite BGTW members to a Private View of a new sustainability-focused art exhibition, “Nature’s Imprint: A Journey Through Time and Art” in the hotel’s underground White Box gallery space.

Location: 2 Blackfriars Road, Upper Ground, London SE1 9JU ·

Date: Thursday, 13 June, 2024, 6-8pm

Nearest tube: Waterloo or Southwark

The exhibition is being run in partnership with Degree Art and Contemporary Collective, seeking to address the profound and intricate relationship between nature, sustainability, and artistic expression. It invites us to reflect on our connection to the environment and the role of art in advocating for sustainable practices.

To reserve a spot, please RSVP to bankside@wearelotus.co.uk

17th June: Bristol – Huangshan Press Conference

Dennis Hu is organising a press conference in Bristol on 17th June and promises press trips – he will pay train fare for up to 10 BGTW members and the invite is below. Denis says:

Huangshan AKA the Yellow Mountain is one of the most well known scenic spots in China and the culture and tourism board are visiting Bristol on 17th June.

For this important visit, I would love to also invite members of the British Guild of Travel Writers to attend the event which will take place at SS Great Britain in the afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. I plan to organise some FAM trips to this region soon and would love to have you and your friends to attend this event!

If you are interested, please contact Valery

July: Madeira Wellness Press Trip

Valery has received an invite for any health and wellbeing writers in the Guild – a journalist/influencer – to take part in a 5 day retreat in Madeira. Proposed dates are 08-13 July 2024. Flights and everything else are included. See below for more details. Anyone interested should contact valery.collins@bgtw.org with details of a confirmed commission. 

  • Theme: Wellness in Madeira
  • Key Themes Promoted: Lifestyle/Nature
  • Target Demographic: Gen X/Millennials/DINKS/Travellers with Mid-High Income
  • Recommended Dates: 08-13/07/2024
  • Suggested Programme: 5 Day Retreat Programme in Madeira (more details here: The Yeotox: Our 5-Day Island Retreat Programme – Yeotown Madeira)
  • The arrival to Madeira would be on the 8th July as the programme starts on Tuesday at 07:15 AM and finishes on Saturday after lunch.
  • Important: Itinerary subject to change.

25 June and 24 July – RSC Press Nights in Stratford Upon Avon

We have received an invitation from the RSC for 15/20 members to attend two press nights this summer in Stratford on Avon. They are looking for coverage of either the new show launches or the RSC itself. Below are the dates and links to the two press nights.

Please contact Valery at valery.collins@bgtw.org if you are interested in attending both or either of these dates.

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Sustainable Tourism Destination Management

Apply Now to Join Cornell Cohort of 25 Journalists and Storytellers Who Seek to Explore Sustainable Tourism Destination Management

Cornell University’s Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and the Travel Foundation are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for 25 journalists and storytellers to take the online, eCornell course Sustainable Tourism Destination Management with full financial support, thanks to the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Organisations are being urged to share details of the scholarship programme with their global networks, to encourage individuals who would benefit to apply.

To meet the urgent need to manage the growth of tourism worldwide, journalists and storytellers will receive complimentary access to the eCornell Sustainable Tourism Destination Management course and will have the opportunity to participate in interactive online sessions focused on how course concepts can be integrated into travel and tourism reporting and storytelling globally. This opportunity is designed to attract a diverse group of reporters, media producers, and storytellers working in a range of mediums— from mainstream media to social media, and podcasting to documentary film.

“This course has been designed to deliver vital tools to address a global skills gap in destination management that Cornell and the Travel Foundation first highlighted in their 2019 report “Destinations at Risk: the Invisible Burden of Tourism,” states Mark Milstein, academic director of the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and co-faculty

lead. From today, May, the application process is live on Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Programme (STAMP) website. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to reporting on sustainability and the travel sector, their experience covering issues in one or more of the target countries, their need for financial support, be proficient in English, and commit to completing the comprehensive, 40 hour course and 2 live interactive sessions over 8 weeks (equivalent to about half a day of study per week).

“From measuring tourism’s social and environmental impacts to data sourcing, and case studies on destination challenges, journalists and storytellers enrolled in this course will be better equipped to decipher sustainability efforts and hold the travel industry to account,” says Lebawit Lily Girma, award-winning reporter and Executive-in-Residence at the Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise. “With global tourism confronting major challenges, this opportunity is timely. We’re hoping in particular to receive applications from Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color (BIPOC) covering a range of regions around the world.”

The course offers a ground-breaking set of guidance materials to allow program graduates to analyze how sustainable tourism transpires, including sustainable infrastructure requirements; destination-wide climate mitigation and adaptation tools; and social, environmental and economic development indicators which inclusively pinpoint local needs. Interactive sessions will bring the cohort together to reflect on how course concepts should influence coverage of travel and tourism. Graduates who fulfil all course requirements will receive a Recognition of Achievement from eCornell.

“Journalists can use this course to inform their coverage on how tourism impacts are affecting communities and natural resources, and knowledgeably evaluate and discuss management solutions, which can raise awareness of the issues, and foster long-term resilience and sustainable business opportunities worldwide.” says Megan Epler Wood, Managing Director of STAMP and co-faculty lead.

Applications will be accepted until June 17 at 12pm EDT although candidates are encouraged to apply early.

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A request from Mary Moore Mason

BGTW member and Essentially America Editor, Mary Moore Mason, is looking for Guild members who have recently had outdoor adventure experiences in one or more of the 12 Travel South States (excluding Florida which is a non-member) as well as members knowledgeable about Lesser Known but Appealing US State and National Parks and US Wine Regions and Trails. 

Please could any member with this experience who is interested email Mary Moore Mason by no later than Monday 25th June.

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Isle of Man coverage reminder

If you have yet to submit your published articles or media from the AGM & Convention, please send links / clippings to Charlotte.

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Mark Bibby Jackson
By: Mark Bibby Jackson Editor, Freelance Journalist, Travel Writer