Entries for the 2026 Travel Media Awards are now open, with a new category recognising the growing importance of travel storytelling closer to home.

For more than a decade, the Travel Media Awards has celebrated excellence in travel journalism, photography and broadcasting.

New this year is the Specialist Travel Writer of the Year (UK & Ireland) — a category spotlighting outstanding writing focused on the UK and Ireland, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, city breaks to countryside escapes.

The new category reflects the continued relevance of travel coverage closer to home and the role it plays in inspiring audiences.

Following feedback from across the industry, entries continue to be free to submit.

What's new for 2026?

New category: Specialist Travel Writer of the Year (UK & Ireland)
Celebrating exceptional travel writing focused on the UK and Ireland — recognising storytelling that inspires travel closer to home.

Free entry
We listened to industry feedback — entries continue to be free.

24 categories in total
Recognising the full breadth of travel media and judged by leading editors and commissioners. A quarter of the judging panel changes each year to bring fresh perspectives.

Awards ceremony
26 October, The Savoy, London

Key dates
16 May: Entries close
9 September: Finalists announced
26 October: Awards ceremony, The Savoy, London | 18:30–22:30