PASADENA, CALIF. – The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) announced the winners of the 2018 NATJA Travel Media Awards Competition. Awards were made to publications, travel journalists and photographers, and top destination marketing associations. Winning entries from major publications included The New York TimesToronto Star, Air Canada enRoute, and AAA magazines. National Geographic Traveler was selected as the top travel magazine for a second year in a row. Destination marketing organizations receiving honors were Visit Buffalo Niagara and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism. A complete list of the winners and honorable mentions is below.

In addition to the 3rd Annual Keith Bellows Award for Excellence in Travel Journalism, this year’s winners and honorees will be showcased at the inaugural NATJA Awards Dinner on Friday, February 15, 2019 at the City Club in downtown Los Angeles, Calif. The competition, now in its 27th year, honors the “best of the best” in travel media.

“The winners are a microcosm of the talent and journalistic excellence that encapsulates our industry leading members,” said Helen Hernandez, CEO, NATJA. ”As our membership continues to grow so do the submissions of the accomplished pool of those who work in the travel industry—raising the competitiveness and prestige of the annual NATJA Awards.”

“The inaugural awards dinner will feature the entrants whose work stood out amongst the hundreds of superb submissions competing for a NATJA Award,” said NATJA Advisory Board Chair Kathryn Farrington. “The NATJA board, staff and members would like to thank the judges for their time and expertise in evaluating this year’s submissions and identifying the best of the best from each category.”

Additionally, one first place (Gold) winner is chosen in each of the categories along with 2nd (Silver), 3rd place (Bronze) and Honorable Mentions. To be eligible for an award, work from September 2017 through August 2018 were eligible for an award or honor.

Founded in 1991, NATJA is a travel journalism industry leader that fosters high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional program benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure to the general public.


MEDIA CATEGORIES

Category 100: Destination Travel – Newspaper

Category 101: Destination Travel – Magazine

Category 102: Destination Travel – Online Publication

Category 103: Illustrated Story – Print Publication

Category 104: Illustrated Story – Online Publication

Category 105: Long-Form Narrative

Category 120: Lifestyle, Personality and Profiles – Print Publication

Category 121: Luxury and Resort Travel – Print Publication

Category 122: Sports, Recreation and Adventure – Print Publication

Category 123: Cruises – Print Publication

Category 124: Historical Travel – Print Publication

Category 125: 60+ Travel – Print Publication

Category 126: Family Travel – Print Publication

Category 127: Culinary Travel – Print Publication

Category 128: Cultural Travel – Print Publication

Category 129: Eco, Environmental or Volunteer Travel – Print Publication

Category 130: Health and Wellness Travel – Print Publication

Category 140: Lifestyle, Personality and Profiles – Online Publication

Category 141: Luxury and Resort Travel – Online Publication

Category 142: Sports, Recreation and Adventure – Online Publication

Category 143: Cruises – Online Publication

Category 144: Historical Travel – Online Publication

Category 145: 60+ Travel – Online Publication

Category 146: Family Travel – Online Publication

Category 147: Culinary Travel – Online Publication

Category 148: Cultural Travel – Online Publication

Category 149: Eco, Environmental or Volunteer Travel – Online Publication

Category 150: Health and Wellness Travel – Online Publication

Category 160: Travel Video

Category 163: Travel Podcast

Category 170: Cover Photo, Illustration, Print

Category 171: Landscape, Seascape, Print

Category 172: Portrait, People, Print

Category 174: Nature, Print

Category 175: Photo Essay, Print

Category 176: Arts & Culture, Print

Category 180: Featured Photo, Illustration, Online

Category 181: Landscape, Seascape, Online

Category 182: Portrait, People, Online

Category 183: Architecture, Online

Category 184: Nature, Online

Category 185: Photo Essay, Online

Category 186: Arts & Culture, Online

Category 190: Travel Book or Guide

Category 191: Trade Travel Article

Category 192: Travel Tips & Advice

DESTINATION MARKETING ORGANIZATIONS/CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAU CATEGORIES

Category 200: Visitors’ Guide (Printed or Digital)/Website

Category 201: Destination Video

Category 203: Big Idea

PUBLICATION CATEGORIES

Category 300: Travel Magazine, Print

Category 301: Online Travel Magazine

Category 302: Independent Travel Blog

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