The Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards
The Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the field of travel journalism. Established in 1985 by the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation (SATW Foundation), these awards honor excellence in travel journalism across various media, including print, digital, audio, video, and photography.
History and Significance
Named after Lowell Thomas, a celebrated 20th-century travel journalist and broadcaster, the awards aim to uphold the high standards of travel journalism that Thomas exemplified throughout his career. Known for his adventurous spirit and pioneering work, Thomas’s legacy continues to inspire travel writers and journalists worldwide.
The SATW Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in the early 1980s, administers the awards. The foundation’s mission is to support, celebrate, and sustain travel journalism by recognizing and rewarding efforts in this highly competitive field. The awards are open to travel journalists from around the world, making them a truly global competition.
Categories and Criteria
The Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards feature over two dozen categories, reflecting the diverse nature of travel journalism. Some of the key categories include:
• Travel Journalist of the Year: Awarded to an editor or writer whose work excels in multiple categories.
• Travel Book: Recognizes outstanding travel books and Guides that offer deep insights and compelling narratives.
• Travel Blog: Honors exceptional travel blogs that provide valuable information and inspiration to readers.
• Multimedia Single Work: Celebrates innovative multimedia projects that enhance the storytelling experience. This includes: Instagram Storytelling, Travel Video Story, Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides etc.
• Environmental and Sustainable Tourism: Focuses on works that highlight sustainable travel practices and environmental awareness.
• Other categories includes: Short Narrative, Special Packages/Series, Personal Comment, Coverage of Diverse Communities, Special-Purpose Travel and Culinary-Related Travel.
Judging
Entries are judged by members of the journalism faculty from accredited U.S. universities, ensuring a rigorous and impartial evaluation process. This judging method maintains the awards’ high standards and credibility.
Impact and Recognition
Winning a Lowell Thomas Award is a significant achievement for any travel journalist. It not only provides recognition from peers and industry leaders but also enhances the credibility and visibility of the recipient’s work. The awards are highly regarded in the travel journalism community, often leading to increased opportunities for the winners, such as book deals, speaking engagements, and further publishing opportunities.
The competition attracts entries from major media outlets, staff writers, freelancers, and book authors. Notable publications that have been recognized include The New York Times, Outside Magazine, and The Washington Post. This broad participation underscores the awards’ prestige and the high level of competition.
Notable Winners
Over the years, the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards have recognized numerous distinguished travel journalists and publications. Some notable winners include:
• 2023: Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year, Stephanie Pearson, freelance writer, Duluth, MN
• 2023: Guidebook, Dawn M. Barclay, ‘Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible and the Neurodiverse,’ Rowman & Littlefield.
• 2023: Travel Blog, Lies Veldeman and Ash Ryan, NonStopDestination.com.
Conclusion
The Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards play a crucial role in promoting high-quality travel journalism. By honoring outstanding work in the field, they encourage travel writers to continue exploring and sharing the world’s stories with passion and integrity. For any travel author or journalist, participating in these awards is a prestigious opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the art of travel storytelling.
Are you considering entering your work into the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards? It could be a fantastic way to showcase your talent and connect with a community of dedicated travel journalists.
