World-class judging panel announced as Africa Travel Week (ATW) seeks Africa’s top travel journalists, storytellers and content creators
Entries for the 2026 ATW Media Awards are now open, with submissions sought from travel writers, bloggers, videographers, and photographers who produce outstanding content related to the African continent.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 awards feature an exceptional judging panel of global heavyweights, including Ellie Rothnie (wildlife photographer, tour leader and Canon ambassador), Kojo Bentum-Williams (Founder and Publisher, VoyagesAfriq), Barry Nield (Global Editor, CNN Travel), Divia Thani (Global Editorial Director, Condé Nast Traveller) and Tom Hall (Vice President, Lonely Planet).
“Once again, we’ve assembled a fantastic panel of judges who represent the very best in travel journalism and photography,” says Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director of Africa Travel Week. “Their expertise will ensure we recognise the most compelling storytellers who bring Africa’s extraordinary travel experiences to new audiences.”
The 2026 awards cover five categories:
- Sustainability Feature Award: Recognising stories that put the spotlight on regenerative tourism, community tourism, women-led initiatives, conservation, responsible practices and the African innovators protecting people and planet.
- Visual Tourism Award: Honouring photographers and visual artists whose exceptional work showcases Africa’s natural heritage, culture and character in extraordinary ways.
- Tourism News Award: Celebrating incisive, analytical reporting of developments, patterns, obstacles and innovations impacting the industry today.
- Destination Feature Award: Rewarding rich, layered features that explore a destination’s natural wonders, cultural traditions and communities – inspiring people to travel with deeper intention and curiosity.
- Young Talent Award: Spotlighting emerging writers and creators under 25 who are shaping how the world sees the continent.
The awards are open to all media practitioners at no cost, with entries accepted for content published between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
“ATW’s Media Awards recognise excellence in travel journalism, honouring those who inspire wanderlust, champion responsible tourism and showcase the authentic spirit of different African destinations,” adds de Jager. “Entries close on 16 January 2026 and winners will be announced during Africa Travel Week 2026.”
Full submission criteria as well as submission and nomination forms available on our website: The 2026 ATW Media Awards.
