British Guild of Travel Writers

Founded in the exploratatory year of 1960, the British Guild of Travel
Writers is an association of some 250 writers, editors, photographers,
producers, radio and television presenters involved in travel. The majority
of Guild members are freelance but the BGTW also includes travel editors of
national and regional newspapers, magazines, radio and TV programmes.
Members cover specialities from transport to camping, horse-riding to
archaeology, cycling, walking, cruising, spas, golf, tennis and business
travel. From the Antarctic to Zimbabwe, Guild members have been there.

Members contribute regularly to national dailies and national Sundays,
regional press, women's media, activity and travel press, general interest
publications, business and trade journals and in-flight and ferry magazines.
Many members also contribute to overseas outlets. Others write travel books
and guidebooks. The Guild has a close relationship with groups like the
Australian Society of Travel Writers(ASTW) and the Egyptian Travel Writer's
Association(ETWA).

The Guild holds monthly meetings, usually in London, addressing travel
topics such as syndication, sustainable tourism and photography as well as
trips away(recent visits have North Wales, Aube-en-Champagne, Boston and
Cyprus).

The Yearbook, updated and published annually, is the UK 's only comprehensive
guide to the travel industry and media, and known as a bit of a Bible among
industry insiders. It contains member's biographies, including their current
outlets, books published, languages spoken, awards won and specialist
subjects. There is also a listings section with around 2,500 contact details
for travel editors, radio and television editors, publishers, travel PRs,
national tourist offices, airlines, tour operators and hotel chains. On the
members-only areas of the website are a discussion forum, noticeboard and
legal advice.

Along with a listing in the Yearbook and on the website, members also
receive a Guild presscard, numerous travel concessions, a monthly magazine,
Globetrotter, and can take advantage of heavily discounted membership for
the London Press Club and Royal Commonwealth Society.

To qualify for membership, individuals must be currently and professionally
involved in travel writing, editing, broadcasting or photography.

www.bgtw.org

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