Deadline: 16-Jan-2026
The ATW Media Awards celebrate excellence in African journalism, photography, and videography, highlighting storytelling that promotes responsible tourism and showcases Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. Awards are offered in five categories, including sustainability, visual storytelling, tourism news, destination features, and emerging talent. Entries must be published in 2025, and winners gain recognition at the Africa Travel Week Travel Leaders Lunch.
Overview
The ATW Media Awards honour outstanding work in journalism, photography, and digital storytelling across Africa’s tourism sector. The awards aim to inspire responsible travel, spotlight innovators, and celebrate storytellers who bring African destinations to global audiences.
Award Categories
1. Sustainability Feature Award
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Recognises feature-length articles, videos, podcasts, or blogs that highlight regenerative tourism, community tourism, women-led initiatives, conservation efforts, and responsible travel practices.
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Focus on pioneering solutions, remarkable individuals or organizations, and content that motivates audiences to adopt sustainable travel.
2. Visual Tourism Award
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Celebrates photographers and visual artists capturing Africa’s natural heritage, culture, and tourism character.
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Judging criteria: artistic merit, innovation, and emotional impact.
3. Tourism News Award
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Rewards journalistic excellence in reporting on Africa’s tourism industry.
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Focus on analytical reporting, trends, innovations, challenges, and insightful news coverage.
4. Destination Feature Award
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Recognises in-depth storytelling that explores a destination’s culture, history, natural beauty, and attractions.
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Encourages writing that inspires intentional and immersive travel experiences.
5. Young Talent Award
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Open to storytellers under 25 years old.
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Highlights emerging writers, photojournalists, and digital creators shaping Africa’s travel narrative.
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Judging emphasizes creativity, originality, and storytelling quality.
Eligibility
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Works must be published or broadcast in 2025.
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Submissions must adhere to the specific format requirements for each award category.
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Participants may submit multiple entries per category.
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Storytellers must hold rights or permissions to use content for promotional purposes by Africa Travel Week.
How to Apply / What to Do
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Identify the award category suitable for your work.
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Ensure your content meets publication/broadcast date requirements.
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Prepare materials according to category-specific format guidelines.
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Submit entries before the deadline (exact date via ATW Media Awards official site).
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Verify all permissions for use of content in promotional materials.
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Await evaluation by the independent panel of judges.
Tips for Applicants
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Highlight impactful storytelling that aligns with the category theme.
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Provide high-quality visuals for photography and videography submissions.
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Ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to journalism ethics.
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Tailor submissions to showcase innovation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.
FAQs
1. Who can submit entries?
Any journalist, photographer, or content creator who has published or broadcast work in 2025.
2. Is there an entry fee?
No, submission to the ATW Media Awards is free of charge.
3. Can multiple entries be submitted?
Yes, participants may submit multiple unique works per category.
4. What are the judging criteria?
Entries are assessed based on creativity, relevance, impact, journalistic integrity, and alignment with category objectives.
5. How will winners be announced?
Winners are announced at the Africa Travel Week Travel Leaders Lunch.
6. Are non-English works accepted?
Works must be submitted in English or French.
7. Can I submit work with collaborators?
Yes, submissions may include collaborative efforts, but ensure proper permissions and crediting.
Conclusion
The ATW Media Awards provide a prestigious platform to celebrate storytelling that promotes sustainable and responsible tourism in Africa. By participating, journalists, photographers, and emerging creatives gain visibility, recognition, and the opportunity to inspire global audiences to explore Africa thoughtfully and responsibly.
For more information, visit Africa Travel Week.
