BGTW Talks Travel - The British Guild of Travel Writers Podcast

In our closing keynote, presented in partnership with The Datai Pledge (https://www.thedatai.com/sustainability), Juliet Kinsman advocates that, at a time when distrust of AI-generated content is driving demand for authentic brand communication, we need more stories that make people care and, crucially, act. By adding the magic of personal perspectives that convert understanding into genuine appreciation, journalists can demonstrate what solutions-led storytelling looks like, using their platforms not merely to report, but to inspire meaningful action. This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing the UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Meera Dattani (Journalist & Executive Editor at Adventure.com), Jem Collins (Founder and Director of https://www.journoresources.org.uk/), Sophie Ibbotson (Travel Writer, and Founder of https://www.maximumexposurepr.com/) and Abi Best (Managing Director at https://www.lemongrassmarketing.com/) discuss how stagnant pay rates, declining budgets, and the rise in unpaid publications are causing concern and issues in the industry. What funding, resources, and solutions are available to the media to help them continue doing what they love? And in what ways can PR agencies and freelancers work better together to support the industry? This panel puts the often-avoided subject of money centre stage.This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026, supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Langkawi. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources and speaker bios, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Emma Gregg (Journalist, Author & Photographer), Sue Watt (Travel and Conservation Writer), Flavio Zappacosta (Antor Vice Chair & Head of ENIT UK), and Holly Tuppen (Travel Writer, Sustainability Expert, and It’s a Journey Co-host) discuss how, with low-quality content fuelling overtourism, gentrification and commodification of culture and nature all over the world, the need for more high-quality features that champion sustainable cultural encounters and outdoor experiences.This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026, supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Langkawi. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources and speaker bios, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Rashmi Narayan (Travel Writer), Uwern Jong (Editor-in-Chief of OutThere & Icons of Inclusion Founder), Debbie North ( Writer, Disability and Access Ambassador for the Countryside, and Founder of Access the Dales), and Shebs Alom (Presenter, Writer & Editor) discuss how publications, platforms and their colleagues can be mindful of how, and ways to make, their work more inclusive, including unpacking what “inclusivity” actually means today, ideas on what is and isn’t appropriate to pitch as an ally, and discuss what more needs to be done across the industry.This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026, supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Langkawi. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources and speaker bios, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Alicia Sheber (Travel & Hospitality Writer), Heather Thorkelson(Founder, Minimal Impact Expeditions & Polar Tracks Expeditions; Vice-chair, Polar Tourism Guides Association), Paul Brackley (Founder, Kinsfolk & Co) and Ricardo Moreira (Managing Director, XCO2) discuss where aspiration meets action and how technological innovations and new ways of thinking are improving luxury tourism. There are plenty of visionary changemakers and reasons to be optimistic, but it’s vital we ask hospitality businesses the right questions to inform, not just inspire.This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing the UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Chris Coe (BGTW 2025 Chair & Travel Photographer of the Year Founder), Karen Edwards (Responsible Travel Writer), David Lindo (aka The Urban Birder), and Shafik Meghji (Author of Small Earthquakes & Writer), discuss their thoughts, concerns and ideas for the year ahead through a mindful lens, setting the stage for the deeper-dive panels to follow.  This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium in January 2026, supported by Minimal Impact Expeditions and The Datai Langkawi. Find further details on the 2026 and future editions of the event, as well as resources and speaker bios, at https://www.bgtw.org/better-world/. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing UK Travel Media since 1960.

In conversation with Meera Dattani (Journalist & Executive Editor at Adventure.com) and Emma Gregg (Travel Journalist, Editor, Author & Photographer), Ash Bhardwaj (Author of Why We Travel, Film-maker and Storyteller) discuss what makes a good sustainable story in this day and age, angles that shouldn’t be overlooked, how greenwashing is problematic, and what a good travel writer’s pitch with sustainability at its core should look like. This episode was recorded live at the British Guild of Travel Writers' Better World Symposium, in partnership with Destination Canada and hosted by Hyatt Place London City East. Find further details of the event and 2025's edition at bgtw.org/better-world. Work in travel media? Consider becoming a member of the BGTW, accrediting and representing the UK Travel Media since 1960. Introduction by Daniel James Clarke, BGTW Sustainability Lead and Symposium Organiser.

In today's world, social media is key to securing commissions and press trips, both in terms of number of followers and in active engagement. This podcast is an introduction to the topic with a lively panel discussion on the key issues and considerations for building your network, catching people's attention and developing a strong following.