TravMedia Meets: KARRYON

Matt has worked for decades in the travel industry, spanning media, marketing, strategy, and leadership. As the founder and strategic lead of Karryon, he’s spent the past 13 years building a purpose-driven space that connects and empowers the travel community through storytelling, innovation, and collaboration.

His work is always guided by a belief that travel can be a powerful force for good. One that regenerates destinations, uplifts communities, and deepens our connection with the planet. Through initiatives like Karryon For Good and Travel to Change the World, he’s focused on amplifying the voices of those driving meaningful change and helping the industry transition toward a more sustainable and regenerative future. As a member of the Destination Canada Strategic Advisory Group (Australia), he also contributes to shaping global strategies that champion values-based, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism.

Mark's travel story began early, highlighted by family trips to his father’s hometown in Japan and a year as an exchange student in Germany.  Hooked on travel, he spent six years working with Aussie DMCs and then 15 (and counting) as a travel industry journalist.  Along the way, he’s tasted pupusas in El Salvador, slept among hippos in South Africa and floated on bamboo rafts in remote Malaysia. Today, Mark is an editor at Karryon helping shape engaging, practical content for time-poor travel professionals while championing positive change in the industry.

Turning complex travel trends into clear, useful insights is his happy place. Most of all, Mark loves the people in travel - curious, generous types who share tips faster than business cards. And his fondness for maps, new food, hotel rooms - and yes, even airports - still shows no sign of fading. When he’s not writing or travelling, Mark moonlights as a songwriter and performer. He lives in Sydney with his partner, daughter and three dogs.

Kirstie is an award-winning travel writer, trained journalist, editor and podcaster with three decades of experience in the media industry who still holds the same enthusiasm for travel that she did when she boarded her first international flight at six years old. Kirstie’s career in travel began at Tourism New Zealand where she worked on the world premiere of The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King. She has since worked in the media industry across Australasia and held the editorship of seven magazines, including as founding editor of Luxury Escapes magazine.

At Karryon, Kirstie leads the luxury vertical where she thrives on telling the stories of those who are genuinely giving back to community and encouraging the high-end traveller to champion change. When she's not writing for work, you’ll find her tapping away on her crime fiction manuscript, which saw her win a scholarship to the Faber Writing Academy with Allen & Unwin and secure an agent in 2025.

Nick founded TravMedia in 1999 after ten years as travel editor of Courier Newspapers, Australia. His knowledge and contributions to the travel industry are extensive. Nick is a proud supporter of the SATW. He is an active member of the ASTW and supports both the ASTW Awards and the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards.

Nick created IMM 14 years ago, and The Summit 8 years ago. The platform also powers the online event marketplaces for IPW, Destination Canada’s Corroboree and TRENZ IMM.