Washington, D.C. (June 5, 2017) — Four travel journalists captured top honors in the U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA's 2017 IPW Travel Writer Awards competition, sponsored by CityPASS. The winners were announced today during a media reception at the IPW trade show in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Travel Association, which coordinates the awards, received a record 229 contest entries from journalists representing 30 countries. The winners are as follows:

Best IPW Host City (New Orleans) Article — British travel journalist and photographer Aaron Millar received top marks in this category, which judges articles highlighting the previous year's IPW host city. After attending IPW 2016 in New Orleans, Millar spent time exploring the lush legends, peculiar peccadillos and piquant personality of the city nicknamed “The Big Easy.” His article, “Hoodoo and Voodoo, Ghosts and Graves,” was published in the April 2017 edition of National Geographic Traveller U.K. Bouncing from an authentic Voodoo temple to fizzy Bourbon Street bars to Preservation Hall, one of the most intimate jazz venues in the city, Millar's experiences and artful descriptions beautifully convey how the spirit of New Orleans will “soak right into your soul.”

Lucio Rossi, editorial director for Latitudes magazine, a monthly online consumer travel publication in Italy, earned an honorable mention in this category. 

Best U.S. Travel Destination Article — Due to the high number of outstanding entries received, the judges opted to select two winners in this group.

The first, “Alaska Untouched,” was written and illustrated by Jocelyn Pride, an Australian freelance writer and photographer. Pride's account of trekking north to one of the world's very first ecotourism sites—Alaska's remote Camp Denali—appeared in WellBeing, a monthly Australian health and lifestyle magazine. An experienced outdoor writer, Pride uses inspiring prose and stunning photographs to transport readers to “one of the finest off-the-grid experiences.” The article gently builds suspense over whether cloud-shrouded Mt. Denali, the tallest peak in North America, will make an appearance before Pride departs the camp. In the last few paragraphs, the reader celebrates alongside Pride when, “… almost on cue, the [cloud] curtain opens and Denali stands in all his glory. We clap and cheer amid a frenzy of clicking cameras.”

The second winner for “Best U.S. Destination Travel Article” is Uwern Jong, editor-in-chief for the U.K.-based Out There Magazine, a dedicated luxury and experiential travel journal for gay men. “Valley Inspired,” Jong's eight-page tribute to California's Napa Valley, uses insightful commentary, terrific quotes from local residents, and colorful photography to introduce the reader to the delights of the Golden State's most famous wine-growing region. True to the tastes of his readers, Jong drops in generous dollops of luxury (visits to Meadowood Spa and the appointment-only Sinegal Estate winery), but keeps it real with practical tips that make the region appealing and accessible for travelers of any means.

Honorable mentions went to Spud Hilton, travel editor for the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper, and Bas van Oort, a freelance travel writer from the Netherlands.

Best Trade Publication Article — Katarzyna Siekierzynska, staff writer for the monthly magazine Business Traveller Poland, took top honors for “The Vineyards of Southern California.” Siekierzynska reminds her European readers that California offers more than Hollywood and beautiful beaches along the Pacific, encouraging them to explore lesser-known wine regions that extend out from San Francisco and around Santa Barbara. Her detail-rich piece includes expert recommendations on the most interesting wineries to visit, as well as transportation options and an historical overview. But, Siekierzynska doesn't ignore Hollywood entirely: Her article also includes references to the movie Sideways and some of the film's more notable locations.

Lauren Jarvis, who, in addition to freelance writing, serves as editorial director for DAD.info and travel editor for Breathe magazine, earned an honorable mention in the “Best Trade Publication Article” division.

During their evaluation of the entries, this year's panel of judges looked for articles that featured original ideas and exceptional storytelling skills, as well as prose that would inspire readers to travel to the United States.

The IPW Travel Writer Awards competition is held annually. Each of the winning writers receives $1,000 U.S. and an award certificate. This year's competition was sponsored by CityPASS, the company that offers discounted admission packages to the top attractions in 12 North American destinations. ###

The U.S. Travel Association is a national, nonprofit organization representing all components of the travel industry, which generates $2.3 trillion in economic output and supports 15.3 million American jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org.

CityPASS is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. Launched in 1997, CityPASS ticket booklets have been a premier product for travelers who want to visit a destination's top attractions while enjoying significant savings of up to 50 percent. CityPASS booklets, which have a 98 percent customer recommendation rating, contain prepaid admission to the most popular attractions in 12 North American destinations: New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California, Tampa Bay and Toronto. For more information, visit CityPASS.com.

CityPASS® is a registered trademark of City Pass, Inc., and the exclusive property of City Pass, Inc.

Deborah H. Wakefield, CityPASS                                                                 

(503) 292-4418, deborah@citypass.com         

Cathy Reynolds, U.S. Travel Association  

(202) 408-2183, creynolds@ustravel.org