CALL-OUT TO TRAVEL WRITERS, PR PROFESSIONALS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND DIGITAL INFLUENCERS

Australia's most respected professional travel writing association, the Australian Society of Travel Writers, is now in its 44th year.  From humble beginnings, with a membership of just 15 in 1976, the society has grown to more than 350 members, drawn from all parts of Australia and representing a broad spectrum of travel professions, including photographers, editors, travel PRs, writers, influencers and broadcasters.

So why should you consider joining? In a recent member survey, 65 per cent of writer and influencer members said they had obtained paid work or press trips through their relationship with ASTW members, while 90 per cent of PR members said they had been able to generate publicity for their travel clients because of ASTW relationships.

Additionally, our member benefits include:

• Professional Development

There has been a strong focus on professional development this year, with members sharing their expertise in a wide range of disciplines in a series of webinars facilitated by the society and hosted by sponsor TravMedia. Topics have covered everything from photography editing skills to videography, book publishing, brushing up on SEO and more. Our annual conference also offers talks, workshops and debates by experts in their field.

• Professionalism

The ASTW is the preeminent society for travel writers in Australia. Members receive a membership card and ASTW logos to use in their email correspondence and websites.

• Networking

Subsidised lunches are held in capital cities and offer the opportunity to network and socialise with others in the industry. Other events include familiarisation trips, and our fun, famously competitive trivia nights. Members also have access to our private ASTW Facebook page and 'members only' section of the website. Our virtual drinks hosted on the Zoom platform have also become very popular, allowing members to engage with one another across city boundaries and state lines.

• Annual convention

Once a year, the ASTW holds its convention within Australia or overseas, with heavily subsidised accommodation, famils and transport on offer. Locations have included tropical north Queensland, Thailand, South Africa and Fiji.

• Member discounts and benefits

Partnerships with brands such as travel insurers and luggage retailers offer members exclusive discounts.  ASTW writer and digital members receive automatic membership of TravMedia and confirmed attendance (space permitting) of the annual International Media Marketplace (IMM).

• Travel Awards

The annual ASTW Awards of Excellence are open to members only, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work and compete in a variety of categories for fantastic prizes. This year, the ASTW partnered with the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) to form the Global Travel Media Alliance (GTMA). The alliance launched its inaugural Global Travel Media Awards (GTMA), in which our own members participated.

More information about eligibility and applications can be found on the ASTW website, or via the secretariat at secretariat@astw.org.au