INSPIRE GLOBAL MEDIA AWARDS 2026 WINNERS
CELEBRATING THE POSITIVE IMPACT STORYTELLERS!
The winners of the Inspire Global Media Awards 2026 were announced at 20 Cavendish Square, London, on 13 April 2026.
The 2026 Awards recognised 29 category winners and 21 highly commended entries, alongside the Positive Impact Story Producer of the Year, Positive Impact Storyteller of the Year and the Outstanding Contribution to Positive Impact Storytelling.
Positive Impact Storyteller of the Year
Positive Impact Story Producer of the Year
CONSUMER FEATURES - UK & IRELAND
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
England
John Harris
The Guardian
Judges’ comments…
Yvette Cook
The Independent
Judges’ comments…
Award sponsored by Visit Herefordshire
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
British Isles & Ireland (exc. England)
Lily Canter
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “Loved discovering “Britain’s last true wilderness” through the eyes of this writer – the destination was really brought to life through colourful turn of phrase, meaningful interactions with local people and depiction of environmental challenges and initiatives.”
Robin McKelvie
The Telegraph
Judges’ comments – “This article was a love letter to a destination close to the writer’s heart and it was a pleasure to read, plus the destination boasts so many assets – rich in nature, a newly-listed UNESCO Geopark and ongoing responsible local tourism initiatives.”
Award sponsored by Visit Herefordshire
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Nordic Region
Sam Haddad
The Guardian
Judges’ comments…
Ailsa Sheldon
JRNY Travel Magazine
Judges’ comments – “What stands out is the depth of local insight, from salt-making heritage to seaweed foraging and oyster revival, which adds genuine authority and charm. A confident, distinctive feature that captures both the flavour and soul of the region in a way that feels fresh and memorable.”
Award sponsored by Switzerland Tourism
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Europe
Yvette Cook
The Independent
Judges’ comments…
Emma Truscott
BBC Travel
Award sponsored by Tourism Switzerland
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Mediterranean & North Africa
Daniel Stables
National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Judges’ comments – “This article was a joyful foray into unknown Sicily, a fascinating melting pot of cultures, history, music and food – very well-researched, highlights the culture and community through its cuisine; a new angle to learn about the destination.”
Jessica Heather
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “A really beautiful and inspiring account of a stunning off-the-beaten-track destination rich in nature and experiences, whose local people are actively engaged in sustainable and environmental initiatives.”
Award sponsored by Tunisian National Tourist Office
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Africa & Indian Ocean
Bella Falk
Travel Africa Magazine
Judges’ comments – “Excellent balance of celebration and critical scrutiny. The writer doesn’t simply marvel at Victoria Falls but interrogates its future, giving the piece real editorial substance. Well structured and compelling throughout.”
Sue Watt
Travel Africa Magazine
Judges’ comments – “A richly layered piece that weaves community, conservation and personal experience with confidence and warmth. The human stories feel earned rather than inserted, and the writing carries genuine emotional weight.”
Award sponsored by Tunisian National Tourist Office
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Asia
Farida Zeynalova
National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Judges’ comments…
Angela Locatelli
National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Award sponsored by Inside Asia
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Australasia & Oceania
Lauren Jarvis
OutThere Magazine
Judges’ comments – “Particularly compelling is the balance between ancient culture and modern innovation, positioning the Red Centre as both timeless and evolving. A sophisticated, thoughtful feature that informs as much as it inspires.”
Karen Edwards
JRNY Travel Magazine
Judges’ comment – “Outstanding. I learnt so much from reading this and I felt truly transported and inspired.”
Award sponsored by Inside Asia
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
North America
Kate Eshelby
BBC Travel
Judges’ comments – “Meaningful and with genuine impact.”
James March
TONIC Magazine
Award sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Central America & Mexico
Robyn Wilson
The Independent
Judges’ comments – “Compelling adventure writing; pulls you through every kilometre of jungle.”
Steph Dyson
The Independent
Judges’ comments – “Outstanding; the quetzal opener is inspired and the narrative never loses its thread.”
Award sponsored by Tourism Nova Scotia
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
The Caribbean
Sarah Lee
National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Judges’ comments – “Visitor volunteer programs, educational, inspirational and encourages ways to contribute to the conservation of the reefs.”
Rory Buccheri
Adventure.com
Award sponsored by Montpelier Nevis
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
South America & Antarctica
Katy Dartford
Globetrotter Magazine
Judges’ comments – “A vivid, immersive article that transforms Lima into a richly textured destination of wild encounters, human stories and sensory surprise. Offering a heady mix of some very different and varied ideas to the norm for a 24 hour stopover in Lima. From swimming with seals to coffee tasting, along with a visit to one of the world’s top bars.”
Rupert Mellor
OutThere Magazine
Judges’ comments – “A detailed and suitably different guide to some of the hidden joys to be discovered on a visit to Salvador, Bahia. The experiences pour off the page.”
Award sponsored by Montpelier Nevis
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Global
Steph Dyson
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “Expertly argued case.”
Stuart Kenny
Much Better Adventures
Judges’ comments – “Beautifully written.“
Award sponsored by Lemongrass Marketing
CONSUMER FEATURES - INTERNATIONAL
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
U.K., Europe & Nordic Region
Daniel James Clarke
The Guardian
Judges’ comments – “Sustainable travel, tourism to historic villages, inspirational travel, tourism benefiting small villages, timeless magic remains.”
Asia London Palomba
The Washington Post
Judges’ comments – “Loved this! Wellness, local community, generational, traditional, educational with natural remedies, sustainable – interesting topic – great report!”
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Asia
Veidehi Gite
Outlook Traveller
Judges’ comments – “An excellent and insightful bit of writing.”
Samantha Falewee
Condé Nast Traveler
Judges’ comments – “This author’s light touch belies a firm grasp on the detail which shines through in a vivid feature.”
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Australasia & Oceania
Ellie Cobb
BBC Travel
Judges’ comments – “Very informative and descriptive – made me want to go there. Good historical context and not all rose-tinted. Very good – I enjoyed it.”
Sarah Reid
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “Good angle, timely, informative, good attention to detail, useful recent history and past history, well written - evocative- loved the kayaking.“
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Africa, Arabia & Indian Ocean
Jonny Bierman
Travel + Leisure – Asia
Judges’ comments – “Important feature on African eco-tourism. Outstanding feature.”
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Americas, The Caribbean & Antarctica
Emily Barlow
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “In a noisy field this story stood out as a genuinely new angle on a well-told tale. Never easy. Discovering a path less-trodden alerts trekkers to the charms of avoiding the obvious and finding and choosing some new hidden gems that are just as rewarding, if not more so.”
Annie Brown Verdin
Adventure.com
Judges’ comments – “Well observed with a keen eye for detail this was an engaging and evocative piece.“
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
CONSUMER FEATURE OF THE YEAR - INTERNATIONAL WRITERS
Global
Suzie Dundas
Matador Network
Judges’ comments – “Informative, inspiring, with an educational angle. Positive impact.”
Award sponsored by Visit Cyprus
TRADE MEDIA
TRADE FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Zanny Merullo
TravelAge West
Judges comments – “Boom. Positive impact storytelling done brilliantly.” “Inspired me to go and talked about local people and the positive impact of tourism.”
Award sponsored by Deep South USA
TRADE FEATURE OF THE YEAR
Jessica Reid
TTG Media
Judges comments – “An important story told skilfully, casting light on an aspect of India that is rarely discussed in travel writing. Good quotes, historical context and a sense of place makes this a great read! “
Award sponsored by Deep South USA
BOOKS & GUIDES
TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR
Carolyn Boyd
Profile Books
Judges’ comments – “Mrs Boyd’s gazetteer of alimentation francais is like Hollandaise: irritating in the simplicity of the concept and delicious in its execution. I scoffed the entire book in one sitting.”
Award sponsored by VIA Rail Canada
TRAVEL GUIDE OF THE YEAR
Emma Gibbs
Bradt Guides
Judges’ comments – “Given it’s a “Slow Travel” guidebook, the positive impact storytelling is as excellent as you’d expect. Plenty of local colour, hints and tips from locals, written by someone immersed in the destination.”
Award sponsored by Netherlands
TRAVEL GUIDE OF THE YEAR
Daniel James Clarke
Lonely Planet
Judges’ comments – “Highlights the quirky and less-visited (key in an area prone to over-tourism). Did an excellent job of opening my eyes to the Algarve beyond the tourist beaches.”
Award sponsored by Netherlands
BROADCAST & AUDIO
TELEVISION BROADCAST OF THE YEAR
Mark Julian Edwards
The Jet Set TV Show
Judges’ comments – “Simple, informative, positive and gives the feel of a discovery on a simple journey.”
Award sponsored by VIA Rail Canada
PODCAST / AUDIO PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR
Mary Novakovich
BBC Radio 4
Judges’ comments – “Fascinating. Good balance of positive storytelling along with impacts of climate change etc. Crammed a lot into a short segment.”
Richard Hammond & Holly Tuppen
It’s a Journey – a sustainable travel podcast
Judges’ comments – “Super-practical, excellent presentation and subject matter.” “All about positive impact storytelling. Nailed the brief!”
Award sponsored by VIA Rail Canada
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO OF THE YEAR - PEOPLE / COMMUNITY
Lauren Mowery
Images featured in Of Craft and Humanity: Tracing the Modern Silk Road through Uzbekistan.
Azure Road
Judges’ comments – “By far the best, both in terms of story and image content. This portfolio gave me a strong sense of place but also of how friendly and approachable the locals were to visitors.”
Award sponsored by Lemongrass Marketing
PHOTO OF THE YEAR - WILDLIFE / ENVIRONMENT
Lynn Gail
Images featured in Rare Breed.
International Traveller
Judges’ comments – “The best combination of wildlife and environment. A portfolio that married beautiful images of iconic species with a glimpse of the spectacular environment the visitor would experience.”
Award sponsored by Lemongrass Marketing
SELF-PUBLISHED DIGITAL
BLOG STORY OF THE YEAR
Ana Duek
Viajar Verde
Judges’ comments – “A good understanding of community as well as sense of place, and considered responsible tourism at its heart. Plenty of insight about the people, their home in the Amazon and how tourism benefits both the communities and the future of the rainforest.”
Lucy Ruthnum
Absolutely Lucy
Award sponsored by Netherlands
VLOG OF THE YEAR
Shivya Nath
YouTube
Judges’ comments – “A lot of care, thought and consideration has gone into this.”
Award sponsored by Visit Fort Myers
SHORT REEL OF THE YEAR
Veidehi Gite
Instagram Channel
Judges’ comments – “Lively and interesting.”
Award sponsored by Visit Fort Myers
