Grand Prize Winners: National Geographic Traveler, Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau, David Noyes, Andrew McCarthy, and Jill Schensul
PASADENA CA - The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) has announced the winners of its 2011 NATJA Awards Competition. Awards went to publications, travel writers, and photographers whose work was represented in print and electronic media. Additionally, awards were given to the top convention and visitors bureaus, PR agencies and destination marketing organizations. The competition, now in its 20th year, honors the “best of the best” of travel writing, photography and promotion that cover all aspects of the travel industry worldwide.
“This year’s entries were outstanding, both in quality of the journalism, excellence and range of coverage,” said Helen Hernandez, CEO of the organization. “The number of entries continues to grow. The creativity is reflective of the vibrancy of the travel journalists’ community. This year’s entry pool is an indicative of the economic recovery and its positive effect on the travel industry.”
Grand Prize winners in this year’s competition were: National Geographic Traveler as a distinctive, fascinating, and informative publication; the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau for their brilliant creativity in using social media to promote their destination; David Noyes for his sensitive and evocative images; travel journalist Andrew McCarthy for his captivating and entertaining stories; and Jill Schensul for her enlightening and enjoyable chronicles.
One first place (Gold) winner is chosen in each of the 59 categories along with 2nd (Silver) and 3rd place (Bronze) runners up. In addition, four overall grand prize winners are selected in recognition of “outstanding excellence” in the categories of travel journalism, photography, publications and DMO/CVB submissions.
The mission of NATJA is to foster high quality journalism by supporting the professional development of its members, providing exceptional benefits and valuable resources, honoring the excellence of journalism throughout the world, and promoting travel and leisure activities to the public at large.
