TravMedia Awards Asia 2026 celebrate the region's finest travel storytellers and communicators
TravMedia announced the winners of the TravMedia Awards Asia 2026 at a luncheon at Suntec Singapore, as the Awards recognised the exceptional talent shaping travel storytelling, content creation and travel public relations across Asia.
The TravMedia Awards Asia are the first pan-Asian Awards of their kind. They set the benchmark for travel media, content creators and PR professionals working for destinations, hotels, cruise lines and airlines throughout the region. Nick Wayland, CEO and Founder of TravMedia, said: "The TravMedia Awards Asia have become a true celebration of the people who bring this region to life for travellers around the world through their stories, content and PR campaigns.
“The calibre of this year's entries was outstanding, and our winners and finalists represent the very best of travel media and PR in Asia. We congratulate them all. TravMedia was created more than 25 years ago to support travel writers and PRs.
“These Awards recognise and inspire those who entertain, inform and inspire the world to travel." TravMedia is the travel industry's only global network connecting travel media and travel PRs. The Awards are presented during IMM Asia, the region's leading event for travel communicators and storytellers.
The TravMedia Awards Asia 2026 winners are:
Media Lifetime Achievement: Mark Footer, Travel Editor, PostMag, South China Morning Post, was awarded this year's Media Lifetime Achievement Award. The judges praised Mark's lasting influence on how Asian readers discover their region and the world, his unwavering commitment to quality, and his talent for bringing travel stories to life.
Travel Writer of the Year: Freelance Writer and Contributing Editor Kissa Castañeda was named Asia's 2026 Travel Writer of the Year. She has contributed to some of the best titles in the region, including Tatler, Elle, Going Places and Forbes Lifestyle. The judges noted her elegant, evocative writing and her gift for uncovering the people and details that make a destination memorable.
Content Creator of the Year: Xiaoya Qi, Annie_uu, was recognised as Content Creator of the Year. The judges praised her creative, visually striking content that connects with audiences and inspires travel, as well as her distinctive voice and vision.
Travel Section of the Year: Bangkok Post received the Travel Section of the Year Award. The judges praised its depth, reliability and commitment to sharing the stories behind destinations.
Travel Magazine of the Year: Condé Nast Traveler China was named Travel Magazine of the Year. It was hailed as a benchmark for premium travel publishing, pairing world-class photography with intelligent, insightful storytelling.
PR Lifetime Achievement: Jesmine Hall, Director of Commercial Marketing, Raffles Hotel Singapore, received the PR Lifetime Achievement Award. As brand custodian for Singapore's most recognisable hotel, Jesmine has built a distinguished career as a trusted partner to media and a mentor to many in the industry.
PR Professional of the Year: Daphne Tan, Hilton's Director, Consumer Communications, Asia Pacific, was named PR Professional of the Year. The judges spoke of her strategic insight, talent for building genuine, lasting relationships with media and her ability to find new angles from hotel stays.
PR Team of the Year: Tourism Fiji's Greater China team won PR Team of the Year for campaigns that brought Fiji to life with warmth and imagination. The judges praised the team's collaborative spirit, consistency and strong media relations.
The TravMedis Awards Asia were independently judged by a panel of leading editors, journalists and communications experts, ensuring integrity, diversity and excellence in the final selections.
