These international professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the travel journalism industry, ensuring an insightful evaluation of the submitted tourism videos.
Do you know an outstanding travel journalist who would be a perfect fit for our international panel of jury members? Nominate them now!
Tourism Press Award
The Tourism Press Award is designed to honor outstanding tourism videos by engaging the perspective and expertise of tourism journalists. This unique award celebrates the symbiosis between the media and tourism industries, recognizing a video that resonates not only with travelers but also with the journalistic community.
How It Works
The videos submitted in the CIFFT Circuit through the CIFFT Entry Service will be evaluated by an international panel of travel journalists.
By combining the insights of journalists with the creativity of filmmakers, the award sets new standards for excellence.
Recognition at the World Tourism Film Awards
The best video, as determined by the jury, will be honored at the prestigious World Tourism Film Awards ceremony.
This recognition places your work alongside the World’s Best Tourism Films of the Year and the winner of the CIFFT “People’s Choice” Award competition.
Meet Our Jury
These international professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the travel journalism industry, ensuring an insightful evaluation of the submitted tourism videos.
Do you know an outstanding travel journalist who would be a perfect fit for our international panel of jury members? Nominate them now!
Ariane Díaz Becerra
Editor-in-Chief at Ladevi Mexico
Mexico
A journalism graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Since 2015, she has been part of the team at Ladevi Medios y Soluciones, a publishing house specializing in tourism and travel, where she currently serves as co-editor of the publication’s Mexico edition. She has worked as a reporter for the newspaper La Jornada and the news agency Quadratín, and has contributed to Radio UNAM. She has participated in cultural publishing projects, such as the magazine CineDirectores and Crónicas y Leyendas Mexicanas. As an instructor, she has conducted journalism and literature workshops at UNAM, the Autonomous University of Mexico City (UACM), and the Mexico City Ministry of Culture.
Ramon de Isequilla Real de Azúa
Tourism Advisor & Media Correspondent
Spain
Hotel Manager, Airline Director, Travel Agent, Advisor to the Local Government of Maldonado, Uruguay, Vice President of the UN Tourism Affiliate Members Board, Radio and Television Journalist. Currently: Spain Correspondent for Portal de América, Independent Tourism Advisor, Writer.
Ágnes Vágó
Editor-in-Chief Turizmus Online / Klasszis Media Group
Hungary
She is the editor-in-chief of www.turizmusonline.hu – a daily professional portal that serves as the industry’s go-to platform in Hungary’s B2B segment. As a tourism, hospitality, and gastronomy expert, she has initiated, organized, and realized numerous large-scale industry events, professional competitions, and publications. Previously, she was the editor of the Hungarian edition of the French-founded Gault&Millau, the official tester for the hotel industry. She has also worked as a Decanter wine magazine for years, editor-in-chief of First Class travel magazine. She completed a successful cognac course in Cognac, France, and began her media career as a PR and marketing manager at the Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency. She is the idea-provider and reporter of two documentary films that have won both national and international awards. She is one of the creators of the Klasszis TopDesign competition and, since 2022, has been one of the organizers of the competition and a member of the international jury.
Alastair Newport
Thailand Correspondent, TTG Asia
Thailand
Alastair has spent the last 15 years travelling South America, the USA, and Asia, working as a travel journalist and writer and growing into a leading voice for the industry in Thailand and SE Asia. A former film critic and an enthusiastic amateur filmmaker, Alastair understands the challenges of international travel and movie production.
Alex Mitcheson
Freelance Journalist/Photographer/Producer
Australia
After 15+ years of working in hospitality from Europe to New Zealand, Alex is one of Australia’s most prominent voices on food and drink. His multi-format approach strives to reveal untold gastronomic stories and the nexus where these meet with wellbeing and adventure.
Ana Oliveira
Travel Editor
Portugal
Ana Oliveira is a seasoned digital content editor with over ten years of experience working on various digital projects. She has also handled social media management and editorial coordination, contributing to multiple international platforms for SAPO in Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Currently, she works as a Lifestyle/Travel Editor at SAPO. With a passion for writing and travelling, Ana combines her creativity with a strategic understanding of digital marketing to reach and engage diverse audiences.
Anđelka Markovic
Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Hedonist and the Deputy Editor of the tourism portal SeeSrpska
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anđelka Marković holds a degree in Journalism from the Faculty of Political Sciences and has more than two decades of experience in the media industry. Throughout her career, she has worked across print and digital media, as well as television.
She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Hedonist magazine and Deputy Editor of SeeSrpska, a tourism portal and official partner of the Tourism Organization of the Republic of Srpska.
Angeliki Gourni
Publisher / Owner Brainbuzz Media, Athens
Greece
Born in Athens, where she studied German philology at the Philosophical School of Athens and Graphic Design at AKTO Art and Design College. She worked in Hamburg for 2 years at the advertising agency TBWA as creative copywriter and then in Athens for 11 years in the marketing department of Liberis Publications, as a creative manager for the Greek publications of Vogue, Status, Glamour, House&Garden, Conde Nast Traveller. Since 2010, she has worked, among others, for ready2board, the official magazine of Athens International Airport – the awarded magazine that promotes Athens as a tourist destination around the world. In the last 4 years she became the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of ready2board and through this position she also manages other niche publications, such as Mykonos Confidential and various special custom publications around the travel and fashion industry
She is a versatile communications professional with extensive experience in journalism, writing, blogging, storytelling, PR and marketing, digital content creation, photography, event management, and tour guiding.
Her passion for travel and adventure drives her work, inspiring her to share the emotions, experiences, and stories of the people and places she encounters. She owns Croatian Travel Journal, a travel portal where she uses SEO strategies and digital storytelling to connect with audiences worldwide. https://croatiantraveljournal.com/
Fluent in English, Italian, and Croatian, she also works as a tour guide and leader, sharing cultural insights and bringing local history, traditions, and gastronomy to life through engaging storytelling.
Anja Petrovic
Journalist at SeeSrpska
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anja Petrović is present in media for over 20 years, as journalist of Novo Oslobođenje and Glas Srpske, later as a PR Consultant for a decade. Joined SeeSrpska team in 2022 as a member of Center “See” and a journalist and marketing manager for web-platform “SeeSrpska”.
Ashley Couto
Travel Journalist
Canada
Ashley Couto is an award-winning writer and journalist based in Montreal, Quebec. She writes about accessible travel, luxury and wellness tourism in North America and Europe, and boutique and independent hotels. Ashley has bylines in Travel+Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller, National Geographic, VICE, Business Insider, and many more. When she’s not sipping a hotel’s signature alcohol-free cocktail, you can find her working on her dissertation at Universidade Nova de Lisboa’s Institute for Medieval Studies.
Ashley Pan Ye Fu
Chief Commercial Officer
Malaysia
Ashley Pan is a multidisciplinary creative whose talents span across visual arts, cinematography, design, writing, and storytelling. With a love for both the seen and the spoken, Ashley combines visuals and words to create immersive experiences that stir the emotion and spark thought. She hails from a mix of cultures and loves connecting communities. Through her work, she brings together different voices, stories, and traditions to celebrate their unique beauty. Whether she’s behind the lens, sketching ideas, or shaping stories through words, she uses her creativity to share and celebrate culture in a fun and meaningful way. Known for her joyful energy, sharp wit, and generous spirit, Ashley radiates positivity in both life and art. Playful and profound in her approach, Ashley is driven by curiosity, fuelled by kindness, and grounded in purpose. A natural innovator and hardworking entrepreneur, she continuously redefines creative boundaries, all while embracing the life’s beautiful moments, both big and small. Ashley is a storyteller and a builder of bridges – a visual poet if you will, and a believer in the power of art to connect hearts across borders.
Baldwin Ho
Freelance Travel Writer
United Kingdom
Baldwin is a passionate freelance travel and food writer based in the UK. He contributes to a variety of publications such as lifestyle magazines like The Sybarite, trade magazines like TTG, and LGBTQIA+ focused magazines like OutThere. You can follow his adventures on instagram @foodtravelinspired.
Brian Thacker
Travel writer, author and podcaster
Australia
Brian is an award-winning travel writer, author and podcaster. He has written seven travel memoirs, writes travel articles for Australian and UK publications and writes and hosts podcasts for tourism destinations.
Catalina Martínez Martínez
Director and owner of El Viajero Magazine
Colombia
Catalina Martínez Martínez is a Colombian Social Communicator and Journalist with a degree from Minuto de Dios University. As an expert in travel journalism, she has directed and owned El Viajero Magazine for 16 years, where she shares travel tips and social chronicles. A professional photographer and writer, Catalina is passionate about capturing the essence of every journey. Follow her adventures on Instagram at @catatraveller and @revistaelviajerooficial, and connect on other platforms via @revistaelviajero.
Catarina Leonardo
Travel writer/travel blogger
Portugal
He develops several projects within the travel industry and works full-time as a travel blogger and frequent speaker. He has served as a jury member at the International Tourism Film Festival for the past four years and was a driving force behind the creation of ABVP – Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers.
He recently published his first book, “The Saudi Friend”, a travel book for children and the first of its kind published in Portugal.
Dale Hes
Editor at Tourism Update
South Africa
Dale spearheaded the telling of Southern and East Africa’s most important tourism stories during his tenure as senior journalist and features editor at leading B2B publication Tourism Update. He is currently the Communications and Programmes Lead at real estate and hospitality conferencing company API Events.
Daniel Msirikale
Photographer | Visual Storyteller | Creative Director
Tanzania
Daniel Msirikale is an award-winning photographer from Tanzania, known for his captivating wildlife, landscape and documentary images. Over the years, Daniel has traveled extensively across Tanzania and other parts of the world, capturing images that showcase the beauty of nature, the diversity of people and their cultures, and the daily lives of communities.
His photography has been recognized and awarded by various prestigious organizations, and his work has subsequently been published and exhibited in Europe and East Africa and showcased to a wider audience as well via virtual exhibitions.
Whether he is working on a commercial project, a documentary assignment, or a personal project, Daniel approaches each shoot with the same level of dedication and passion. He strives to create bodies of work that are not just visually stunning, but also meaningful and impactful.
Daniel currently resides in Tanzania where he works as a full-time documentary and nature photographer.
Davorin Tomić
Founder and Editor of the Most Read Tourism Portal in Bosnia and Herzegovina: www.seesrpska.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina
He is a professional journalist with more than 20 years of experience, having worked for numerous daily newspapers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Alongside his long-standing work in daily newsrooms, he has contributed articles to various magazines and collaborated with several renowned marketing agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, with a focus on print and digital media.
In January 2019, he and several colleagues co-founded SeeSrpska, a tourism website that quickly became a recognized tourism portal.
He is also a founder of Hedonist magazine, which will soon return in both digital and print formats.
Devika Jeet
Editorial Director, DDP Group
India
Devika Jeet is a distinguished travel media professional with an in-depth understanding of global trends in the tourism, hospitality, and cargo industries. Holding a Master’s degree in International Journalism from Cardiff University and a Bachelor’s degree in History from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University, she brings a unique and informed perspective to her work. As a pioneer in both print and digital media strategies, Devika has led the way in innovative approaches to industry news dissemination. Notably, she has introduced quick and accessible news videos, significantly enhancing how information is shared and consumed. Her expertise has been pivotal in shaping effective messaging and communication strategies within the tourism sector. Devika’s dedication to promoting tourism is exemplified through her collaborations with various associations, aimed at enhancing India’s presence on the global tourism map. Her comprehensive engagement with the industry has led to the successful launch of several impactful tourism initiatives, showcasing her leadership and commitment to advancing the sector.
Elena Ortega
Travel Journalist
Spain
Travel journalist, author, and communications consultant with an extensive career in the tourism, media, and content industries. She is the author of the hit book Ruta 61: un viaje sonoro siguiendo el Misisipi (Anaya Touring), an acclaimed work that reached #1 on the bestseller lists and stands out for its innovative fusion of personal chronicle, detailed cartography, and musical itineraries. In the editorial sphere, she serves as the Content Manager for Club Viajar at the Spanish magazine Viajar, a role she balances with writing travel guides and contributing to the industry’s most prestigious publications, including Condé Nast Traveler, ¡HOLA! Viajes, and Viajes National Geographic. Specialized in designing communication strategies for the tourism sector, she brings an expert perspective and a unique ability to connect with audiences through storytelling with a distinct identity.
www.periodistadeviajes.com
Florence Shih
Editor of Yoga, Wine & Travel
China
Florence Shih is the founder and editor of Yoga, Wine & Travel, a travel platform focused on luxury and boutique travel as well as a yoga & wellness lifestyle. As a former corporate communications & PR professional, she advised leading technology companies around the world prior to launching Yoga, Wine & Travel in 2015. The Yoga, Wine & Travel properties provide practical travel tips, detailed destination guides, insightful Yoga advice and honest reviews for independent travelers seeking beyond-the-ordinary travel experiences. Florence has a passion for responsible and experiential travel, and is constantly on the lookout for off-the-beaten-track and hidden destinations away from the crowds. Florence splits her time between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka.
Hajnalka Fucskó
Editor in Chief
Hungary
Hajnalka Fucskó has more than 20 years of print media experience in the tourism and travel sector, having worked as a journalist and editor for daily newspapers and economic magazines before joining Hungary’s leading travel trade media publisher, Turizmus Ltd. Following this, she took on the role of Senior Advisor at the Hungarian Tourism Agency and now, since 2019, holds the role of Editor-in-Chief at Turizmus.com, Hungary’s most visited travel and tourism website for industry professionals.
Hector Medina
Founder & Editorial Director of Daily Travelling News
Argentina
Héctor S. Medina is a leader in the Argentine tourism sector with more than 45 years of experience in the tourism market. Since 2000 he has served as founder and Editorial Director of Daily Traveling News, one of the main digital tourism media in Argentina, with reach in Latin America, the United States and Europe.
With more than 25 years as a specialized journalist, he combines a solid editorial vision with a deep knowledge of the tourism market. As a specialized journalist, he has participated in the most relevant world tourism fairs, including IPW (USA), FITUR (Madrid), Termatalia Spain) and ABAV and Festuris (Brazil). His work combines solid operational experience in the sector with a rigorous and analytical editorial vision, providing a critical and informed view on destinations, trends and the evolution of the global tourism industry.
Throughout his career he has held key positions in the industry, both in travel wholesalers and tourism companies and in consulting and technological innovation projects. His comprehensive career provides a critical, rigorous and informed view of the evolution of the tourism industry at a regional and global level.
Irada Gadirova
Travel writer, influencer, vlogger
Azerbaijan
She is a historian, traveler, writer, travel blogger and photographer. She has written and published two books: the first recounts her solo journey through Iran, and the second explores an inner journey inspired by her travels across seven countries. Her third book is currently in the publishing process.
As a photographer, she has held three exhibitions inspired by her travels, featuring her experiences in Pakistan, Venezuela, and China.
As a travel blogger, she documents the culture, history, and everyday life of the countries she visits through her social media platforms. Following her travels, she also creates video blogs for YouTube, further sharing the stories and experiences behind each journey.
Jamie Biesiada
Editor of content innovation and retail at Travel Weekly
USA
Jamie Biesiada is the editor of content innovation and retail at Travel Weekly, where she covers travel advisors and agencies, travel technology and theme parks, and co-hosts the Trade Secrets podcast. She oversees some of Travel Weekly’s flagship editorial products, like the Travel Industry Survey; hosts and develops new podcast programming, and works on video, social media and AI initiatives. Named the American Society of Travel Advisors’ 2019 Travel Journalist of the Year, Biesiada’s roots are in community journalism at the Jersey Shore.
Jan Johannessen
Publisher and editor in chief daGama Travel Magazine
Norway
Jan has been working as a media professional for over three decades. His work has been published in all major newspapers in the Scandinavia, as well as multiple international news and magazine outlets across the world. He has published three books, been awarded multiple times for his work and been a guest lecture and external examiner at the bachelor Programme in Photojournalism at Oslo Metropolitan University. As the founder and partner of the independent publisher and media company Never Ending Story, he has been the publisher and editor in chief for the English language online travel magazine daGama Travel Magazine since the magazine was first launched in late 2023. When he is not out travelling, Jan is living on the southern tip of an island far out in the Oslofjord, close to his birthplace in Norway.
Jose Berrocoso
Travel Director, City Pages Magazine (Kuwait) & THE CiiN (Pan-Arab)
Kuwait
José Berrocoso is a Spanish travel writer based in Madrid, Spain. Since 2017, he is working as the Travel Director at City Pages Magazine in Kuwait and the influential pan-Arab publication THE CiiN. Berrocoso is a highly respected professional in the global travel and luxury industry, renowned for his dedication to promoting responsible travel and best practices in the tourism sector. His stories about travel, hospitality, food and lifestyle have appeared in numerous global publications, where his expertise in sustainable tourism has been widely recognized. His extensive travels across all continents, combined with his time living in iconic cities like Boston, London, Ibiza, Madrid, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have provided him with a unique perspective on integrating sustainability into luxury travel experiences. José is often consulted by tourist boards, luxury hotel chains and other travel projects for his commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism. His impact reaches beyond conventional travel writing, as he advocates for sustainable destinations and showcases initiatives that support local communities and protect the environment. His articles, reviews and guides are respected for their thoroughness, authenticity, and emphasis on responsible travel. As a travel writer and PR professional, José’s insights and reviews have earned him a reputation for credibility and authority in the industry. His contributions have not only shaped public perceptions but have also elevated the profiles of numerous names in the hospitality and tourism world. Berrocoso’s commitment to excellence and his passion for exploration continue to fuel his mission to showcase the very best in global travel and luxury experiences. @joseberrocoso
Josep M. Palau Riberaygua
Director and head of Brand Development at Viajar Magazine.
Spain
Josep M. Palau is a journalist, photographer, tourism strategist and marketing consultant. He has served as foreign correspondant in different countries such as Algeria or the Balkans for Catalunya Ràdio, deputy director of the Vía Digital Culture Channel and founder of the tourist content and communication agency Inmedia Solutions. Recipient of various awards for his work, such as the one awarded by the International Journalism Festival of Perugia (IT) or the Czech Tourism Travel Journalism Award, he is also a professor of Journalism at the Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. He is currently the director of Viajar Magazine, a digital leader in Spain.
Juliet Kinsman
Sustainability expert and founder, Bouteco
United Kingdom
Juliet Kinsman shares stories to inspire impact as an editor, journalist, broadcaster and consultant. Juliet’s values-driven approach to communications through her purpose-led non-profit consultancy, Bouteco, as a speaker and lecturer, makes her a much-valued voice in our industry. A solutions-led storyteller and conscious content creator, Juliet provides consultancy to help travel businesses advance their sustainability narratives and in Bouteco produced the documentary, ‘Changing Worlds in the Atlas Mountains’ with filmmaker Kuba Nowak about the charity, Education for All, in Morocco and. In 2020, Juliet was the first Sustainability Editor for Condé Nast Traveller; she created a sustainable travel channel for The London Standard, hosting award-winning podcasts for them. Founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, she is author of many guidebooks, such as The Green Edit: Travel — Easy Tips for the Eco-Friendly Traveller (Ebury) and The Bucket List: Eco Experiences (Rizzoli), ever advancing the narrative when it comes to converting awareness into action.
Kaoru Yamaoka
Editor-in-Chief of Travel Voice Japan
Japan
Kaoru Yamaoka is the Editor-in-Chief of Travel Voice, Japan’s leading B2B news platform dedicated to tourism, hospitality, and travel technology. With a deep understanding of the industry, Kaoru works closely with government agencies, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and key stakeholders to deliver expert analysis and strategic insights.
A Professional Associate Member of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ), Kaoru is also a familiar face at tourism events, often serving as a moderator, featured speaker, and television commentator on topics shaping the future of travel.
Karl Kaltenegger
Reise-Journalist, Freelancer
Austria
Karl Kaltenegger is a former manager, presenter, and DJ at ORF, Austria’s national public broadcasting company, where he worked with Ö3, Radio Vienna, and Radio Salzburg.
For many years, he has worked as a travel writer, sharing his experiences and insights with readers across a range of publications. His approach focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of each destination, inspiring curiosity and encouraging readers to discover the places he visits.
His travel articles have been published in KURIER, OÖN (Oberösterreichische Nachrichten), ÖAMTC Camping Revue, and SN (Salzburger Nachrichten). In Germany, he also contributes to Märkisches Medienhaus.
Larry Heath
Founding Editor & Publisher, The AU Review Director, Heath Media
Australia
As the director of Heath Media, Larry Heath is best known as the founder and publisher for a number of media outlets and event series in Australia. From the Australian Music Week Film Festival to the National Live Music Awards, his events celebrate the arts. Meanwhile, his website the AU review, which turns 17 this year, has long brought travel journalism together with music, arts, film and culture. His words have been featured in books like “Her Country”, he has directed music videos for the likes of Amanda Palmer, and been a featured speaker at events all over the world – giving one of the keynotes at the Music Tourism Convention in Cologne, presenting his own book series Australia’s Year in Music at SXSW, and sitting on panels at conferences in India, Wales, Singapore, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and more.
Laura Hall
Travel writer
Denmark
Laura Hall is an award-winning writer, journalist and author of titles including Time Out Copenhagen, Footprint Reykjavik and One Day, So Many Ways, a children’s book about how life is lived around the world. A former travel guide editor, she’s run communications for a travel start-up and led global content at a tourist board. She now writes about Scandinavia and the Nordics for BBC Travel, Kinfolk, Time Out, The Times, Lonely Planet and others.
Luana Ferreira
Journalist
Brazil
Luana Ferreira is a Brazilian journalist and communications specialist with over 15 years of experience reporting on culture, food, and travel. Her work has been featured in BBC, Al Jazeera, Food & Wine, and other international publications. She holds a degree in communications with a focus on journalism, as well as a specialization in strategic communication and crisis management. Luana is also a co-author of the upcoming editions of Fodor’s Rio & São Paulo and Lonely Planet’s Brazil guide.
Mag. Markus Duft
Tourism Media Specialist
Austria
Markus Duft is a long-time expert in video production and online marketing. He is responsible for the production of tourism-related video content at Krone.tv, the television channel of the Kronen Zeitung. In addition to his professional expertise, he has a personal passion for collecting national dishes from around the world.
Mara Roque González
Travel Editor
Cuba
She graduated from the University of Havana and has been working with tourism magazines since 1992. Throughout her career, she has contributed to publications including Sol y Son, Cartelera Cultural, Cuba Sí and Travel Trade Caribbean (TTC).
In 2009, she began working with Spanish publisher Lugares de América S.L. on the launch of Buen Viaje, a magazine created to promote Cuba as a travel destination. Four years later, she collaborated with the publisher on the creation of the Event Directory. In 2024, they launched Eventis, a new magazine focused on MICE tourism.
Throughout her career, she has participated in international tourism fairs, representing and promoting these publications to audiences within the global tourism industry.
María Jesús Tomé
CEO Tomcom Vídeo
Spain
María Jesús Tomé Martínez holds a degree in Journalism by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and in Political Science and Public Management. She has developed her professional career in several media as TVE and TV3. She has been a scriptwriter of different television programs as “135 Escons” and “A+a +”. In addition she has been editor in chief of the news broadcasting at ETV-Llobregat TV. She is since 2003 CEO of Tomcom Vídeo, a company dedicated to the production of corporate video and to the organization of events. She edits the travel magazine www.tusdestinos.net.
Maria Theofanopoulou
CEO Greek Travel Pages
Greece
Maria is the owner and CEO of the GTP – DANAE Travel & Media Group, a company with a longstanding presence in the tourism and publishing sectors since the early 1970s. The group is active in media and publishing, travel and tourism services, hospitality management, and airline representation. Under Maria’s leadership, the group manages several award-winning online and print publications, including Greek Travel Pages and GTP Headlines, and provides data management and digital marketing services tailored to tourism businesses. The group also operates an IATA-accredited travel agency and serves as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for international airlines.
Beyond her entrepreneurial activities, Maria is a frequent speaker and moderator at international tourism forums. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, serving on evaluation committees for tourism-related startups and mentoring within innovation ecosystems.
Maria’s leadership is widely recognized in the tourism industry. She is the President of the Hellenic Association of Airline Representatives (SAAE) and a board member of both the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) and INSETE. Her past roles include board positions with ECTAA, Vice-President of HATTA, Public Relations Officer and Supervisory Board member of FedHATTA, and board member of PETAGA. She also serves on the Sports Advisory Board of Athens College.
Mariela Andrea Onorato
Travel & Food Journalist
Argentina
Mariela Onorato is a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Buenos Aires, based in Argentina. She has been working in the tourism industry since 2007 and currently works as a Travel & Food Journalist at Ladevi Medios & Soluciones, a global news brand covering the travel and tourism industry.
Nokuthula Khwela
Founder and Lead Strategist, Nduli Media | Editor-in-Chief, Timeless Trends Magazine
South Africa
Nokuthula Khwela is a Media and Communications Specialist and the Founder of Nduli Media, a strategic consultancy based in South Africa. With over seven years of experience, she specializes in media relations and narrative development for Pan-African sectors, including fintech and civic infrastructure. As the Editor-in-Chief of Timeless Trends Magazine, Nokuthula oversees a lifestyle and travel platform dedicated to editorial excellence and curated travel experiences. Her work focuses on the intersection of strategic storytelling and brand positioning, helping organizations and lifestyle brands navigate the evolving media landscape. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Regina Zhuoqing Li
Media Professional
China
Previously worked at So Figaro China magazine, National Geographic Traveller China magazine, and Robb Report China magazine, with a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry for over 10 years. Responsible for lifestyle content, and production both in print and social media. Freelancing for several elite publications in China including Travel & Leisure, Target, Voyage, while running personal social media both on Weibo and Little Red Book with over 260 thousand followers.
Robin Fredericks
Editor at Bizcommunity
South Africa
Robin Fredericks is an editor at Bizcommunity, with specialised expertise in tourism, travel, agriculture and logistics. She has over a decade of experience in the media and communication sector and is an accomplished content creator with writing, editing, and digital media skills.
Rogerio Raupp Ruschel
Editorial Director at Essential Idea Publishing
Brazil
Editor, teacher and consultant, R. Ruschel is Editorial Director of Essential Idea Editora (publishing house) at São Paulo, Brazil and work proposing the inclusion of products with Geographical Indications as central part of tourism itineraries. Graduated in Communications he took more than 60 improvement and specialization courses, including “Adding Value to the Origin of Products Through Geographical Indications (GIs)” from the ITC SME Trade Academy, in Geneva, Switzerland. Journalist specializing in tourism with identity and products with Geographical Indication – GI, has given more than 50 lectures in several countries and is the author of 9 books, including “The global value of the local product – territorial identity as a marketing strategy”, by Editora Senac from Sao Paulo. Senior executive in international advertising agencies, including the Ogilvy Group, in 1989 created Ruschel & Associados, a pioneering consultancy in corporate sustainability in South America. Professor for 20 years at the Postgraduate Course at ESPM-SP.
Rosa María Verján
CoCEO at Verest Magazine
Mexico
Passionate about communication, she has built a professional career spanning more than 15 years. Her experience includes working as a business and lifestyle editor, with the past four and a half years dedicated to the fascinating world of tourism journalism.
In 2021, together with Umberto Estrada, she founded Verest Magazine, a media outlet specializing in tourism. Through articles, photography and video, the magazine explores the art of travel and everything that comes with discovering new destinations, experiences and cultures.
Shehara Rizly
Managing Editor Middle East at TravTalk
United Arab Emirates
Currently employed as Managing Editor Middle East for a B2B publishing house DDP Group responsible for content creation in the Middle East, Dr.Shehara has been in the field of journalism for over two decades covering print, broadcast and digital journalism in Sri Lanka and the UAE. Starting off her career as a broadcast journalist and public relations executive in a leading hotel chain (the Oberoi Group) she ventured into corporate communications and public affairs during the conflict time in Sri Lanka, working with NGOs, government and international organisations and the armed forces in bringing in a numerous number of ways to settle the conflict. She also worked towards women empowerment as the Chairperson of legislative awareness in ZONTA District 3 Colombo. In the UAE, she has been instrumental in promoting women in the travel, tourism and hospitality ensuring there is contribution and advancement in the sectors. Her passion has been to discover and explore people, places, nature as a journalist and content creator and usher in peace to the world.
Stuart Forster
Freelance travel writer and photographer
United Kingdom
Stuart is an award-winning travel writer whose work has been published by National Geographic Travellers, Wanderlust, and Rough Guides. He was Editor of Onboard Hospitality magazine from 2022 to 2024 and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he learned the basics of filmmaking and videography, something he has long held an interest in. Stuart was previously President of the Jury of the Zagreb TourFilm Festival in Croatia.
Takahisa Fujita
General Producer at Asahi Television Broadcasting Corporation
Japan
He has 30 years of experience as a news reporter, followed by a decade working as a documentary programme producer. During his career, he was part of the team behind “ISANA”, a documentary on whale hunting that received a Bronze Medal at the New York Festivals.
Tamás Kassay
Founder of Spabook.net, Tourism development manager and tourism PR & marketing consultant
Hungary
Tamás Kassay: Founder, Editor in Chief of Spabook.net travel magazine, travel influencer, member of the Association of Tourism Developers & Consultants, invited speaker at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), at the Károly Róbert Gyöngyös campus, at Pannon University in Veszprém and at Budapest University of Economics (BGE) Tourism Club professional events.
Tarana Maharramova
Travel Journalist
Azerbaijan
She is a travel, education and culture journalist and reporter at Kaspi newspaper and Kaspi.az, where she has a dedicated page called “Guide”. For years, she has been reporting from different countries, sharing stories and experiences from destinations around the world.
An avid traveler and travel journalist, she has visited more than 40 countries and 120 cities. Her work combines journalism with her passion for discovering new places, cultures and perspectives, guided by her motto: “Visit places before you die”
Vladimir Tadić
Photographer / Travel Influencer
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vladimir Tadic is a landscape photographer and visual storyteller from Bosnia and Herzegovina. With over 100 international awards and exhibitions in more than 30 countries, his work has been featured by the World Meteorological Organization, National Geographic Serbia, and Expo 2020 Dubai. He focuses on promoting destinations through authentic imagery while highlighting the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Željka Kunštek
Editor in chief, tipTravel magazine
Croatia
After receiving degree in journalism and public relations from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Zagreb and completing professional specialization courses (London School of Public Relations, World Federation of Travel Journalists & Writers), along with other professional courses later on, Željka worked as a journalist in the leading Croatian daily newspaper, on the radio, for specialized magazines, for a travel magazine, followed by a public relations agency, and the Ministry of Tourism (Public Relations). As a journalist, she has been involved in the world of tourism since 2007, and has been an entrepreneur since 2013, when she and her husband launched the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine – tipTravel magazine, where she works as the editor-in-chief. With its three issues: Croatian, English, and German, the magazine promotes Croatian and World destinations, their travel offer, attractions, brands and travel trends, and presents them to modern travelers in a superb and attractive way. Through the magazine, the great tourism videos from Croatian and World destinations are continuously promoted as well. tipTravel magazine bears the Green Mark, the sign of excellence in green business, and was the winner of three prestigious Croatian Creative and Innovative Sustainable Tourism Awards. Not only does Željka write for the magazine, but she is also often involved in preparing texts for various travel brochures, catalogs, websites, and blogs. Željka is the winner of several Marko Polo Awards for the best travel reports, awarded by FIJET Croatia and the Association of Travel Journalists of the Croatian Journalists’ Association.
Heather Markel
Travel Lifestyle Strategist & Business Coach, TEDx Speaker, Best-selling Author, Professional World Traveler
USA
Heather Markel is a TEDx speaker, New York Times-featured Travel Lifestyle Strategist, and host of the How To Travel Full-Time podcast. After more than 25 years in the corporate world, she left her career in 2018 for what began as a career break and became a full-time travel lifestyle, so far exploring over 40 countries on six continents, including two unexpected years in New Zealand during the pandemic. Featured in The New Zealand Herald, BBC Travel, USA Today, and other publications, Heather shares her experiences at www.HeatherBegins.com and helps midlife professionals reinvent their lives through full- or part-time travel.
Juergen Steinmetz
Publisher eTurboNews, Chairman World Tourism Network, CEO Travelmarketing Network
USA
Juergen T. Steinmetz is the Publisher and CEO of eTurboNews (eTN), an independent global publication covering travel and tourism news, policy, aviation, hospitality, and destination development. A longtime travel and tourism professional, Steinmetz began his career in the industry as a teenager in Germany and later founded eTurboNews, building it into an international platform serving the global tourism community. His background spans tourism publishing, destination marketing, industry advocacy, and collaboration with tourism organizations and public- and private-sector leaders worldwide.
Sara Ahmed
Communications Manager at the American Research Center in Egypt / Deputy Editor in Chief at Egyptian Street
Egypt
Sara Abdelaziz is an Egyptian archaeologist and journalist with over 10 years of experience in both fi elds. She holds two Bachelors (Egyptology and Journalism) from the American University in Cairo (2011). In 2020/2021, she was chosen as a Chevening scholar, and earned her MA in Archaeology and Heritage of the Middle East from University College London, with a thesis focusing on ‘Predynastic Children Pot Burials’. Her work experience includes the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Until recently, she was the communications manager of the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), and is now a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania. Passionate about fi eldwork, she has excavated in Deir El Ballas, the Valley of the Monkeys, Saqqara and Madaba (Jordan). She has also been a jury member of the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) since 2024. Her interests include museum outreach, cultural transmission, comparative archaeology, gender, and heritage.
Kieran Munster
Travel journalist for Munster Express newspaper, Waterford, Ireland
United Kingdom
Currently a travel journalist for Munster Express newspaper in Waterford, Ireland, and former editor from 1992 to 2022 with Munster Express. Also a former financial journalist in Dublin. Traveled and worked at 5 Olympics and 4 World Cups as an accredited journalist. Speaks French and German, has traveled to 40 countries to date, and holds Irish citizenship.
Milagros Vera Colens
Writer, Journalist, Blogger, Digital Content Creator
Peru
Milagros Vera Colens is a Peruvian journalist with more than 10 years of experience. She studied Communications at Universidad de Lima, Peru, with a degree in Travel and Tourism Journalism. Founder of Checklist Viajero, the travel blog from El Comercio website which is one of the most visited news portals in the country where she writes and edits content for both printed and digital platforms. Also a contributor to the magazine G de Gestión, Vamos and Content Lab of El Comercio group as well as other prestigious Latin American media where she inspires travel lovers with her passion.
Ewa Murillo
Journalist and communications professional, Business Agent at Onda Vasca and Director of EmakumeON and Con Orgullo
Spain
Journalist and communications professional with over 30 years of experience in media, tourism, and audiovisual content. I am currently a business agent at Onda Vasca Radio and director of the programmes EmakumeON and Con Orgullo, dedicated respectively to giving visibility to women’s realities and LGBTIQ+ diversity. I have teaching experience in Women and Cinema and Women of the World, as well as training and experience as an equality officer, bringing to my work a specialised perspective on communication, culture, representation, diversity, and gender. My career combines the analysis of audiovisual and cultural content with communication and the creation of narratives that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.
