LATA Media Awards

The LATA Media Awards recognise innovation and excellence across the British travel media landscape and rewards articles, blogs and photography that promote travel to and around Latin America.

The awards will be announced on 16 September 2025.

LATA Media Awards Categories

The five judges of the LATA Media Awards 2025 are:

Carmel Hendry, Vice-Chair of LATA and Head of Product at Explore!

George Horney, LATA Member Guest Judge and Global Business Development at Palacio de Sal

Mary Ellen Moriarty, BBC’s ‘Celebrity Race Across The World’ Runner up

Sarah Bradley, Managing Director at Journey Latin America

Stephanie Boyle, Head of Communications and Campaigns at The Safer Tourism Foundation

We are delighted to unveil the shortlist for this year’s LATA Media Awards. The standard of entries has been exceptional, showcasing the rich diversity and unforgettable experiences Latin America has to offer. This year, we’re especially excited to introduce a new category – Outstanding Contribution to Latin America (Publication) – reflecting the importance of long-term dedication to Latin American storytelling. From powerful conservation features and compelling travel blogs to immersive audio storytelling, this year’s shortlist showcases the talent and creativity shaping how Latin America is represented in the UK media. We look forward to celebrating these pieces of work alongside media and LATA members on 16 September.

The shortlists for each category in the LATA Media Awards 2025 are as follows:

Best LATA Member Content

• Alejandro Douglas – The Story of Nelly: Las Torres Patagonia’s Feline Guest – Las Torres
• Ben Westwood – Celebrity Race Across the World: Take a Journey with the Experts – Journey Latin America
• Matt Hewitt – Responsible travel in Aysen – listening to local voices – Swoop Patagonia
• Sally Wells – Crafting Meaningful Family Adventures in Costa Rica – Journey Costa Rica

Best Latin America Feature – Trade Press

• Jeannine Williamson – Tall Stories – Travel Weekly
• Katherine Masters – ‘I went on safari in Brazil and it was just as good as any in Africa’ – TTG Media
• Sarah Dennis – The fam trip that ‘nailed’ the experience of authentic travel – TTG Media
• Tracey Davies – Argentina, Heart Stealer – Travel Weekly

Best Latin America Travel Blog or Vlog

• Louisa Woolf – Cycling in Uruguay: the inside guide – Epic Road Rides
• Sandy Breitmeier – Unique Amazon Jungle Experience – Napo Wildlife Centre Stay – Sandy makes Sense
• Scott Tisson – Unique things to do in Roatan Honduras | Less touristy hidden gems! 4K – Intrepid Escape
• Steph Dyson – Chilean Tierra del Fuego: The Remote Patagonia You’ve Been Looking For – Worldly Adventurer

Best Latin American Travel Feature – Magazine (online or print)

• Alex Robinson – Trip Planner: Brazil – Wanderlust
• Jessica Vincent – “Rocky, wild and unpredictable” — why Baja California is ideal off-roading country – National Geographic Traveller
• Mark Stratton – Written in the stars – Wanderlust
• Meera Dattani – Where food culture meets community tourism in Belize – Green Traveller
• Shafik Meghji – The Docta and the Little Sea – JRNY

Best Latin America Travel Feature – Newspaper or News Outlet (online or print)

• Eliot Stein – The last Inca bridge master – BBC Travel
• Geordie Greig – Combining the magic of Mexico City with the charm of Oaxaca: A journey of art, flamboyance and escapism – The Independent
• Jane Mulkerrins – The under-the-radar Central American spot that’s increasingly cool – The Times
• Kate Wickers – Colombia’s Calling – Mail on Sunday
• Shilpa Ganatra – The cheaper, quieter alternative to Costa Rica, with surfing, volcanoes and forests – The i Paper

Best Sustainability Focused Feature (with a focus on Conservation, Community a/o Sustainability) – Newspaper, Magazine, Trade, Blog or Vlog

• Imogen Lepere – How ecotourism in Oaxaca is helping communities reconnect with their Indigenous roots – Wanderlust
• Jessica Vincent – How a Yucatan jungle hike could help revive Mexico’s ailing Maya communities – National Geographic Traveller
• Meera Dattani – Where food culture meets community tourism in Belize – Green Traveller
• Shafik Meghji – The Docta and the Little Sea – JRNY
• Steph Dyson – How citizen science projects are safeguarding wildlife in Costa Rican rainforests – National Geographic Traveller

Best Published Latin America Podcast

• Aaron Millar – Discover the Four Worlds of Ecuador – Wanderlust
• Alex Robinson – Journey into The Brazilian Amazon: Your Ultimate Guide to The Most Biodiverse Nation on The Planet – Wanderlust
• Rebecca Woolford – Costa Rica: An Unlikely Success Story With Glenn Jampol – The Tourism RESET

Outstanding Contribution to Latin America (Publication)

• National Geographic Traveller
• The Times
• Wanderlust

Thank you to all the LATA members for their help with the shortlisting: Fernando Amer, Raffaele Di Biase, Paulina Constante, Virginia Jensen, David Horwell, Steve Wilson, Daniel Benians, Georgia Yurkwich-Spink, Rolando Campos, Julieta Amuchástegui, Ana Paula Albin, Laura Jara and Yira Salas

At the start of the LATA Media Awards on 16 September, LATA will also host an intimate ‘Meet the Media’ networking session, offering media attendees the chance to connect with a small group of LATA members. This informal event will provide a valuable opportunity to build relationships, discover new story angles, and deepen knowledge of Latin American destinations, experiences, and travel trends.

Media should email lataawards@wearelotus.co.uk to register for a place. Members can contact Katie to purchase a ticket to attend.