TMAC names 2025 travel media award winners

By AI, Created 10:26 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The Travel Media Association of Canada recognized 97 finalists across 21 categories at its 2026 Awards Gala in Richmond, British Columbia, honoring travel storytelling and industry leadership. The annual conference drew more than 205 media and tourism professionals, and the next gala is set for Kingston, Ontario.

Why it matters: - The awards spotlight the people and work shaping how travelers discover destinations, experiences and tourism stories across Canada and beyond. - TMAC’s program also highlights the role travel media plays in supporting destination promotion, professional development and industry collaboration.

What happened: - The Travel Media Association of Canada held its 2026 Awards Gala during its national conference in Richmond, British Columbia, from April 29 to May 3, 2026. - The gala recognized work produced in 2025 across travel writing, photography, video, digital content and tourism leadership. - TMAC presented 97 awards across 21 categories. - The conference drew more than 205 travel media and industry professionals from across Canada. - TMAC added two new awards this year: Best Magazine or Newspaper Article under 800 words and Best Short Form Video for vertical submissions only.

The details: - Award categories included Best Tourism for Positive Change Story, Volunteer of the Year, Best Self-Published Travel Website and Best Indigenous Tourism Experience in Canada Story. - Jerry Grymek, TMAC president and executive vice president and managing director of LMA, called the gala a celebration of creativity, passion and stories that inspire travellers to explore the world. - Grymek said the 2025 winners set a new standard for excellence in travel media. - TMAC said the conference rotates through destinations across Canada to foster collaboration, professional development and high-quality travel storytelling. - The full list of winners is available in TMAC’s National & Recognition Awards 2025.

Between the lines: - The addition of shorter-form and vertical video categories reflects how travel media continues to shift toward mobile-first and platform-specific storytelling. - The mix of content, craftsmanship and leadership awards suggests TMAC is positioning travel media as both a creative discipline and an industry function. - TMAC’s emphasis on Canadian destinations and national networking underscores the association’s role as a connector between media and tourism organizations.

What’s next: - TMAC said its 2027 Conference and Awards Gala will take place in Kingston, Ontario, with the exact date still to be announced. - TMAC will continue its annual conference and awards program as a venue for professional development and recognition in travel media.

The bottom line: - TMAC used its annual gala to elevate the best in Canadian travel media while signaling where the field is heading next: shorter formats, digital storytelling and broader industry collaboration.