Submit your 2026 Bessie Awards nominations!

Creator of the Year

Honoring a creator who has gone beyond content to build a successful career and brand, while continuing to challenge the status quo. This award recognizes someone who combines creativity with advocacy, turning her work into a powerful platform that inspires, influences, and drives meaningful change in the travel industry.

Trailblazer Award

For a rising star who is new to the scene and already making waves. This award honors someone who has found recent success, carved out a unique space, and is paving the way for future leaders in travel.

Lifetime Achievement Award

presented by JourneyWoman

A lifetime achievement award for a person who has demonstrated long-term commitment to making the travel industry better, presented in memory of JourneyWoman’s Evelyn Hannon.

Storyteller Award

Recognizing a single piece of content — whether written, audio, or visual — that has sparked dialogue, inspired connection, and moved the travel community in a powerful way.

Social Impact Award

Celebrating an individual, brand, or initiative that has made meaningful change — whether through championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, advancing environmental justice, or uplifting communities. This award recognizes efforts that create positive, sustainable impact and build a more inclusive and equitable future in travel.

Innovation in Travel Marketing Award

Celebrating a brand that has pushed creative boundaries to engage travelers in bold, exciting ways. This award honors campaigns and approaches that inspire, connect, and set a new standard for the industry.

Travel Startup of the Year

For an engaging, innovative and impactful startup that we as a community of creators believe is changing the way we travel.

Wanderful Award

presented by Wanderful

Honoring a brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women travelers. This award celebrates leadership in championing women in travel.