2022 finalists & winners.
Bessie Award winners are chosen through a vote by all past WITS attendees. These votes are combined with the votes from the Bessies Society, a prestigious committee made up of all past Bessie Award winners.
Scroll down to learn more about the finalists.
Winners are ** and in bold!
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Collaboration of the Year
In support of working together, this award celebrates a successful collaboration by or between creators and brands to develop meaningful partnerships and accomplish shared goals.
Finalists
**Meera Dattani and Shivani Ashoka — Unpacking Media Bias newsletter
Rooted and partners World Tourism Day collaboration — Tourism for Inclusive Growth Instagram series
Marinel M. de Jesus and Bakhitgul Altay — Khusvegi English & Nomadic Culture Camp
Creator of the Year
presented by Google for Creators
Honoring a creator who has gone above and beyond in the past year to challenge the status quo as a thought leader in the industry.
Finalists
Inclusion Award
For a brand that has shown outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in the last year, whether in the form of a campaign, piece of content, partnership, or other initiative.
Finalists
JourneyWoman Award
formerly the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by JourneyWoman
For a person who has demonstrated long-term commitment to working in and making the travel industry better.
Finalists
Social Impact Award
presented by EF Go Ahead Tours
For an activity, campaign, or other initiative by an individual or brand that has shown innovation in ways that have positively impacted the travel community, or has developed their marketing in a sustainable and impactful way.
Finalists
Trailblazer Award
For the go-getter who has thrived in the past year in building her own empire and carving out a path for future leaders in the travel space.
Finalists
Chloe & Anna (The Mott Street Girls)
Travel Startup of the Year
presented by Seeker
For an engaging, innovative and impactful startup that we as a community of influencers believe is changing the way we travel.
Finalists
Most Impactful Piece of Writing
For an inspiring, engaging, and community-oriented piece of writing that has encouraged dialogue and interaction in the last year.
Finalists
“What We Risk When We Rush Back To Travel” by JoAnna Haugen
**“Dear Travel Industry: Here Are 3 Ways You Can Address Vaccine Equity Now” by Lebawit Lily Girma
“Now I’ve left Afghanistan, will I ever have a home to return to?” by Narges Ghafary
Wanderful Award
presented by Wanderful
For a brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women in the past year.
Finalists
Vote for the winners!
Voting is open to all past WITS attendees.
Deadline: 6 April 2022