2023 winners & finalists.

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 see our winners and finalists.

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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.

Winner

Switzerland Tourism x The Wanderlust Within

Finalists

Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) x The Spring Break Family

USTOA x Innovation Norway

Creator of the Year

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.

Winner

Olivia Christine Perez

Finalists

Tonia Hope

Yulia Denisyuk

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.

Winner

Together Outdoors, Grant Program

Finalists

Brave Space Media, “Expedition Reclamation”

Hurtigruten Group, Black Traveler Advisory Board

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.

Winner

Rue Mapp

Finalists

Céline Cousteau

Juliet Kinsman

Social Impact Award

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.