The Travel Media Awards is proud to announce that travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder will be honoured with the Special Contribution Award in 2025.

For decades, Simon’s reporting, insight and straight-talking advice have helped millions navigate the dynamic world of travel. His work has transformed the way audiences explore the world, strengthened trust in the industry and established him as one of travel media’s most influential voices.

Simon is known as ‘the man who pays his way’ as he does not accept free travel or accommodation from the travel trade. He is a renowned voice on behalf of consumers as he regularly gives valuable advice and he is the proud recipient of the Hero Award from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in recognition of his work helping travellers in distress.

Simon started out at Gatwick Airport cleaning planes before turning to guidebooks and journalism. Today, he’s travel correspondent for The Independent, contributes to National Geographic, Wanderlust and other leading titles, and is a regular presence on national TV and radio, from BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain to Radio 4 and LBC. His daily podcast for The Independent and his active presence across Instagram with regular Live sessions, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter keep him at the forefront of conversations with travellers everywhere.

Join us in celebrating Simon Calder and the outstanding winners across 24 further awards categories.

Save the date: 9 September 2025 — the finalists for this year’s Travel Media Awards will be revealed next week.

Stay tuned to see if your name makes the shortlist.

See you on the 13 October for the official awards ceremony!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you.