In a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Simon Calder has travelled the world — on his beloved bicycle whenever possible — adding countless column inches and TV credits to his name and winning numerous awards along the way.

Unassuming as ever, Simon was delighted to be singled out at the TMAs, winning the Breaking Travel News award, as well as the Broadcast Programme of the Year for his podcast From Alligators to Astronauts: Go One Step Beyond Orlando for The Independent.

Unable to make the ceremony because he was away travelling, Simon charmed the audience with a recorded message and later sat down with the TMA team to discuss the winning the awards and his aspirations for 2023.

What did winning the 2022 award for Breaking Travel News mean to you?

It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for reporting when there are so many excellent and even younger travel journalists around.

Which exclusive made you most proud?

Discovering that the then foreign secretary, later prime minister, Liz Truss had opted to spend £500k of taxpayers’ money flying to Australia in a large private jet rather than travelling scheduled on Qantas, which had perfectly timed existing services. It was a reminder of the value of giving time to just talking to people in the industry.

You also won Broadcast Programme of the Year. What were the highlights of making this podcast for The Independent?

There’s simply no better fun to be had than running around Florida with a film crew seeking out dimensions that British holidaymakers might miss. From a working ranch in Florida’s cowboy country to the sheer excitement of a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral, every moment was a thrill.

What are your plans for the 2023 Travel Media Awards?

Keep going, delving, travelling and hoping that I might make the shortlist. But I’m enormously grateful for the recognition in 2022. Thank you.

The opening date for entries to the 9th annual Travel Media Awards will be announced in the coming weeks, together with the date for the ceremony.