The Special Contribution Award is presented by the Travel Media Awards organisers and advisory panel for exceptional contribution to the field of travel media.

In 2026, the award will be given to broadcaster, journalist and presenter Anita Rani, honoured for a career that has consistently brought the world to audiences with originality, warmth and a genuine sense of adventure.

From more than a decade fronting BBC One's Countryfile and BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour to travelling with her father across the Caribbean and Colombia in Celebrity Race Across the World, Rani has shown that travel is as much about the people you meet and the stories you hear as the places you visit. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador she has also used her platform to shine a light on some of the world's most vulnerable communities.

On 26 October 2026, we will celebrate Anita alongside the winners of 24 award categories at The Savoy, London.

Previous Recipients

2025 - Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster 

2024 - Michael Palin, travel broadcaster and writer

2023 - Pippa Jacks, editorial director of TTG Media

2022 - Tony Wheeler, publishing entrepreneur and travel writer

2021, Ade Adepitan, Paralympic medalist, TV presenter and journalist

2020, Levison Wood, Adventurer, Author and Photographer

2019, Hilary Bradt, Founder of Bradt Travel Guides

2018, Lisa Minot, Travel Editor of The Sun

2017, Rick Stein, Television Presenter

2016, Michael Portillo, Journalist and Broadcaster

2015, Simon Reeve, Author and TV Presenter