THE SPANISH ISLAND of Tenerife is expecting to find itself in the news spotlight over the coming year after hosting more than 100 journalists, photographers and broadcasters for the AGM of the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW).

The BGTW members enjoyed five days on the largest of the Canary Islands from 26-31 January and experienced a range of cultural, activity and luxury tours including rainforest walking, whalewatching and Canarian cuisine.

The AGM took place at the prestigious five-star Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque in Costa Adeje and was followed by a gala dinner attended by Tenerife’s Director of Culture and Heritage, Cristóbal de la Rosa, and other leading figures from the Canarian tourism industry.

Travel journalists "to dispel outdated stereotypes"

“Tenerife Tourism Corporation was delighted to host this year's AGM for the British Guild of Travel Writers,” said Richard Hume, director of Hume Whitehead Limited, the UK PR representative for the island. “Although one of the UK's favourite holiday destinations, Tenerife is largely misunderstood by the British holidaymaker and the hosting of this event helped us dispel the outdated sterotypes often associated with this beautiful and diverse island.”

He said that the opportunity of securing over 100 journalists in one trip was rare and the fact that the BGTW’s 2010 AGM received the highest ever attendance was testament to Tenerife's attraction among its media guests.

“We were able to showcase both the south and the north of the island and the feedback we have had so far from the attendees has been incredibly positive. We are confident that the number of features that will result from Tenerife's hosting of this event will demonstrate excellent return on investment for the island," he said.

Hosting BGTW "242%" return on investment

His optimism is justified in the light of a report just published by Visit York which hosted the BGTW’s AGM in 2009. It declared a 242% return on its investment in terms of the scores of articles and coverage generated across regional, national and international media.

The 2010 AGM voted Melissa Shales into her second consecutive year as Chair of the BGTW.

The BGTW wishes to thank the Tenerife Tourism Corporation and Monarch Airlines for their generosity in hosting the AGM. “The impact of our visit has been immediate and profound, both on our members, all of whom have been delighted with the island and the hospitality we received, and on the islanders," said Chairman Melissa Shales. "The local press has been full of interviews with our members, with an interesting exchange of ideas on tourism planning for the future. It would be lovely to think the expertise of our members might leave a lasting legacy after such hospitality.” 

BGTW kicks off 50th anniversary year with Yearbook Launch Party

The next event on the BGTW calendar is the launch of the 2010 BGTW Yearbook is on Thursday 25 February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, 200 Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7UT from 6.30pm to 9pm. The party will also begin the BGTW’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations.

The yearbook is the UK travel industry ‘bible’, offering the best source of information for travel professionals, with up-to-date contacts for many of the UK’s best travel writers, photographers and broadcasters, as well as thousand of crucial industry contacts.

The cost per copy of the British Guild of Travel Writers Yearbook 2009, which includes free access to the restricted areas of the Guild website (www.bgtw.org) has been reduced this year to £95, plus postage and packing. Additional copies are available at £50 each.

The BGTW is offering a pre-publication deal to anyone who orders copies before the launch on 25 Feb. Order now and the book is available for £95 including posting and packing within the UK (plus p&p if you are abroad). You may buy copies by contacting the Secretariat, by logging onto the website, www.bgtw.org and going to the Shop and following the link.

Melissa Shales is assisted by a strong committee in the shape of Vice-Chairman Mary Anne Evans; Treasurer Frances Howorth; Secretary Antonia Cunningham; Membership Secretary Mary Moore Mason; GlobeTrotter and Web Editor Tim Locke; Webmaster Alastair McKenzie; PR and Promotions Co-ordinator Sarah Monaghan; Guild Publisher Sarah Siese; Business Development Manager  Roger Bray; and Facilities Coordinator Michael Howorth. Email links to them all are available on the Guild website, www.bgtw.org under About Us.

Founded in 1960, the British Guild of Travel Writers is an association of over 270 writers, editors, photographers, producers, radio and television presenters involved in the world of travel. The BGTW includes travel editors of national and regional newspapers, magazines, radio and TV programmes. They cover an almost exhaustive range of specialities and international expertise. www.bgtw.org

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2 Feb 2010