2025 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 finalists and vote by 28 February 2025.
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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.
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) + USDA Forest Service
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.
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.
Journeys for All: An Expedia Group Study on Inclusion in Travel
Lifetime Achievement Award
presented by JourneyWoman
For a person who has demonstrated long-term commitment to working in and making the travel industry better.
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.
Trailblazer Award
For the go-getter who has thrived in the past year in building her own empire and carving out a path for future leaders in the travel space.
Travel Startup of the Year
For an engaging, innovative and impactful startup that we as a community of influencers believe is changing the way we travel.
Most Impactful Piece of Writing
For an inspiring, engaging, and community-oriented piece of writing that has encouraged dialogue and interaction in the last year.
“Life beyond mum guilt: how travelling alone made me whole again” by Millette Stambaugh
“Where to Go in 2025” by Tim Chester, Anne Banas, Sarika Bansal, Ellen Carpenter, Billie Cohen
Wanderful Award
presented by Wanderful
For a brand that has gone above and beyond to support, empower, and represent women in the past year.
After submitting which WITS you have attended, scroll within the window above to view the full voting form.