Taste the Dutch Lifestyle Travel Writers Awards 2012

On 20 March, the second edition of ‘Taste the Dutch Lifestyle’ Travel Writers Awards took place at the Institute of Directors in central London. The awards were organised to honour UK journalists who have written outstanding articles about Holland in 2011. The evening was hosted by presenters of the new travel show Holiday Heaven on Earth, Emma Wilson and Darren Kennedy. This exciting new travel show started on Channel 5 on 2 February 2012 and features episodes about The Hague and Amsterdam. The evening turned out to be a great success with almost 60 journalists attending.

The evening was organised in association with The International Travel Writers Alliance, Arts Holland, easyJet, Cool Breaks on the Lower Rhine, Tourism Utrecht, The Hague Marketing, Rotterdam Marketing, Railbookers, Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board, Rituals and Dutchbydesign.com. The three judges, Birgit Lindken (Interim Director, UK & Ireland, Netherlands Board of Tourism), Ashley Gibbins (Chief Executive, The International Travel Writers Alliance) and Fred Mawer (Travel Writer, Journalist of the Year 2010) were very impressed by the number of high quality articles written and diversity if topics within such a small country.

Best Article about a city

This award was by far the most competitive category with over 40 entries. After a long discussion, the judges eventually managed to narrow the entries down and chose the winner plus the runners up as below.

The Winner

Rodney Bolt
‘Why I love Amsterdam’
(Published in Conde Nast Traveller, April 2011 edition)

Runners up

Roger Ratcliffe
Shore leave in a seaport
(Published in the Yorkshire Post on 23 July 2011)

Maria Laura Lezano
Dutch Touch
(Published in Sublime Magazine, March 2011 Edition)

Best Article about a Dutch Region

Although most of UK visitors are still going to Holland for a City Break, exploring the Dutch region is becoming more popular every year. Many travel writers are surprised by the beautiful scenic country side, the overwhelming cultural offering and the even more relaxing atmosphere. You can find this back in their articles about some of Holland’s lesser known regions.

The Winner

Ramy Salameh
A liberating experience
(Published in The Epoch Times on 07 September 2011)

Runners up

David Chapman
Go Wild on Texel
(Published in Motorcaravan Monthly, April 2011 Edition)

Emily Whitfield Wicks
Architecture, artists and forts – there is more to Holland that tulip
(Published in the Western Morning News on 12 March 2011)

Best special interest article

Holland is well-known for many great things such as its waterways, arts, fashion, tulips, clogs, design and unique architecture. The entries in this category celebrate all the best of Holland.

The winner

Rosanna Morris
Vintiquing in Amsterdam
(Published in Homes & Antiques, November 2011 edition)

Runners up

Gabriella Le Breton
Amsterdam’s Secret Gardens
(Published in the Sunday Telegraph on 22 May 2011 and on telegraph.co.uk on 24 May 2011)

Nick Elvin
It’s a flower garden. Surprise me...
(Published on The Times Series websites (Newsquest North & East London) on 10 May 2011)

Journalist of the Year

Holland is very fortunate to have so many travel writers supporting us. However in 2011, the three that stood out by giving Holland that extra little bit of support were Simon Calder, Nick Elvin and Andrew Kay.

The winner

Simon Calder
Simon is a great supporter of Holland which is manifested through his classy style of writing and well-rounded knowledge of Holland.

Runners up

Andrew Kay
Andrew loves Holland and its vibrant cities with great restaurants. After one of his press trips, he was so enthusiastic about the quality of the food & drink on offer; he started the chef exchange project. The head chef of the Beaumont hotel in Maastricht and the head chef of Drakes Hotel in Brighton will swap kitchens for a week embracing local produce, menus and techniques.

Nick Elvin
Nick has visited Holland regularly over the years with us and published a number of articles. All his articles about Holland have been positive features portraying the best on offer for a short break.

How to Enter in 2012

If you would like to enter this year’s Holland Travel Writer Awards, all you have to do is publish an article (falling into one of the categories) about Holland in 2012. When it’s published send a copy to press-uk@holland.com with Holland Travel Writers Award 2012 in the subject line.