Today the World Day of Travel Journalism is Celebrated

Today, September 5, 2025, the World Day of Travel Journalism is commemorated, a date created to recognize the fundamental role of those who communicate and promote travel in an ethical, responsible, and cultural way.

Origin and purpose

The day was established in 2018 during the VIII Congress of Travel Journalists and Professionals, held at Iguazú Falls (Argentina). It was approved by the World Organization of Travel Journalism (OMPT in spanish).

The central aim of this day is to revalue the role of the travel journalist, encouraging communication that promotes destinations with environmental awareness, respect for local communities, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Current celebration and international host city

In 2025, Candelaria (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) has been declared the world headquarters of this commemoration. The OMPT is carrying out tours, recognitions, and cultural activities there, projecting the city as a benchmark of responsible travel journalism.

What is not often highlighted…

• Focus on specialization: The OMPT emphasizes training travel journalists in areas such as cultural, gastronomic, historical, ecological, and religious travel. This expands their ability to approach different dimensions of travel with depth and rigor.

• Critical cultural mediators: Travel journalism is not only about promotion. Journalists also act as mediators between destinations and travelers, sometimes denouncing issues in the sector (negative impacts, degradation, exploitation), thus contributing to improved practices and conditions.

• Credibility versus influencers: While social media influencers dominate the online space, professional travel journalism distinguishes itself by relying on traditional media (press, magazines, television, radio) and its enduring credibility.

Final reflection

The World Day of Travel Journalism highlights the growing importance of specialized journalists as key players in fostering sustainable, cultural, and conscious travel.

On this day, we honor those who, with ethics and commitment, narrate destinations, denounce injustices, celebrate cultures, and help build a more human approach to travel. Happy World Day of Travel Journalism!

Miguel Ledhesma