ST Travel named Travel Section of the Year at regional awards

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  Travel and Leisure on Thu, Oct 16th, 2025 by The Straits Times

ST Travel, the dedicated travel section of The Straits Times, has been crowned Travel Section of the Year at the prestigious Regional Travel Awards (RTA) held in Singapore last month. The accolade, presented by the Asia‑Pacific Travel Association, underscores the section’s innovative storytelling, data‑driven insights and comprehensive coverage of both regional and global destinations.

A Decade of Evolution

Founded in 2007, ST Travel grew from a handful of print travel pieces into a robust digital hub featuring articles, videos, itineraries and interactive maps. The award panel noted that the section’s transformation was marked by a “clear narrative voice” that appeals to the modern, socially‑conscious traveler. From the early days of glossy brochures, the section moved into a multi‑platform model, incorporating user‑generated content, “micro‑travel” guides, and “staycation” segments tailored for Singaporean readers.

“The evolution reflects the changing way people consume travel information,” said Tan Yao Hui, editor of ST Travel. “We moved from static travelogues to immersive, real‑time experiences that resonate with a generation that values authenticity over polish.”

Why the Award Matters

The RTA’s Travel Section of the Year award is conferred on one section from each of the 15 member countries. “It’s a testament to the editorial rigor, creativity and relevance of the content,” explained RTA’s chief judge, Mr. Suresh Kumar. “ST Travel’s ability to weave travel stories with cultural, environmental and economic insights sets a benchmark for the industry.”

The award comes at a pivotal time for tourism. Since the COVID‑19 pandemic, travel narratives have had to pivot towards safety, sustainability and “travel resilience.” ST Travel’s “Sustainable Singapore” series, which highlighted eco‑friendly accommodations and carbon‑offset programmes, was cited as a standout feature that “bridges policy with passion.” The section’s data‑driven “Travel Trends 2024” article, featuring a dynamic heat‑map of destination popularity, received particular praise for its analytical depth.

Highlights of the Winning Collection

The judging panel cited several pieces that exemplify the section’s strengths:

1. “The Hidden Temples of Borneo” – A photo‑journalistic deep dive into lesser‑known Buddhist sites, paired with an interactive map that allows readers to virtually explore the temples’ architectural nuances.

2. “Food & Flight: Culinary Routes Across Asia” – An investigative series mapping the gastronomic history of Southeast Asian street food, complete with QR‑coded recipes that link to cooking videos on the Straits Times app.

3. “The Rise of Micro‑Travel” – A profile of 20‑plus‑day itineraries that illustrate how locals can experience “globetrotter” adventures without leaving the region, complete with cost calculators and itineraries in the app’s itinerary planner.

4. “Climate‑Conscious Travel” – An in‑depth feature on the carbon footprints of major tourist destinations, incorporating an interactive calculator that lets readers estimate their own travel emissions.

5. “Singapore’s Secret Gardens” – A feature that turned a city‑wide scavenger hunt into a reader‑interactive experience, prompting visitors to discover hidden green spaces and earn points for social media shares.

The section’s consistent use of multimedia—video interviews with local artisans, 360° tours of heritage sites, and podcasts with travel experts—was noted as a “key differentiator” that keeps readers engaged across devices.

The Award Ceremony

The ceremony took place at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, attracting a star‑studded lineup of industry leaders, travel bloggers, and media personalities. ST Travel’s senior editor, Melissa Tan, accepted the trophy on behalf of the team, thanking the Straits Times for its unwavering support and the RTA for recognising the craft of travel journalism.

“Travel is more than sightseeing; it’s about empathy, curiosity, and responsible stewardship,” Tan said. “Winning this award is a collective win for the writers, the producers, and, most importantly, for our readers who inspire us to keep exploring.”

Looking Ahead

Following the award, ST Travel has pledged to expand its coverage of “travel‑for‑good” initiatives, such as community‑based tourism projects and cultural exchange programmes. The section also plans to launch a “Travel Data Hub,” offering real‑time analytics on tourism trends, user‑feedback loops and destination sustainability metrics.

“Winning this award is a milestone, but it also compels us to push boundaries further,” Tan added. “We will continue to innovate, to champion sustainable travel, and to bring our readers closer to the world, one story at a time.”

The accolade has already translated into tangible growth. ST Travel’s monthly readership surged by 18 % in the weeks following the announcement, and the section’s partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has expanded to include joint content initiatives aimed at promoting lesser‑known destinations across the region.

Broader Industry Impact

The RTA’s selection of ST Travel serves as a beacon for emerging travel publishers in the Asia‑Pacific. The award’s criteria—originality, audience engagement, and social responsibility—mirror the industry’s shift towards more holistic and ethically conscious storytelling. As tourism rebounds, the emphasis on “meaningful travel” is likely to reshape editorial priorities across the board.

Conclusion

ST Travel’s triumph at the Regional Travel Awards marks a historic moment for The Straits Times and Singapore’s media landscape. By marrying compelling narratives with data‑driven insights and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the section has set a new standard for travel journalism in the region. As the industry moves forward, ST Travel’s award-winning model will undoubtedly influence how stories about destinations, cultures and travelers are told—ensuring that the next generation of readers will discover the world in richer, more responsible ways.