“IFWTWA is an organization whose leadership has been more welcoming to me and one that listens to its members when they express their concerns and needs. I love the way you find ways to support members wherever they are in their journeys, the breadth of professional development offered to members, and the genuine kindness and camaraderie of the membership. It really is something special.”
— Meena Thiruvengadam
Travel Journalist
Travelwithmeena.com
Is IFWTWA Membership Right For You?
Choose the Membership That’s Right for You
IFWTWA offers three membership categories designed to serve media professionals, industry partners, and the next generation of storytellers. Explore the benefits of each membership type below.
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
For writers, editors, bloggers, photographers, photojournalists, podcasters, broadcasters, radio and television hosts, filmmakers, videographers, and other professional content creators working in food, wine, travel, and hospitality.
Top 10 Reasons to Join IFWTWA
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
For destinations, DMOs, CVBs, tourism boards, hotels, attractions, wineries, restaurants, public relations firms, and other hospitality and tourism organizations seeking to connect with professional media.
Partner With IFWTWA to Promote Your Destination, Brand, or Business
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
For students enrolled in journalism, communications, hospitality, tourism, culinary, media, broadcasting, and related programs who want to build industry connections and gain professional experience.
Jump-Start Your Career With IFWTWA Student Membership
The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for IFWTWA membership. All applications are reviewed by our Membership Director and submitted to the IFWTWA Board of Directors for approval. Learn more about the application process here.
Membership Requirements
Regular Membership Eligibility
Regular Membership is intended for professional media and digital publishers actively working in the food, wine, travel, and hospitality industries. Eligible applicants include writers, editors, bloggers, digital publishers, photographers, photojournalists, podcasters, broadcasters, radio and television hosts, filmmakers, videographers, and other media professionals.
Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of active public work in publishing, journalism, broadcasting, photography, videography, podcasting, digital media, or related content creation fields prior to applying for membership. Additional qualification requirements and documentation guidelines are outlined below.
Please note: Public relations professionals, marketing agencies, tourism organizations, destinations, hotels, attractions, and other industry representatives do not qualify for Regular Membership. These applicants are encouraged to apply for Associate Membership, which is specifically designed for industry partners and organizations.
Writers, Editors, and Bloggers:
- Those who are a designated editor or broadcaster for a publication, website, blog, television or radio program; or
- Those who write, publish, broadcast, blog, or photograph professionally in a staff, freelance capacity, or as a digital publisher to an extent that satisfies the IFWTWA Board of Directors.
Minimum requirements for evidence to be submitted at the time of application:
Four (4) links per year to articles of 500 words or more for the immediate two-years prior to their application. Content must be industry-centric. PDFs of printed articles may substituted if links are unavailable.
Photographers, Filmmakers, Videographers, Broadcasters, and Podcaster:
Minimum requirements for evidence to be submitted at the time of application: Four links (in any combination of medium) per year for each of the past two years that verify paid work through the sale of photographs and/or staff/freelance on film and/or broadcast projects. Podcasters must have distribution to a confirmed subscriber list and provide four links per year for each of the past two years. Content must be industry-centric.
Book Authors:
Minimum requirements for evidence to be submitted at the time of application: Submit the title of a book, link, and ISBN number
- The most recent book published must be industry-centric.
- A second book written within two (2) years prior to application may be on other topics.
- One book submission fulfills the requirement for one year of clips as defined under “Writers/editors.”
Continuous Publishing Requirement for all Writers:
Members must continue writing, photographing, publishing, broadcasting or editing a minimum of four (4) times annually to maintain active membership. All members must provide proof upon demand of an Association compliance officer.
Associate Membership Eligibility
Associate Membership is designed for destinations, tourism organizations, hospitality businesses, and industry partners seeking to build relationships with professional food, wine, and travel media. Eligible organizations include destination marketing organizations (DMOs), convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), tourism boards, hotels and resorts, attractions, wineries, restaurants, public relations and marketing firms, tour operators, cruise lines, and other businesses serving the travel and hospitality industry.
We look forward to partnering with you to increase visibility, foster meaningful media relationships, and share the stories that inspire travel.
Associate Membership is held by the organization rather than an individual employee or representative. Each Associate Member designates a primary representative who manages the organization’s member profile and serves as its primary contact with IFWTWA. The designated representative receives access to the benefits and opportunities available through Associate Membership on behalf of the organization.
Student Membership Eligibility
“Participating in the social media sharing threads on the IFWTWA members-only Facebook page has helped increase my reach and engagement on social media. They have enabled me to become more visible on social media and grow my travel community.”
— Kathryn Anderson
Author, Travel Journalist, and Speaker
Board Director and Social Media Committee Chair
Coffeeandmascara.org
Dues and Fees
All applicants must pay in full at the time of application. Read more about the application process here.
- Regular: $180 USD annually
First Year $230 ($180 + $50 initiation fee)
- Associate: $255 USD annually
First Year $305 ($255 + $50 initiation fee)
- Student: $105 USD annually
First Year $155 ($105 + $50 initiation fee)
A full refund will be made in the event the Board of Directors denies an applicant membership. No refunds are available after approval.
The Board of Directors reserves the right to consider applicants that in their judgment deserve special consideration due to unique or special circumstances and may confer approval of membership on a case-by-case basis.
Thank you for considering membership in IFWTWA. We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our programs and benefits, and connect with the talented professionals who make up our community through the IFWTWA Member Directory.
“IFWTWA has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made in my career. Through the organization, I’ve built lifelong friendships, developed a trusted network of fellow writers and editors, and connected with destination representatives I can turn to for story ideas and expert insights. The educational webinars, professional development opportunities, and conferences have helped me sharpen my skills while exploring destinations in meaningful ways. Many of the opportunities I’ve received through IFWTWA have contributed directly to the growth of Wander With Wonder into an award-winning travel publication. More than a professional association, IFWTWA has helped me grow both my business and my brand.“
— Susan Lanier-Graham
Digital Publisher and Online Writing Educator
Lowell Thomas Award Winner
WanderWithWonder.com