The Backdoor - Make Travel Fair's Travel Writer Competition

The Backdoor – Make Travel Fair’s Travel Writer Competition

Ethan Gelber
9 June 2010

Most of us readily to acknowledge – sometimes perhaps a little too quietly – the impact we make on host destinations when we travel. The most conscientious of us do our best to minimise our impact or make it a positive one, but there’s no question that, by traveling, we are part of something that creates change.

Now imagine the effect of a major sporting event, like the World Cup, which is presently drawing thousands to South Africa. This is the question at the heart of a new annual travel writer competition launched by Make Travel Fair: The Backdoor (Write Your Way in).

The precise question asked by The Backdoor is:

“A major sporting event creates a large influx of tourism to the host destination. What are the implications and benefits of that influx of travellers to a destination like South Africa?”

Can you convey your thoughts in an original article of up to 1,500 words before 11pm GMT on 25 July 2010? Submit your entry here.

A Pen with Power

Make Travel Fair is looking for writers who understand the strength of words as part of the responsible tourism development process. They’re looking for aspiring travel writers with a yearning to explore and something sincere to say about tourism development?

The value of sharing your thoughts is, of course, part of the competition prize. “Our Backdoor travel writing competition gives all budding writers, particularly those with an interest in tourism development, the chance to ‘write your way in’ to a WHL Consulting internship with unique travel writing opportunities.

Part of the WHL Group, WHL Consulting is a professional services company with a singular focus on providing innovative, high-technology solutions to small businesses. WHL Consulting aims to improve the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of micro, small and medium-sized products.

The Prizes

As a powerful sweetener, in addition to the offers of an internship with WHL Consulting, the competition winner will receive a free seven-night stay in South Africa (valid for one year) at either the Seaforth Country Lodge in the beautiful Drakensberg region or the Chestnut Country Lodge in the Mpumalanga region just 30 minutes from Kruger National Park. Winners will also have their articles published on various websites, including Make Travel Fair and the WHL Group blog.

For more, please see the competition rules and submission guidelines, as well as the important terms and conditions.