Inntravel Introduces Freelance Writer Manifesto
For 40 years, Inntravel has hosted freelance travel writers on self-guided adventures across Europe and beyond. This month, the B Corp certified walking holiday specialist announces its ‘Freelance Writer Manifesto’, detailing in simple, clear terms how the operator will work with and support freelance writers going forward on hosted press visits. In so doing, they will be creating a binding commitment to freelance travel writers with a view to helping make travel writing a fairer, more sustainable and viable industry.
Over the last four decades Inntravel has hosted hundreds of writers, writers who have become almost ambassadors for Inntravel’s ethos of slow, immersive travel. Inntravel also recognises that the travel writing industry is not in a strong position. Print titles are decreasing in number, advertorial-led click bait pieces are on the rise, and the entire industry is threatened by the looming potential of generative AI. Financially, rates at the major titles have, at best, plateaued, while writers are being asked to do more to earn it – whether through additional social posts, or pieces to camera.
Commenting Sarah Fussey, Marketing Director, Inntravel, said, “We were recently awarded B Corp status for our commitment to responsible travel and sustainable business practices and, spurred on by this certification, we now wish to play our part in helping to make freelance travel writing more sustainable, too. As a tour operator, we are part of the travel writing ecosystem, along with editors, publications, tourist boards, PRs and writers, and this is our way of trying to make a difference.
“At Inntravel, we value words and we value writers. We love the skill of a travel writer to transport a reader and to inspire them to follow in their footsteps, and we get a thrill from seeing our name in the travel sections, both in print and online.”
Furthermore, the Manifesto mirrors Inntravel’s wider support of writing, with Inntravel again a headline sponsor of Hay Festival this May, and having launched, in 2025, its own ‘Book Club’, alongside writer, Sarah Baxter.
The Manifesto codifies Inntravel’s commitment to:
Shorten itineraries as necessary, recognising for freelancers that time is money, while still revealing all the trip’s highlights and angles for their stories.
Offer meal allowances for writers, when meals are not included in the itinerary, helping them to keep their costs down, and their fee in their pocket.
Cover public transport costs to/from UK departure airport/stations, providing door-to-door care.
Charge plus-ones just for the cost of their flights, to encourage writers to experience Inntravel’s holidays as they are primarily intended, in good company.
Commission writers for supplementary stories in Inntravel’s own Inntraveller Magazine, or for social coverage.
Full details of the Manifesto can be seen online here: https://www.inntravel.co.uk/getmedia/dcc19a67-2875-4ca9-8d6a-5bdfcb0c70e6/travel-writers-manifesto-spread.pdf