Aspire writer recognised at annual Visit USA UK Media Awards

Aspire was among those recognised at the annual Visit USA UK Media Awards last night (June 30).

Rhodri Andrews was awarded the prize for Trade Press Feature for his Houston City Guide, which was published in the September 2025 edition of Aspire.

Judges labelled the piece as “a strong, engaging and highly usable destination article”.

Andrews, who is special projects editor at Aspire sister title Travel Weekly, was also praised for bringing Houston “vividly to life” and giving agents “clear, practical reasons to recommend the city”.

There were more than 400 entries across the awards’ 10 categories.

The ceremony took place during Visit USA’s Media Marketplace event, held at Savage Garden Rooftop Bar in London.

Andrews said: “I’m thrilled to have won best trade press feature at the 2026 Visit USA Media Awards. Like every year, there was such strong competition from my fellow nominees, so I was delighted to win for my Houston City Guide.

“It’s great to put a spotlight on a city that, while being the third largest in the US, still flies curiously under the radar of UK travellers. Thank you to Visit USA again for the award and congratulations to all my fellow winners and nominees.

“I’d like to also say one final thank you to Visit Houston and Black Diamond for hosting me on the trip.”