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EnglishWhat types of NATJA membership are available and who is eligible for each?
Updated
NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association) offers three membership categories: Media, DMO / publication / tour operator, and Student. The right one depends on whether you create travel content, represent a destination or travel business, or are enrolled in college. Each category has its own eligibility criteria, and the Student category has two specific documentation requirements.
Media member
This category is for people who produce travel content professionally.
Who it's for: Established editors and travel content creators working in print or online, including photographers, videographers, and podcasters.
What to check before applying: NATJA describes this tier as being for established media professionals, so you should be able to show a body of published or produced travel work. If you're a student just starting out, the Student category is the better fit.
DMO / publication / tour operator member
This is the organizational membership for the business side of the travel industry.
Who it's for:
- Convention & visitors bureaus
- Destination marketing organizations (DMOs)
- PR agencies
- Cruises, airlines, and properties
- Tour operators
- Other travel service providers
If you represent an organization rather than yourself as a creator, this is the category to use.
Student member
This tier is designed to help students launch a travel writing or photography career right out of college.
Who it's for: Enrolled college students pursuing travel writing and/or photography.
What you'll need to qualify:
- A valid student ID
- An active university email address
Both are required — plan to have them ready before you apply.
Choosing your category at a glance
| Your situation | Category to choose | Key eligibility requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Established editor, writer, photographer, videographer, or podcaster | Media member | Professional travel content work in print or online |
| CVB, DMO, PR agency, cruise, airline, property, tour operator, or other travel service provider | DMO / publication / tour operator | Representing a travel-related organization |
| Enrolled college student starting a travel media career | Student member | Valid student ID + active university email |
What membership gives you across all categories
Whichever tier you choose, NATJA's stated mission is to provide educational and networking opportunities for travel journalists, media professionals, DMOs, bloggers, influencers, and travel agents. Member benefits described on the site include:
- Connections — a private Facebook group, an annual conference, and in-person member gatherings
- Learning — practical webinars, conference sessions, and year-round professional development
- Accolades — the chance to share work through TravelWorld International and earn recognition in the annual NATJA Awards, now in their 35th year
NATJA also notes an experiential learning program connecting professors and college students with industry professionals and destinations — relevant if you're weighing the Student route.
If you're unsure which category fits
Contact the membership team directly at [email protected]. For general questions, use [email protected]; for website or technical issues, [email protected]. The site states the team replies shortly after you reach out.