Columbus Voyages is launching the second edition of its writing contest, inviting travelers to share "what you didn't see coming during a trip." This initiative stems from a desire to breathe new life into travel experiences and strengthen the company's position in the tailor-made travel market. For tourism professionals, this is a powerful signal: the travel story is now part of the offering; storytelling is becoming a product.
Summary
What does this new Columbus Voyages competition consist of?
Open since October 30, 2025, the competition is accessible to everyone. The first edition attracted 3,150 participants, received 509 short stories , and selected three winners. The 2025-2026 theme is: "Life's Stopover: What You Didn't See Coming on a Trip." Participants must submit a non-fiction story of 15,000 to 35,000 characters (approximately six pages). The jury, composed of eight travel and writing experts, will award three prizes: a round-trip long-haul flight for two, a trip to the Maldives, and a trip to Zanzibar.
Why is this operation strategic for tourism stakeholders?
For professionals, this initiative goes beyond mere promotional purposes:
- She transforms travel into narrative material: content to be told, shared and valued.
- The name Columbus Voyages is becoming a label of authenticity; associating oneself with it strengthens credibility and visibility.
- It inspires derivative formats: writing workshops, travel journals, creative "post-trip" offers.
- A solidarity dimension reinforces the image: the profits from the first edition were donated to Libraries Without Borders.
7 concrete actions to capitalize on the momentum of Columbus Voyages
- Mention "Columbus Voyages" in your newsletters, blogs or product sheets.
- Offer your clients a "post-trip writing" step: workshop, competition or souvenir booklet.
- Create a "surprise stories" section inspired by the competition theme.
- Partner with Columbus Voyages or replicate the format through editorial co-branding.
- Take advantage of the registration period (until January 25, 2026) to capture attention and launch your own content.
- Prepare a follow-up when the results are announced (April 13, 2026).
- Position storytelling as a lever for differentiation and customer loyalty.
Three adoption scenarios
| Scenario | Assumption | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid adoption | You are now incorporating the story/competition concept | Create a "Competition + trip" or "After-work journal" product |
| Measured adoption | You first observe the fallout | Prepare your content and activate it when the results are available |
| No commitment | You don't move | Risk of losing an opportunity for visibility and differentiation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this competition interesting for an agent or a tour operator?
Because it creates visibility, enhances personal storytelling, and can be integrated into your marketing offers.
Is the theme "what you didn't see coming" restrictive?
No: it allows for all forms of the unexpected – encounter, detour, emotion, discovery – and stimulates creativity.
Can a non-agency structure participate?
Yes: via editorial partnerships, events, workshops or community outreach.
I already have a blog or a community: what can I do?
Organize a contest inspired by the one from Columbus Voyages or share the stories on your channels.
Does this type of initiative replace traditional offerings?
No, it complements them by adding an emotional and narrative dimension. The journey also becomes a story.
Concrete example: the first edition
The first edition attracted over 3,000 participants and nearly 500 stories, according to the specialized press. The anthology, "The World in Short Stories, " featured 11 favorite pieces, and the proceeds were donated to Libraries Without Borders. The 2025-2026 edition aims to go further with a larger jury and a more introspective theme: "Life's Stopover.
Key takeaways and actions
- Capitalize on the reputation of Columbus Voyages to strengthen your credibility in tailor-made travel.
- Incorporate travel narratives into your marketing offers and content.
- Valuing customer creativity as a brand experience.
- To combine storytelling and responsibility through cultural or charitable causes.
👉 To view the full rules and register, visit the official website: colombusvoyages.com
Updates
Registrations open on October 30, 2025 • Closing date: January 25, 2026 • Results: April 13, 2026.
Sources
https://www.infotravel.fr/actualites/86606/
https://www.colombusvoyages.com/magazine/extra/concours-decriture-deuxieme-edition/
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