Viking and Stanfords announce partnership

Viking Cruises has announced a new partnership with Stanfords, one of the oldest travel book and map sellers in the world.

A new category has been introduced for 2024 – the inaugural ‘Viking Award for Fiction with a Sense of Place’. The partnership includes sponsorship of the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards, nominations for which are open until early November.

Viking guests, who are known for their explorer spirits, will have the opportunity to nominate their favourite books which have been published in the past 12 months.

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, said: “The Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards are known for celebrating the very best travel writers from across the world – many of whom are modern day explorers.  Our culturally curious guests share our passion for reading and learning about the literary heritage of the destinations we visit so we are very proud to partner with Stanfords and to be the presenting sponsor of the awards this year.”

Vivien Godfrey, Chairman and CEO of the Edward Stanford Group, said: “We are delighted that Viking and their culturally curious guests will be a part of our 2024 Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards.  We have felt for some time that involving readers in our Awards is important.  By partnering with Viking, we can hear from Viking guests who love travel and travel writing as they nominate their favourite works of fiction written with a true sense of place.”