The World's Best Travel Videos of 2015 Emphasize Place and Emotion
Skift Take
All of these videos do a good job of immersing the viewer in the travel experience, but what makes them stand out is how they connect with the viewer on an emotional level.
Whether it was two clergy in Palestine Tourism's video greeting each other on a street, or a surfer with a GoPro slicing through the water at sunset in the Maldives, the winners of the World Tourism Organization's annual video competition all create an emotional connection with the viewer.
The UN agency announced the winners last week during its General Assembly in Medellin.
Out of the 51 videos submitted for review, there were six winners by region: Africa, East Asia/Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. The UNWTO also opened voting to the general public for two weeks leading up to the General Assembly, so perhaps unsurprisingly the People's Choice award was given to the host nation of Colombia.
Among all of the videos, there's a palpable and visceral sense of being immersed in the destination through the use of POV (point of view) perspective and movement that makes viewers feel like they're along for the ride.
Apparently, if you look at the videos as a whole, the world is full of stressed-out travelers in need of immediate digital detox. Most of the destinations among all of the submissions highlight their beautiful natural environments and opportunities for outdoor activities. Those are expressed both through high-adrenaline adventure and serene moments of calm reflection that lead to transformative travel experiences w
