These are the Carreiros of Madeira, Portugal

Nicole looks back on one of her most memorable journeys.

We’ve seen the world – and we will see it again. But in the meantime, we’re going to keep in touch, reminding you of why we travel in the first place. For us, travel has always started with a dream. A dream of somewhere else and of some time else. That’s why we’re going to look back at the trips we’ve made in order to feel the thrill of the trips we’re going to take. Place by place, face by face – we’re looking back to look forward.

Here, Nicole revisits one of her most meaningful travel experiences.

Sometimes the best travel stories spring from those moments when you’re just getting from A to B; a conversation with a taxi driver, or chatting to locals sharing your ride. So when CNN asked our creative team at Studio Black Tomato to uncover some unique modes of transport for a video piece, they teamed up with our in-house travel experts to explore every inch of the globe, looking for a story to tell through the eyes of someone who travels their country day in day out. We researched and pitched many ideas, and CNN selected the Carreiros of Monte on the Isle of Madeira. The insight into the life of the age-old Carreiros not only uncovered a heartfelt story, but it also went on to win ‘Best Video by a Media Company’ at Citizine’s Travel Video Awards 2018.

In the hills of Madeira’s archipelago, a 200-year-old mode of transport is today a national icon and attraction. Using our expert knowledge and travel insight, our video team from Studio Black Tomato were able to unearth this fascinating story and brought to life in a video for CNN. Studio Black Tomato looked behind the commercial image that recent tourism has given the Carreiros of Monte and delved deeper into their real lives. Our video team traveled to this ‘pearl of the ocean’ to talk to Nando Gama and his fellow Carreiros, sharing with us that it takes strength, stamina and deep pride to keep their ancient tradition alive in the modern world.

The combination of Nando’s sincere words and the incredible landscapes of the island meant Studio Black Tomato could deliver an emotive and insightful travel story to CNN. The response from the travel and media industry was overwhelming; winning ‘Best Video by a Media Company’ in Citizine’s 2018 Travel Video Awards and nominated for ‘Best Campaign’ in the Travel + Tourism category in the 2018 The Drum Advertising Awards.

These accolades remind us of the incredible value of being able to unearth and tell great stories from around the world. Another example of how culture and travel connects us all.

See more of Studio Black Tomato here.