Josephine Matyas

Josephine Matyas: A Career Defined by Curiosity and Conservation

Josephine Matyas is an award-winning Canadian freelance journalist and author whose work spans travel, environment, and lifestyle. With a career rooted in ecotourism advocacy and cultural storytelling, she has carved a niche in exploring destinations through the lenses of sustainability, outdoor adventure, and local heritage. Her writing, often co-authored with her husband Craig Jones, reflects a commitment to responsible tourism and community-focused narratives.

Career Trajectory: From Government Researcher to Globetrotter

Matyas began her career writing government research papers before transitioning to freelance journalism in the early 2000s. This shift allowed her to merge her analytical skills with her passion for exploration:

• 2005-2009: Editorial roles including Managing Editor for Cottage Times and Online Editor for Kingston Life
• 2010s: Expanded into international reporting with features on Peru’s Amazon Basin and Kenya’s savannahs
• 2021: Published Chasing the Blues: A Traveler's Guide to America's Music with Backbeat Books
• 2024-Present: Focus on RV tourism and North American ecotourism destinations

Signature Works: Three Pillars of Impactful Journalism

The Catskills & The Berkshires: The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go

This 2024 piece for Explorer RV Club exemplifies Matyas’ ability to merge travel logistics with cultural history. The 2,800-word guide details RV-friendly routes through the Appalachian region while interweaving:

• Historical analysis of 19th-century conservation movements
• Interviews with state park rangers about climate change impacts
• Budget-conscious travel tips for multi-generational families

"The true luxury of RV travel lies not in amenities, but in the freedom to follow mountain streams and local stories wherever they lead."

Chasing the Blues: A Traveler's Guide to America's Music

Her book, serialized in CAA Magazine, demonstrates Matyas’ multidisciplinary approach. The work combines:

• Archival research into Mississippi Delta music history
• First-person accounts from living blues musicians
• Sustainable tourism recommendations for music heritage sites

Best Free Things to Do on the OBX

This practical guide to North Carolina’s Outer Banks showcases Matyas’ talent for identifying accessible adventures:

• Analysis of tidal patterns for optimal beachcombing
• Community-driven conservation initiatives
• Pet-friendly activity recommendations

Beat Analysis & Pitching Recommendations

1. Ecotourism Infrastructure Development

Matyas consistently highlights projects balancing tourism growth with environmental protection. Pitches should focus on:

• Renewable energy integration in parks
• Indigenous-led conservation initiatives
• Case studies of successful waste reduction programs

2. Cultural Heritage Preservation Through Tourism

Her work on blues history demonstrates interest in:

• Oral history preservation methods
• Adaptive reuse of historic sites
• Community tourism revenue models

3. Accessible Outdoor Recreation

With increasing focus on RV travel, prioritize stories about:

• ADA-compliant trail developments
• Intergenerational outdoor education programs
• Low-impact camping technologies

Awards and Industry Recognition

National Geographic Destination Stewardship Panelist (2009-2010)

Matyas contributed to National Geographic’s global survey of sustainable tourism practices, evaluating destinations based on:

• Cultural authenticity preservation
• Environmental impact mitigation
• Economic benefit distribution

Travel Media Association of Canada Awards

Her repeated recognition by TMAC highlights:

• Excellence in destination storytelling
• Innovative multimedia reporting
• Long-term commitment to ethical tourism