Public Relations Primer
Policy for Media Tours
Frequently we're asked, "What's your policy at VTC for media tours?" or "What assistance do you offer to visiting media?"
At Virginia Tourism, our policy is:
We assist media on firm assignment for media outlets with circulation/audiences of 100,000 or more in our target markets when the media visit covers more than one location in Virginia.* We require two to three weeks' notice, depending on length of media tour needed to fulfill the assignment. Assistance provided may include itinerary planning, media kits and complimentary admission to attractions; assistance with rental cars while in traveling in Virginia; complimentary or discounted lodging; and occasionally hosted meals. We do not normally provide airfare.
*When media visit one location in Virginia, we usually refer them directly to the DMO
Do we ever make
exceptions to our stated policy? Frequently.
For example:
We often assist writers with good clips who represent a media outlet with circulation/impressions fewer 100,000, especially if the assistance required is minimal and/or resulting coverage will be in one of our target markets.
We might provide a media kit and contact localities for media kits/admission passes for a journalist outside our target market (e.g., a large Washington or Oregon newspaper), when there is a possibility for good Virginia coverage with minimal time and resources expended.
We normally do not provide airfare to and from Virginia. However, if a travel editor of a national magazine with circulation of several million wants to visit and cover several Virginia locations/attractions, we may offer both airfare and a rental car for the visit.