The Association office receives calls from the media on a regular basis. Journalists call for interviews, research/data/fact checking, story ideas and examples of culinary tourism. Sometimes, we need to contact Association members for help with story ideas. MediaMatch is our way of matching the needs of journalists with the resources of our members.

Journalists and accredited members of the media, please contact us if you would like to submit an inquiry, request an interview, or find out more information about culinary tourism or our membership. Accredited journalists may also request a free media account with access to our online media kit including story ideas, photos, past news coverage and more. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS MEDIAMATCH

MediaMatch FAQs:

FOR MEDIA

I am a member of the press. How does this work for me?
Whenever you seek examples of culinary tourism, or wish to interview business owners engaged in the culinary tourism industry, contact our office with your request. We will submit your request to our Association members, collect the information, and confidentially submit it to you. You may choose with whom you wish to follow up.

FOR ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

What kinds of stories are the journalists contacting you looking for?
It varies. Sometimes they just want an interview about culinary tourism in general. This usually includes citing a number of examples relating to their questions. Other times, the requests are specific such as menu trends, tipping etiquette or popular destinations or events.

How do I participate in MediaMatch?
You must be a Premium Member of the Association to participate.  From time to time, our office will post requests on our MediaMatch referral system and send out requests for information from journalists who have contacted our office. You reply to our request with your information using the instructions posted (either replying to us or directly to the journalist through our secure directory). Please do not send more information than is requested. We regret that we cannot deliver printed media kits or CDs to journalists. Because of the sensitive nature of many journalists, we regret that we cannot put you in touch directly with them initially. However, you should include your contact information in case they choose to get in contact with you for a follow-up (in which case you can offer to send them your media kit/CD/etc). Remember, journalist deadlines are tight! If you’ve got something to share, please reply by the deadline or we may not be able to include your submission.

What kind of information should I submit?
First and foremost, please only submit a reply to an active Media Lead. We regret that we cannot accept unsolicited story ideas for MediaMatch. If you are a Premium Member and would like to submit news for inclusion in our Member News section, please contact us separately. As for replying to active media leads, what story do you have to tell that is newsworthy? Journalists look for unique and memorable examples. They also look for “characters” who are dynamic or entertaining personalities. Such submissions will have a better chance of being accepted. Be concise and use bullet points, colorful language and one photo. Journalists read many submissions and only have a couple seconds to make a determination whether your story might be a good one. Make it easy for them.

What to Submit
A one-paragraph summary of your newsworthy story idea. You may also include one low-resolution photo. Be sure to also include your name, title, company name, phone number, email address and website URL.

What Not to Submit
Full press releases, high-resolution photos, brochures, a simple website address or anything by postal mail.

When will my submission appear in print/on television?
There are never any guarantees with media.  Even if a journalist does not choose your story this time, if you submitted a good story idea, it will still be seen by the journalist who contacted us. They may remember your resource for future use.

What does MediaMatch cost?
Nothing. It is an included benefit for all ICTA Premium Members.

How many requests will you send me per year? How many submissions may I make per year?
We cannot guarantee how many requests we will send you per year. Sometimes we get five calls per week. Other times, 2-3 weeks will go by without a single media call. Many times, we can answer the questions directly and do not need support from our members, but other times we do need your help. Currently there is no limit on the number of submissions you may make per year.

Where are your media calling from? Is this just for US members?
Not at all. Media contact us from all over the world. It’s true many of our requests originate in the US, but we regularly receive calls and emails from Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Japan, India, Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. The International Culinary Tourism Association is the go-to resource for culinary travel information everywhere in the world.