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.

WAYS WE CAN HELP MEDIA:

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. For accredited journalists on assignment, we can also offer:

1) Access to a private area of our intranet where you can download our electronic press kit, high-resolution JPGs of our logo and print-ready culinary tourism data graphs, data, staff photos, etc.

2) Matchmaking with Association members who fit your story criteria. You contact the Association members directly through our lead referral system. Our members cannot contact you without your permission. Your privacy is full preserved.

3) Free regular newsletters to help keep your finger on the pulse of what's going on with the world’s culinary tourism industry.

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 and tipping etiquette.

How do I participate in MediaMatch?
From time to time, our office will send out requests for information from journalists who have contacted our office. You reply to our request with your information. Please do not send more information than is requested. We regret that we cannot forward 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. 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. Send your information together in one email (no postal mail please) to the email address provided by the deadline above.

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

If many members submit a story idea, whose story gets picked first?
We try to fulfill the journalist’s request internally among our members if we can. If we cannot find examples and ideas within our Association membership, then we seek examples and ideas outside of our membership within the general culinary tourism industry.

When will my submission appear in print/on television?
There are never any guarantees with media. We usually include whatever you send when we fulfill media requests. 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 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 and Japan. I have also answered other media requests from Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. The International Culinary Tourism Association is the go-to resource for culinary travel information everywhere in the world.