How to meet top travel journalists at World Travel Market. Tips for every budget.

Tips for contacting UK-based writers and organising a low-cost event

In this blog post we share tips on connecting with media, especially with World Travel Market 2014 fast-approaching. WTM is a vast static exhibition, but we strongly recommend becoming interactive. By enticing top journalists and travel media to your stand, as well as encouraging them to talk about it on social media, you can showcase your destination that much more effectively.

Connecting with travel journalists, no budget required…

• Spend a little time researching travel journalists who will be attending this year’s WTM. Join the WTM LinkedIn group and contribute to discussions, connecting with travel media. Make use of WTM’s exhibitor portal to connect with other attendees and set meetings in advance.

• Connect year-round with travel writers that you admire and notice in magazines and newspapers… read their articles, drop them an email or a LinkedIn invite, follow and tweet them, pay them compliments even if they’re not writing about your destination… yet.

• Use WTM as an opportunity to meet these media that you’ve already connected with online. You will already know about their outlets and interests; consider inviting them on a press visit to your destination or offer further tips on topics that they value. Before WTM, try to schedule a meeting at your stand or coffee or lunch for a more relaxed discussion.

The team at A Marr & Associates constantly meets and works with the UK’s travel media. Last year we organised a media party at WTM that was attended by top travel journalists. Our clients and our journalist contacts were equally delighted:

“AMA played an important role in helping us organise a Slovenia Tourism media brunch at this year’s World Travel Market. Their contact network proved invaluable and was exemplified by the quality of the guests – including editors and celebrities. The event proved to be much more creative, successful and less expensive than any WTM press conferences in previous years.” – Tine Murn, Head of Slovenian Tourism, UK

“My visit to the Slovenia stand was engaging and informative, providing an all-too-brief immersion in the country’s culinary delights, and the opportunity to meet individuals from the world of Slovenian travel… I would not hesitate to return next year if asked.” – Christopher King, The Sun

“The Slovenia event was interesting, informative and well organised. I look forward to either participating in a press trip or visiting the country independently.” – Aggie Mackenzie, TV personality and travel writer

A Marr & Associates can organise and manage your event

We would be delighted to help you with an amazing media event. Whether you would like to host a cocktail reception or afternoon tea on your stand, or hold a brunch event in the media centre. We can:

• Send out invitations to top travel and travel trade media
• Compile and manage the media guest list on your behalf
• Offer advice on location, catering and messaging for your event
• Provide advice and some copywriting for press materials (up to two pages)
• Remind media to turn up, and help you with meet and greet on the day
• Take photographs and provide these to you along with final guest lists and contactdetails and biographies of attendees.

Contact us to discuss how we can work with you to make sure that your attendance at WTM 2014 gives you maximum return on your investment. Email: [email protected] ; tel. +44 (0) 20 3556 2555.

A Marr + Associates have worked for destinations and National Tourist Offices – including Visit Wales and VisitBritain – for over 15 years.