About
Kent Narrows Waterfront: Working with the Travel Media, Policy and Guidelines
The KNDF will assist qualified journalists develop travel stories about the Kent Narrows Waterfront Region, and the attractions, accommodations, marinas, restaurants, dock bars, fishing and boat charter companies, local retail, and public trails, parks, and other travel-related businesses.
The KNDF has developed guidelines as a way of ensuring that all journalists receive equal treatment, and that each experience is as productive as possible.
For the purposes of these guidelines, we have divided journalists into two categories: a) those participating in a group familiarization tour organized and paid for by the state, county or regional and national destination promotion entities, and b) those traveling independently – either on assignment for a publication or on a freelance basis.
Journalist are asked to fill out the attached media request form. The form includes a request for copies or links to recently published travel stories and/or an assignment letter.
2. Journalists seeking assistance in planning an independent tour of the area must give the Foundation a minimum of two weeks’ notice of their intentions, and additional notice when requesting visits during peak season/holidays. This is a matter of courtesy to the private-sector partners (attractions, hotels, restaurants, event organizers, etc.) who will help make the trip a success, as well as an aid to scheduling PR staff time.
3. On a group press trip organized by the Maryland Office of Tourism (alone or in partnership with Capital Region USA, Queen Anne’s County, or another partner Destination Marketing Organization), all transportation will be provided.
Independent journalists will be responsible for their own transportation to, from and around Maryland.
4. A predetermined itinerary, accommodations, admission to attractions, expert guides and meals will also be included when available.
Staff will attempt to negotiate complimentary or reduced-rate arrangements for independent writers but cannot guarantee success. Arrangements for such writers will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and will often depend on seasonal availability, holidays, regional-wide events, tourism, and destination marketing office budgets, etc..
5. Complimentary accommodations will not include any incidentals (i.e., phone charges, non-complimentary WIFI, room service, in-room movies, spa services, laundry, parking, valet, tips, etc.)
6. Complimentary meals may or may not include alcohol depending on the policies of your host destination; typically, gratuity is not included, and will be the responsibility of the journalist.
7. Some destinations, businesses, events have VIP or media passes available for qualified journalists that will provide free entry to area attractions.
8. Most group press tours are space-limited by design; therefore, no spouses, children, parents, significant others, or friends may participate in an organized press tour unless specifically invited by your hosts.
Please be advised that journalists traveling independently who wish to bring a companion- friend, spouse, and/or family members may do at their discretion. However, the presence of these guests often makes it impossible for your hosts to negotiate complimentary admissions, accommodations, or meals. Such courtesies are wholly left to the discretion of our contacts at the attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and events, and, if they are unable to supply gratis services, the journalist agrees to be responsible for any costs incurred by the extra traveler(s).
9. Please note that any offer of assistance is extended to working media only. Photographers must have their own separate byline and be on assignment with the writer.
Travel expenses for significant others who accompany working media are not covered; the journalist or guest will be responsible for all associated costs for meals, admissions, guide costs, tips, etc. KNDF cannot provide any assistance if the primary purpose of your trip is for leisure or holiday travel with your friends and/or family.
10. As a matter of courtesy, the KNDF may requests that all journalists hosted may ask for qualifications if not pre-qualified through the Maryland Office of Tourism Development or other qualified Destination Marketing Organization. We ask that you send at least one copy of any article(s) or program(s) generated because of the visit. Details about circulation, reach, audience, and ad rates are appreciated as well.
11. The KNDF will provide content and photographs of the area at no charge if the KNDF is credited in a by line.
12. Please respect the privacy of our local businesses and their patrons. Refrain from walking into a business uninvited for the purpose of creating photos that will be used on commercial sites and other publications.
13. Due to the bridges, boat traffic and powerlines drone amateur drone photography is discouraged. FAA certified drone operators must abide by the FAA guidelines for the region.
Please be advised that this area is subject to unpredictable weather and high winds.
14. If you are photographing on the water, please wear appropriate boat shoes and protect your equipment with waterproof coverings.
15. The KNDF will be happy to review your content for accuracy at no charge and will attempt to review your materials in a timely manner. From time to time, we may put an expiration date on anything that is time sensitive, like a special event.
16. Film Production Companies and groups that plan to bring a production team into the area are advised to coordinate with the KNDF, the Queen Anne's County Office of Planning and Zoning on permitting issues, such as road closures, construction or anything that could attract large crowds to the area.
All requests are to go to:
Gigi Windley
info@kentnarrowsmd.com Kentnarrowsmd.com Facebook @kentnarrowswaterfront
Executive Director, Kent Narrows Development Foundation
425 Piney Narrows Rd.
Chester, Md 21619