There has been some interesting discussion about the press tour to the Gulf Coast and the "gushing" that went on by the travel writers who were sent there. Apparently the LA Times took issue with the positives that came from that trip. I have no idea what the writers saw on this press trip and if they reported their findings objectively. But let me tell you a bit about press trips and travel writers and how things ususally go.
Free Trips
Yes, travel writers are treated to all expenses paid trips. The CVB's hotels, and others who host the press trips hope that the writers will produce an article from the trip, but there is no requirement to do so. Quite often the writers are treated to excellent meals, fine hotels and more. This sounds a bit like a bribe but it really isn't. Travel writers are usually not well-paid. Many are free-lancers and never know where their next check is coming from. They absolutely would not be staying at the hotels, dining in the restaurants and traveling along the Gulf Coast without financial support. They flat out cannot afford it.
What Do They Report?
Travel writers, exposed to new destinations, hotels and restaurants, will probably find some very positive things to report on. After all, that is what the tour is going to show them. However, travel writers are professional journalists. They will not report positively what they do not feel positively about. There are journalism ethics and we do follow a code. We are not for sale.
LA Times Unfair
I believe the LA Times was a bit unfair in their report of the Gulf Coast press trip. Travel writers work hard during press trips and report on what they see. I do agree that their comments on how the oil spill crisis might have been over-played would prompt outrage among most of us. But their positive comments on lodging, meals and tourist destinations probably were well-founded. I'd be happy to join a press trip like this and see for myself!
What do others think?
I'm in agreement with you, Liz. Press trips that allow travel writers to experience destinations in ways they could not otherwise afford are much appreciated in our profession. But I can say that the trips I have been on have required a demanding schedule, advance preparation in order to get the most out of each stop, tons of note-taking and interviews. We are not there for vacation, the professionals I know hope that they will be able to place relevant stories with the publications they write for--it's business. The CVB's are doing their job in trying to bring their cities to our attention and we are doing ours in trying to report objectively. Our reputations as journalists depend upon it.
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