Each year we generate millions of pounds' worth of positive coverage of Britain in international and national media. This coverage is enormously effective in raising awareness of Britain, often resulting in direct enquiries and bookings. We send regular feature articles, news stories and photo material to thousands of newspapers, magazines and individual correspondents around the world, selecting and translating it where necessary for each market. Our new online press centre has already become an invaluable resource for journalists. You can help by sending us details of new products or services that are genuinely newsworthy for an international and domestic audience. You can also assist us with journalists' familiarisation visits by letting us know about developments in your area and by offering us complementary or discounted products and services. 10 tips on using the power of PR 1. Plan ahead. Sit down and write a PR plan, working out what you are going to do and when. One of the benefits is that it will allow you to schedule the long ‘lead time’ (notice) that some media require in order to feature news.
2. Write a press release. When you have some news to impart, it takes a lot to beat a punchy, well-written press release. Don’t forget to sent it to VisitBritain too!
3. Be prepared to host a journalist free of charge – but don’t give him/her special treatment as the media wants to sample your ‘product’ as it really is. Tell VisitBritain you are prepared to offer this facility.
4. Think superlatives. In the competitive media industry, journalists want to tell their readers about places, people and events that are really special. Don’t promote yourself until you are confident your product is up to scratch. Preferably with a unique selling point or USP.
5. Think out-of-the-ordinary. The media is more likely to give you coverage if you have something quirky or unusual to announce.
6. Prepare a press pack. Then you have everything ready to offer the media promptly if they request it. Don’t forget to include some hi-res images on CD.
7. Collaborate with people in the same line of business or locality. This way you could provide a stronger ‘story’ to the media.
8. Nominate a PR representative. Someone who is available to answer media enquiries and be a first point of contact. Put the details on all your releases and other PR correspondence. 9. Make use of VisitBritain’s publicity opportunities. Search for them using our on-line function. Click the ‘free’ button and it won’t even cost you! Search for VisitBritain's press & PR opportunities 10. Read VisitBritain’s helpful guide ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Maximising the Power of Publicity’ | 