RESEND / Afar - Where to Go December 2023

Pitches requested (apologies for potential duplication)

Dear All, 

Apologies for the duplication, but I’ve discovered an issue with Substack which has been preventing some folks from receiving my queries. I hope it has been resolved now.

I am resending as I would like to ensure I reach everyone with my request for my next Afar Where To Go column; thank you to those who have already submitted and please feel free to disregard – apologies for the duplication.

For everyone else: to recap – this package spotlights 10 destinations (countries, cities, islands) worth visiting in any particular month and gives specific news hooks as to why. We are looking for ideas for DECEMBER 2023.

I have created a Google form to which I’d appreciate submissions; entries via email cannot unfortunately be considered. 

The link to this month’s form is here:

https://forms.gle/V2ovpCde9w4wY2dA7

Please note: we cannot consider entries that are submitted via any other method than this form.

We love great news hooks - festivals, hotel openings, great weather et al - but the pitches that really land are the ones that take that hook and explain why the destination as a whole is compelling. 

The focus of these stories is always wide-reaching, so pitches that contextualize a hotel opening with other, local news hooks are both more compelling and much likelier to make the final cut. 

Please note: We can’t consider entries that do not complete every category. For example, “available upon request”/“upon request”/NA in the response for photographs won’t work and will mean we unfortunately can’t consider for inclusion; please include a hotl ink to assets with your submission.

NB: We may retain some destinations, and if you're pitching one that is already listed, please make that clear and show why your angle or news hook should replace the current entry.

LOGISTICS: Please -

Submit all info to me by 17h00 Eastern on Wednesday September 6. This deadline is firm and the form will be disabled at that time.

Feel free to pass on this email to anyone who might be able to offer useful input. Please do not cut and paste portions of this email, removing submission instructions or other relevant details if you do - unfortunately I have continued to receive submissions via forwards that omitted any helpful parameters, including the Google form link. 

Just a gentle reminder that following up is not necessary, and won’t be acknowledged since I receive so many pitches. Don’t call or Tweet at me - apologies in advance that I can't get back to everyone, but will definitely be in touch if I need more info. I assure you that I do read each and every pitch in full, as I respect and appreciate the time anyone takes to put one together.

Kind Regards, 

Mark