The fifth annual Media Marketplace, held by MATPRA (Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance), is set for Aug. 4-7 at The Westin Annapolis hotel. About 75 travel writers will meet with representatives from destination marketing organizations (DMOs) to discuss story ideas related to regional travel.

The four-day event also features familiarization tours – known as Fams – that showcase Annapolis and parts of Anne Arundel County. They include a sailing expedition, a visit to Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, a food and history tour of Annapolis, kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay, a trip to the U.S. Naval Academy and an African-American heritage tour.

“We thank our partners in the public and private sector for working with us to make this event a destination showcase for Maryland tourism,” said Margot Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Tourism Office.

The Tourism Office will host several Fams before and after the Annapolis gathering. “We wanted to show the journalists other parts of the state,” said Connie Yingling, public relations coordinator for the Tourism Office.

“While they’re here, they can take advantage of the easy access to so many other interesting places in Maryland,” Yingling said. “And, these Fam tours should lead to many stories and programs that highlight Maryland as a travel destination.”

The Tourism Office has planned a culinary-based tour through Howard, Frederick and Washington counties that traces Civil War trails. A “Star-Spangled Banner City” tour will spotlight a variety of Baltimore restaurants. And, a third tour will feature Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels and Tilghman Island – “the Hamptons of the Chesapeake” – where participants can also dredge for oysters aboard a skipjack.