Partner Content & Advertising Guidelines
About These Guidelines
Allegany County Tourism maintains content and advertising guidelines to ensure all materials published in our official visitor communications—such as the annual Visit Mountain Maryland Destination Guide and other promotional channels—reflect our mission, values, and standards of professionalism.
This page provides partners with a clear reference for eligibility, submission requirements, and review procedures.
Allegany County Tourism Content & Advertising Guidelines
Mission Statement
Allegany County Tourism fuels the local economy by connecting visitors to our trails, towns, and natural beauty—and by building partnerships that strengthen our community.
Scope
This policy applies to all advertising submitted for publication in the Visit Mountain Destination Guide, and/or including print, digital, and sponsored content created by Allegany County Tourism.
Purpose
To maintain the integrity and professionalism of Allegany County Tourism’s official publications—including the annual Destination Guide—and all promotional materials by ensuring content aligns with Allegany County Tourism's mission to promote inclusive, engaging, and economically beneficial tourism experiences.
1. Eligibility Criteria
a. Tourism Relevance
Submissions must:
- Align with Allegany County Tourism’s mission to increase overnight visitors (defined as traveling from 50+ miles) and drive visitor spending within Allegany County.
- Promote events, attractions, lodging, dining, outdoor recreation, cultural, retail, or services/experiences that encourage visitation to Allegany County.
- Demonstrate potential to contribute positively to the local economy through tourism activity.
b. Brand Alignment
Content and advertising should:
- Reflect the welcoming, inclusive and authentic values of Allegany County.
- Enhance Allegany County’s image as a desirable and high-quality tourist destination.
c. Quality Standards
All submissions must meet professional standards for:
- Visual and textual quality, including readability and design.
- Accuracy and clarity of information, including business name, location, contact details, and pricing (if applicable).
- File specifications as defined in the Visitor Guide advertising guidelines.
2. Prohibited Content
Submissions will be rejected if they:
- Contain discriminatory, defamatory, obscene, or inflammatory language or imagery.
- Promote political campaigns, religious messaging, or ideological agendas not aligned with Allegany County Tourism’s mission.
- Include false, misleading, or unverifiable claims.
- Include content that has previously been the subject of harassment or complaints.
3. Submission Process
- All advertising or content must be submitted by the specified deadlines.
- Submissions must include final artwork, text, and contact information in the required format.
- Allegany County Tourism reserves the right to request revisions, replacements, or clarification prior to publication.
4. Review and Approval
- Tourism staff will review all submissions for compliance with this policy.
- Decisions will be communicated in writing.
- Allegany County Tourism reserves the right to reject any submission or advertisement that does not meet the outlined criteria.
5. Appeals
- Submitters may appeal a rejection by providing a written request within 10 business days of notification.
- Appeals will be reviewed by the Director of Tourism, and a final decision will be communicated within 15 business days.
6. Enforcement
- Repeated violations of this policy may result in a temporary or permanent ban from submitting content.
- The tourism office will document all decisions and maintain records of submissions and communications.
7. Advertising Sales Disclaimer
- Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Allegany County Government or Allegany County Tourism.
- Allegany County Tourism reserves the right to limit ad placement, size, or quantity based on space availability and editorial balance.
- Advertising rates, deadlines, and specifications are subject to change annually.
Governance and Legal Authority Disclaimer
These established guidelines are administered by Allegany County Tourism. It provides consistent, transparent criteria for participation in official Allegany County Tourism publications and/or promotions.
Nothing in these guidelines shall be interpreted to create a contractual right or guarantee of inclusion. Allegany County Tourism retains full discretion to determine eligibility, approve, deny, or remove content in accordance with County policies, Maryland State law, and applicable federal statutes governing public communications and nondiscrimination.
All decisions and practices under this policy are made in accordance with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the government speech doctrine, which affirms the County’s right to control the content of its own official communications while maintaining viewpoint-neutral and non-discriminatory standards.
