Yes, magazines will often 'think up' a scheme that they feel is current and then research possible contributers. But this takes an awful lot of effort on there behalf and it has to be said that often these people are split into two types ....... the good ones, who are extremely 'overworked' and working on many articles / features and simply don't have the time to give adequate effort to a project like this .... and the bad ones, who are generally lazy and would much prefer people to come to them with ideas that they can take to the editor and claim 'sole copyright'How do you approach a magazine about this sort of thing? I thought these advertorials were centered around a "theme", requiring more than one business of the same kind in the article.
Take a look at the contact details of the magazine, they'll normally list the principle contact for each section or department. I normally contact the advertising manager.
Tell them that you're aware of the increase in popularity with the region your property is in, and that you'd like to 'share an idea' with them. You have a wonderful property with <sell features and benefits> and was wondering if they may like to 'give away' a weeks stay as a competition prize, in return for a 'little advertorial space'. In my experience i've never had anyone say no .......... i've had a few "we'll get back to you's" (and they have, after a 'prompter').
This would work best if you develop on your 'local association' theme. If in the advertorial, you can show a number of properties, all the better. Plus, if the demand is great you'll need somewhere to place the overspill. At all times though, ensure that all enquiries come through you.
To build on this, over the last few weeks a number of new routes have started up with Ryanair. Obviously I only really pay attention to the Italian routes, but for example .... they now fly from Doncaster and Liverpool to Pisa / Rome. I would be very tempted to contact the local press in Doncaster (Doncaster free press) and Liverpool (Liverpool Echo) with the offer. They'd then probably contact Ryanair to arrange a free flight deal and the whole thing would fill a page. It's 'current', 'newsworthy' and costs the paper nothing.
Many people 'play down' what they can offer through 'modesty' or 'lack of confidence', but if you have a quality property, in a sought after area, why not boast about it