O’Dwyer’s Profiles of & PR firms

The agency’s specialty travel notable recent achievements: practice offers highly personal- Multi-faceted PR campaign to ized account service and take Best Western through its SmarterPhD Marketing Solutions© milestone 60th Anniversary; 18- for internationally recognized month-long media relations clients such as Qantas Airways, campaign to celebrate Mesa Qatar Airways and World Verde National Park’s Airways. With a commitment to Centennial; Successful West partnership with clients, passion Coast launch of the Michelin for measurable results and cre- Guides in the San Francisco Bay ative communications solutions, Area, Los Angeles and Las AHCG helps clients achieve and Vegas. exceed their business goals, while maximizing brand aware- ness and share of voice in their BCA respective industries and mar- ketplace. The agency is a found- 370 Lexington Ave., 12th flr. ing member of the PR Agency New York, NY 10017 Network, with affiliate offices 212/286-9300 Agnes Huff Communications Group pilots Qantas in Boston, Chicago, , Los www.bca.travel Airways’ campaign to bring the anticipated Airbus A380 aircraft to Los Angeles on its maiden flight to Angeles, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C. James Cronin, President the U.S. Pictured from left to right are Airbus Lyla Naseem, PR Director Chairman Allan McArtor, Qantas Airways Senior Travel industry client experi- ence includes airBC, Executive Vice President Wally R. Mariani and Los BCA is a marketing communi- Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as they greet the Bahamasair, British Airways, aircraft shortly after touching down at LAX. FedEx, Los Angeles World cations firm that offers creative Airports, Loew’s Santa Monica solutions to results-oriented travel Beach , Mojave Airport, industry clients. Whether the full-service public relations, Singapore Airlines, Turkish solution involves public rela- tions, advertising, or interactive AGNES HUFF marketing and crisis manage- Airlines, Qantas Airways, Qatar ment firm established in 1995. Airways and World Airways, — or an integrated mix of all three COMMS. GROUP With more than 20 years of among others. — BCA brings over 20 years of experience serving a wide range expertise in the promotion of 6601 Center Dr. West, #100 of government agencies, local, travel products and destinations. Los Angeles, CA 90045 national and international ALLISON & The agency has an extensive net- 310/641-2525 clients in most major industries, work of contacts and sources AHCG has established expertise PARTNERS among media outlets (consumer Agnes Huff, PhD, President/CEO and trade), events and industry in special events, strategic pub- 450 Sansome St., #200 Harry Chittick, VP lic relations counseling, media groups. Over the years, BCA has Anna Jerden, Account Director San Francisco, CA 94111 relations, marketing, product 415/217-4500 worked for , , spas, Located in Los Angeles, Agnes launches, promotions and com- tour operators, airlines, luxury Huff Communications Group is a munity outreach. Since 2001, Allison & trains, and more in Europe, the Partners’ travel and tourism Caribbean, Africa, and the United division has been the corner- States. stone of its burgeoning con- sumer practice. The firm has BENNETT & conducted activities for a wide range of well-known brands COMPANY including Southwest Airlines, SideStep, Kimpton Hotel 230 N. Westmonte Drive, Ste. 1000 Group, Joie de Vivre and Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Travelodge. 407/478-4040 Allison & Partners’ current travel and tourism client roster Laura Phillips Bennett, President includes Best Western International (world’s largest Bennett & Company is cele- hotel chain), ARAMARK brating the agency’s 25th Harrison Lodging (collection of anniversary with expanded conference centers, hotels, services and an enhanced com- national parks and resorts mitment to our craft and our nationwide), the Michelin community. They say that once Guide (exclusive hotel and you’re in the hospitality busi- BCA sells its agency services a la carte, allowing it to work in AOR and non-AOR roles. Staffers Evelyn Galli and guides) and Affinity ness, you’ll never leave. You Sarah Woodruff oversaw South African Airways’ participa- Group, Inc. (serving the needs become permanently attached to tion at National Geographic's Experience Africa event in of the recreational vehicle mar- the people, the pace and the . ket). work. After decades of hotel Among the firm’s most and restaurant openings, new

22 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms corporate take-off’s (literally Our full-service capabilities allow because it was an airline!) and us to break away from the main- attractions attracting attention - stream by developing we’re hooked. programs/avenues that get clients There’s an enthusiasm and a noticed. For more information on love of the industry that shows CRA’s Tourism Practice Group, in our work. Known for cre- visit www.charlesryan.com. ative thinking, the agency is an award winner for its concepts, integrated marketing plans and CKPR compelling media materials. 225 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601 BURDITCH 312/540-9600 MARKETING COMMS. Peter Krivkovich, President & CEO Joel Curran, Managing Director 118 1/2 South La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90036 CKPR has a long history of 323/932-6262 developing break-through public With a name like Village of Imagine, located in the Fax: 323/932-1425 relations programs for some of epicenter of Orlando’s tourism corridor, a ho-hum grip the world’s leading travel destina- and grin news conference would not do. Bennett & Burditch Marketing tions and the companies that not Company hosted a ground turning event with more Communications - A Los only get you there, but make your than 250 media and VIPs with shovels of colored, Angeles based public relations stay more enjoyable. CKPR has glittering sand to mark the occasion. This unique and marketing agency with approach to the old standard “golden shovel” caught developed programs for the likes the eye and the cameras as the sand glittered in the global reach, fully integrating of Walt Disney World; Universal the disciplines of media rela- Florida sun. Unique development concept, prime Studios; Air Tran Airways; MGM real estate local, unmatched public relations. tions, entertainment industry Grand; and Hyatt, including relations, media and consumer Hyatt Place and Summerfield promotions, direct mail, execu- Suites. offices in New York and Los leading full-service marketing com- tive tours, events and strategic CKPR is the third largest inde- Angeles, a diverse team of 20+ munications agency specializing in alliance development. pendent agency in the nation and skilled professionals and a demon- the travel, hospitality and entertain- Specializing in targeting the has developed a reputation as the strated ability to generate exception- ment industries. As senior marketing upscale demographic for luxury agency destinations and compa- al results for our clients, Clifford PR strategist, agency principal Lori consumer products/services, nies turn to for non-traditional has won the respect of such distin- Moretti provides creative vision, hospitality, design, travel and brand building. Unlike traditional guished clients as Jaguar, Ligne strategic direction and hands-on per- tourism. practice groups, CKPR leverages Roset, CB2 and Metropolitan Home sonal service to clients. With in- Fall 2006 News: BMC hon- its proprietary brand planning Magazine, among many others. Our house capabilities in branding, pub- ored with League of American “Strategy Amplified” approach to current Travel & Tourism clients lic relations, graphic design, adver- Communication Professionals deliver measurable results that include Visit London – The official tising, direct mail, website develop- 2006 Spotlight Award for drive awareness, sales and brand visitor organization for London, ment and digital marketing, CM Print/Brochure Category. reputation. The agency is a char- Enclave Rising, The French Communications designs and imple- Silver Award for Stags Leap ter member of the Council of PR Embassy Trade Office and La Playa ments results-oriented integrated District Winegrowers Firms and ICOM, an affiliation of Encantada. Whether it’s because of marketing programs for clients Association Visitor’s Guide. independent communications our track record of creating media nationwide and abroad. By centraliz- firms across the world. relations programs that get results, ing marketing efforts under one roof, CKPR was named The Holmes our ability to provide knowledgeable CM Communications delivers pow- CHARLES RYAN Report’s 2007 “Consumer counsel, or our unwavering dedica- erful, cost-effective marketing solu- ASSOCIATES Agency of The Year,” is ranked tion to the success and profitability tions that ensure brand integrity and among the Top 15 PR Firms by of every campaign, our clients find campaign continuity while targeting us to be proactive, thoughtful, and domestic and international audi- 300 Summers Street, BBT Sq., #100 PR Week, and is one of PR Week’s Charleston, WV 25301 2007 “Agencies to Watch.” For highly effective partners. Beyond ences. CM Communications boasts 877/342-0161 more information on CKPR, visit that, we have created a culture of cre- an impressive and growing client www.ckpr.biz. ativity, meritocracy, and respect that roster which includes The inspires employees and clients alike. Wauwinet, Nantucket’s only Relais Charles Ryan, Chairman & CEO & Chateaux property; The Balsams, a grand hotel in New The perfect combination of CLIFFORD PR Hampshire’s White Mountains; strategic marketing and creative CM Matthews Hospitality Group, a col- savvy solutions has won Charles 286 Fifth Avenue, 11th floor New York, NY 10001 COMMUNICATIONS lection of ultra-elite properties Ryan Associates ten prestigious 212/358-0800 including The Palm House, a condo Travel Industry Association Fax: 212/358-0615 29 Newbury Street, Suite 302 hotel on Palm Beach Island, Fla. and Mercury Awards over the past eight Boston, MA 02116 Point Breeze, a new residential con- years. West Virginia Division of 617/536-3400 Mike Clifford, CEO & President dominium enclave with spa and din- Tourism, Virginia Tourism ing on Nantucket Island, Mass.; Corporation, Nevada Commission Founded in 1997, Clifford Public Lori Moretti, President Michael Caglianone, CFO Hotel Commonwealth, an independ- on Tourism, upscale resorts, golf Relations is an innovative, full-serv- Sarah Leaf-Herrmann, VP, ent luxury property in Boston’s destinations and many others have ice public relations firm. Since its Marketing & Public Relations Kenmore Square; The Liberty Hotel, relied on CRA to enhance their inception, the agency has handled Glenn McGibbon, VP, opening in prestigious Beacon Hill, marketing efforts with innovative every aspect of the launching, grow- Advertising & Production Mass. in late summer 2007; and The media kits, cutting-edge interactive ing and sustaining of numerous busi- Armenia Marriott Hotel in Yerevan, solutions, increased conversion nesses and organizations that repre- Now celebrating its 20th anniver- rates and lowered costs per lead. sent a wide gamut of interests. With sary, CM Comms. is New England’s \ Continued on page 24

ADVERTISING SECTION • JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM 23 Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms 2005 “Best Agencies” issue and firm, TippingSpring. ment assignments. CM Communications PRWeek awarded the firm its Evins has achieved great suc- Since 2005, Fleishman-Hillard’s Continued from page 23 “Editor’s Choice” distinction. cess for its travel and hospitality Travel and Tourism client base has Edelman’s PR-centric approach clients because we employ a mul- rapidly grown to include leading Armenia. CM Communications is brings together expertise from a tidisciplinary experiential international airlines, overseas and the recipient of numerous awards wide range of business practices lifestyle marketing communica- boards, luxury including the Adrian Award from the and industries. The Edelman net- tions and public relations para- destination resort properties, and Hospitality Sales & Marketing work also includes four specialty digm based upon the premise that major hotel chain brands. Association International, and the firms - Blue (advertising), First & “Consumer Adoption” is far more Bell Ringer Award from the New 42nd (management consulting), powerful and enduring than FRENCH / WEST / England Publicity Club. StrategyOne (research) and “Consumer Incursion.” We cat- BioScience Communications alyze and harness the power of VAUGHAN (medical education and publish- “Consumer Preference” rather DCI ing) - to provide clients with a than “Consumer Promotion” to 112 E. Hargett St. comprehensive spectrum of com- break through the competitive Raleigh, NC 27601 munications services. Edelman is clutter in the marketplace. 919/832-6300 215 South, 10th Flr. www.fwv-us.com New York, NY 10003 among the PR industry’s leaders Evins’ knowledge of the afflu- 212/725-0707 in developing client programs that ent marketplace and mindset is integrate new media platforms unparalleled. We have a unique Rick French, President/CEO and user-generated media such as understanding of, as well as the Lauren Taylor, Executive VP, Andrew Levine, President Partner Peggy Bendel, Senior Vice President blogs, podcasts, and social net- insights of how to market to, the David Gwyn, Executive VP, Partner Karyl Leigh Barnes, Vice President works. aspirational, inspirational, and Jack Glasure, Chief Marketing erudite traveler, as well as the Officer Development Counsellors influencer travel trade. The International (DCI) is the leader in EVINS results we have achieved for our French/West/Vaughan (FWV) is marketing places, representing more clients over the last twenty years one of the nation’s largest inde- than 350 countries, states, regions, COMMUNICATIONS speak for themselves. pendent public relations, public cities, CVBs and private sector affairs and emerging media agen- clients since 1960. 635 Madison Avenue cies. Headquartered in Raleigh, New York, NY 10022 FLEISHMAN - This year’s move to larger offices 212/688-8200 N.C., the agency also has offices in near Union Square encouraged the Fax: 212/935-6730 HILLARD and Tampa. expansion of DCI’s technological Founded in 1997, FWV celebrates capabilities and range of marketing Mathew L. Evins, Chairman & CEO 200 North Broadway its 10th anniversary this year. communications services, includ- Louise R. Evins, Vice Chairman & St. Louis, MO 63102 FWV’s dedicated travel and ing: branding, crisis communica- COO 314/982-1700 tourism practice boasts extensive tions, media relations, consumer www.fleishman.com destination marketing experience, Over the course of the last specializing in lifestyle and leisure promotions, media training and spe- John Graham, Chairman cial events, exclusively to travel and twenty years, Evins marketing and public relations. Communications has represented Dave Senay, President & CEO economic development clients. Diana Conconi, SVP & Partner, Travel and tourism industry experi- Current tourism clients include many of the world’s most preem- Canada ence includes work with Chile, Dubai, Northern Ireland and inent and prominent hotels, Della Sweetman, SVP, USA Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Cabarrus Tasmania; Pennsylvania; America’s resorts, spas and travel consortia, Ronald Wong, VP, Asia Pacific County, North Carolina – home to Byways; Acoma/Sky City (NM); including Bacara Resort & Spa, NASCAR’s Lowe’s Motor Denver, Finger Lakes (NY) Wine Cornelia Day Resort, Essex Fleishman-Hillard has developed Speedway; Oakland County, Country, Huntsville (AL), House Hotel, Four Seasons New a reputation as a results focused, Michigan; Tweetsie Railroad – Indianapolis, Metro Portland York, Hotel & Resorts of communications partner for its trav- North Carolina’s Oldest Theme Tourism Alliance, Greater Miami Halekulani, Hotel Bel Air, Hotel el industry clients. Over the years, Park; Branson, Missouri; the Old and the Beaches, St. de Crillon, Park Hyatt Hotels – the firm has represented a variety of Salem Moravian village in North Petersburg/Clearwater , Preferred Hotels travel- and tourism-related clients, Carolina; the Greater Raleigh CVB; & Visitors Bureaus; and Premier & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels & ranging from government tourism and America’s Historic Triangle, Tours. Resorts, The Lanesborough, The boards and associations, to airlines located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Mansion on Turtle Creek and Ty and cruise lines, to hotel chains, In addition to ranking as the Warner Hotels & Resorts. In theme parks, spas and resorts. nation’s 19th largest independently- addition, the Agency has repre- The Omnicom company special- owned PR firm, FWV was named a EDELMAN sented such industry innovators izes in distinguishing travel destina- 2006 finalist for PR Week maga- and pioneers as Exclusive Resorts 1500 Broadway tions and hotels by communicating zine’s “Midsize PR Agency of the New York, NY 10036 and Marquis Jet. their unique characteristics and Year” and was named the Holmes 212/819-4853 Evins has garnered numerous appeals in ways that relate to the Report’s 2004 National Consumer Fax: 212/704-0126 awards and accolades for its consumer’s lifestyle and build con- Agency of the Year. FWV works www.edelman.com brand marketing communications sumer confidence. with many of the world’s leading and lifestyle public relations pro- The firm develops and executes companies and brands, including Edelman is the world’s largest grams in the prestige travel and consumer programs involving part- the Global Water Foundation, the independent public relations firm, hospitality sectors. Most recent- ner/industry relations, media and Coca-Cola Company (Nestea, with 2700 employees in 48 offices ly, the Agency received the agent familiarization trips, speakers’ Gold Peak, Minute Maid, Dasani worldwide. The firm was named esteemed “Chairman’s Award” bureaus, grassroots marketing, spe- and Simply Orange), Ford Motor Number One Ranked Independent from The Leading Hotels of the cial events, and media relations. Company, Wrangler, the Justin PR Firm by O’Dwyer’s, PRWeek’s World for its development and These programs are supported by Boot Company, Canada Post, Large Agency of the Year for promotion of the Vera Wang Suite the relationships F-H professionals Speedo, Diageo (Bulleit 2006 and the Holmes’ Group’s at Halekulani, which was also maintain with influential travel writ- Bourbon), Pfizer, United States Large Agency of the year for voted the best hotel brand exten- ers and reporters. The firm has also Playing Cards, Gemstar-TV 2006. AdvertisingAge named sion in a survey by Brand Week created investment promotion pro- Guide, ASTROTURF and Edelman the best PR firm in its and the New York-based branding grams and handled crisis manage- bioMérieux.

24 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms (HAPR) is a boutique agency spe- launch of new hotels and resorts, cializing in travel, tourism and hos- marketing consultation, crisis com- pitality. HAPR’s clients have munication, speech writing and included foreign government tourist publishing services. boards, hotel chains, international Staff loyalty at KTCpr is unprece- airlines, tour operators, niche mar- dented in the industry. Out of the ket cruise lines, as well as leading company’s 10 employees, all but travel industry associations. The two have been with KTCpr a mini- agency’s immersion in the travel mum of five years, with four of and tourism business is perhaps best them at the company over 10 years represented by its over 20-year rela- each. tionship with the United States Tour A testament to KTCpr’s quality Operators Association. Among of work and the tireless dedication HAPR’s current clients are of the staff, clients are also very European Waterways, Europe’s loyal – Bolongo Bay Beach Club in leading luxury barge cruise compa- St. Thomas (17 years and the com- ny and the Student & Youth Travel pany’s first client), the Caribbean Association (SYTA). Tourism Organization (12 years), HAPR is headed by a team of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing seasoned PR professionals who are Association International (7 years), attuned to today’s multi-media .com (9 years) and La communications environment and Cabana Beach & Racquet Club in the latest technology for dissemi- Aruba (15 years). Other clients nating news. Years of experience include the Philippine Department have honed their skills at develop- of Tourism (2 years), the China ing media relationships and attract- National Tourist Office (2 years), ing the media’s attention. As a Victoria Cruises (7 years), Travel result, many travel editors, free- Impressions (2 years), Ritz Tours (7 lance journalists, and broadcasters years), Sceptre Ireland Tours (3 recognize HAPR as a credible, reli- years), Spice Island Beach Resort in able news source, and an effective Grenada (10 years), Blue Horizons communications bridge between Garden Resort in Grenada (10 them and their clients. The bottom years), Mango Bay in Barbados (8 line: over two decades of public years), Interval International (10 Cote de Pablo, star of CBS’s hit drama NCIS (in which relations success stories. years) and SureCruise.com. she plays an Israeli Mossad officer), recently visited Key placements over the years Israel as a guest of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, a have been TV exposure on campaign led by Geoffrey Weill Associates. KTCPR “Today,” “The Early Show” and local New York news stations as many clients who practice sustain- 77 North Centre Ave., Suite 215 well as coverage in The New York able tourism, many who have been Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Times, The Washington Post, The GEOFFREY WEILL forerunners in the field of eco- 516/594-4100 Los Angeles Times, Newsday, The tourism. WEILL staff members are Boston Globe, Travel + Leisure, ASSOCIATES Richard S. Kahn, President also involved in Global Kids, an Hilari Graff, Accounts Director Coastal Living and many more in 27 West 24th St. organization that works in NYC addition to all the major travel trade New York, NY 10010 schools to teach kids about interna- Kahn Travel Communications, publications. 212/288-1144 tional affairs and provide leadership also known as KTCpr, is a 17-year- skills. And, instead of traditional old public relations, marketing and Geoffrey Weill, President gifts to clients, WEILL KETCHUM Ann-Rebecca Laschever, SR VP publishing company formed by made donations in their names to Richard S. Kahn, former Editor-in- Eric Goldberg, Exec. VP AmericaShare and City-Meals-on- Tania Philip, VP Chief and Associate Publisher of 1285 Ave. of the Americas Janet Rodgers, VP Wheels. Travel Agent Magazine. New York, NY 10019 646/935-3900 Major hits in 2006-2007 include Kahn, having spent 22 years as a Geoffrey Weill Associates has exclusives in Architectural Digest reporter, writer and editor for news- Ketchum is a global PR seen a period of growth, in terms of and Travel+Leisure and the premier papers and magazines, has a strong agency with one of the world’s clients, staff and office space in the show of Trip of a Lifetime on the understanding and connection to leading brand marketing prac- last 18 months. New clients include Travel Channel. the media – the end game for any tices. Included in the practice is the Israel Ministry of Tourism, public relations agency. a travel and lifestyle specialty Taj/CC Africa, Orient-Express KTCpr was launched with a pur- group, which utilizes its expertise Trains and Cruises, Jet Airways, HERMAN pose – to be responsive to the media and creative programming to gar- Austrian Airlines, Ashford Castle, ASSOCIATES PR and act as a resource. In that way, ner the best results for its grow- Ireland; Merrion Hotel, ; St. the company has been able to sus- ing portfolio of clients. Based on Regis in Washington, DC; 470 Park Ave. S., 2nd Flr South tain a steady growth based on the years of expertise in the hotel, air- Panoramic Hotel in Iguazu, New York, NY 10016 success of achieving results, in large line, and cruise industries, the Argentina; and AquaExpeditions in 212/404-6550 part thanks to Kahn’s relationships professionals of the travel group Peru. Other clients include with the media. KTCpr employees are able to deliver outstanding MedjetAssist; Cape Grace Hotel in Paula Herman, CEO have all been indoctrinated into the results. Cape Town; Inkaterra, Peru; Pezula Stu Herman, President fold, and response time on media Ketchum’s travel clients Hotel Resort & Spa, South Africa; Mario Almonte, Account Director queries is basically zero. receive hands-on attention and Hassler Hotel, Rome; and Canadian Our expertise covers media rela- care of an “agency within an Mountain Holidays. Founded in 1986, Herman tions, the creation of promotions WEILL is proud to represent Associates Public Relations (print, radio and Internet), the \ Continued on page 28

26 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms based techniques. Current travel creative and assertive. LDPR calls clients include the U.S. Tour its methodology “media market- Operators Association (USTOA), ing,” reinventing the concept of the US PR, exploiting new technologies, Association, Gate 1 Travel, and searching for new solutions, work- African Travel, Inc. ing hand-in-hand with its clients’ marketing teams to achieve aston- ishing results and awards, reflected KWE GROUP this year with two HSMAI Platinum Adrian Award wins. 4425 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Ste. 260 Current clients include many of Coral Gables (Miami), FL 33146 the most prestigious destinations 305/476-5424 and resorts in the world: Australia, Fax: 305/476-5434 Scotland, Montréal, the island of Mustique, Curtain Bluff in Antigua, Karen Weiner Escalera, President The Ritz-Carlton resorts in Orlando and CEO and Naples, Marriott International, and RockResorts among others. For over 28 years, first in New KWE Group’s new celebrity service spearheaded a York City and now in Miami, KWE star-studded anniversary celebration for Riviera Group has been among the nation’s Maya’s Paraiso de la Bonita. Pictured (L to R) is Teri LOU HAMMOND & leading travel and tourism public Hatcher, star of Desperate Housewives, and Karen ASSOCIATES Weiner Escalera of KWE Group. relations and marketing experts. We counsel organizations on how to develop and exploit their marketing 39 E. 51st Street New York, NY 10022 strengths and tap into the lifestyle 212/308-8880 Ketchum KUNDELL trends of luxury travelers. From www.louhammond.com Continued from page 26 luxury resorts and destinations to COMMUNICATIONS tour operators, airlines, spas and Lou Rena Hammond, Founder / agency” with the bonus of access to niche travel products, KWE devel- Chairman resources of a global public rela- 330 Madison Avenue, 6th Flr. ops strategies for clients to standout Stephen Hammond, President tions firm. The team has a broad New York, NY 10017 Terry Gallagher, Executive VP 212/877-2798 or 646/495-5300 in the ultra-competitive travel and range of capabilities, such as tourism business. We help clients celebrity and third-party spokesper- www.kundellcommunications.com A dedication to both substance determine what to do and what to and style has made Lou Hammond son relations, negotiation of strate- say. When appropriate, we apply a gic partnerships and endorsements, Linda Kundell, President & Associates (LH&A) a leading rigorous, fast-paced process to iden- travel and lifestyle agency since issues and crisis counseling, media tify what special services, facilities Kundell Communications pro- 1984. Experience, independence, a training, entertainment and sports and marketing programs should be vides strategic counseling, market- commitment to client service, and marketing, full service graphic and offered to consumers by clients. ing communications, editorial con- award-winning results are hallmarks video design, and new media And when it comes to executing tent, speechwriting and media rela- of the company. expertise. Furthermore, the group PR/marketing campaigns, no one is tions services including print, Under the leadership of Chairman has built relationships with key more effective at maximizing client broadcast, and new media. and Founder Lou Rena Hammond national media and travel trade out- visibility through publicity, promo- Specializing in travel, tourism, hos- and President Stephen Hammond, lets, focused on securing high pro- tions, special events and specialized pitality and lifestyle accounts, the the agency’s 40 employees offer file results for clients in the print, B2B campaigns. New this year: firm is backed by a network of sen- expertise in public relations, public broadcast, and online arenas. KWE Group launched its new ior-level, independent associates. affairs, crisis management, market- Present clients include: Canyon celebrity service, as well as an inter- The firm’s public speaking division ing communications and special Ranch, Carnival Cruise Lines, Delta nationally syndicated luxury travel provides performance-driven train- events. LH&A boasts a blue-chip Air Lines, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and lifestyle trends newsletter and and the SkyTeam Airline Alliance. ing and coaching using theatre- roster of clients, with special focus blog. The firm is also a founding on premium travel products, destina- member of Tourism Trademark, the tions, real estate and hotels/resorts. first global marketing communica- Home décor, retail, culinary and tions network of independent agen- other lifestyle accounts are also cies specializing in travel. major areas of LH&A’s profile. The firm’s travel and luxury lifestyle experience has aided in LAURA DAVIDSON landing and servicing an influx of PUBLIC RELATIONS clients in the high end-real estate industry. Buyers of luxury first and 72 Madison Ave., 11th flr. second homes are increasingly opt- New York, NY 10016 ing for amenities, design, and com- 212/696-0660 fort that are on the order of five-star hotels and resorts. New LH&A Laura Davidson, President clients in this arena include: Great Leslie Cohen, Executive VP Camps, in the pristine mountains of Meghna Patel, SVP North Carolina; Promontory, a pri- Lisa Caruso, VP vate, legacy-home community in Park City, Utah featuring legendary Venturing beyond the limits of skiing and world class golf; and conventional PR, LDPR is a leader Tivoli Properties and Mezzo in LDPR team supports local community soup kitchens by of a new breed of PR agency – lean, planting vegetable garden at Bissel Gardens in the Bronx. , which specialize in upscale fast, enthusiastic, smart, visionary, vertical communities.

28 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms LH&A’s travel practice continues result of providing clients respon- to thrive – and grow. The firm’s sive, individualized, intelligent impressive list of prominent clients and energetic marketing and PR has been joined recently by One services. Key, a high-end and innovative des- ML&C’s travel, tourism and tination club, and Remote Lands, hospitality practice encompasses offering luxury bespoke travel and national, regional and local cam- private jet journeys accompanied by paigns for large organizations, celebrity speakers to Asia. nationally recognized resorts, Joining the hospitality practice award-winning and are Sofitel Hotels & Resorts with hotels and individual tourist des- over 200 properties worldwide, The tinations. Emerson Resort and Spa, Grand The firm has initiated cam- Cascades Lodge, The Greenbrier, paigns, grand openings, media The Mount Washington Resort and relations, promotional activities, The Tudor Hotel. special events, strategic market- Also in the airline world, the ing and media training programs agency recently helped for Travel Michigan, Northwest MDP’s press trip to launch the new Girlfriends’ Flyglobespan launch new service to Airlines, Shanty Creek, Boyne Getaway program for the Wayfarers took journalists Ireland West Airport Knock from USA Resorts, Detroit Zoo, to beautiful New Mexico. New York and Boston. These new Townsend Hotel, and Detroit flights represent the first time travel- Science Center. Clearwater and the Beaches; Lake launching its new Trip ers from the States have direct Established in 1987, ML&C Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana, Recommendations module, the access to the beautiful West and has more than 35 PR pros. and Tourism British Columbia. first such comprehensive online Northwest of Ireland. Other clients include French travel feature. Country Waterways luxury barge Additional M Booth travel MDP PUBLICITY tours, Go Ireland (tours in Ireland); clients include easyCruise, (sailing LUCKIE Memorable Costa Rica (tours in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and STRATEGIC PR 21 East 87th Street, #5A Costa Rica); Physical Advantage Aegean, and rivers in Belgium and New York, NY 10128 (massage spa); and Corinne The Netherlands), U.S. Virgin 600 Luckie Drive, Suite 150 www.mdppublicity.com McCormack Eyewear. Islands Department of Tourism, , AL 35223 917/359-3512 Turkish Ministry of Culture & 205/ 877-9870 Fax: 212/534-3227 Tourism, MGM MIRAGE (Las [email protected] www.luckie.com M. BOOTH &ASSOCS. Vegas), and the international visi- Meryl D. Pearlstein, President tors centers of Champagne Piper- Brian Pia, SVP & Director Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck, Jim Taylor, Account Director 300 Park Avenue South, 12th Flr. MDP Publicity specializes in the New York, N.Y. 10010 Masi Wines, and The Macallan, hospitality, travel, food and 212/481-7000 Highland Park and The Famous Luckie Strategic Public Relations Fax: 212/481-9440 is ranked #30 on the O’Dwyer’s list lifestyle industries, representing Grouse Scotch whiskies. distinctive tourism clients includ- [email protected] of top travel PR operations in the www.mbooth.com U.S. The firm’s work on Alabama ing luxury hotels and resorts, Bureau of Tourism’s Year of restaurants, destinations and tour Margi Booth, President MIDDLETON & Alabama Food campaign won a operators. Joan Brower, Sr. Vice President GENDRON Travel Industry Association The Agency is known for its Joan Bloom, Sr. Vice President Mercury Award for special promo- expertise in media relations includ- ing media tours, media receptions The Travel & Lifestyle Practice 545 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1000 tion. Luckie PR team experience New York, NY 10017 includes: Alabama Bureau of and marketplaces, deskside meet- at M Booth integrates tourism and 212/ 980-9060 Tourism and Travel, Alabama ings and press trips. Elegantly hospitality expertise with leisure www.mg-pr.com Department of Conservation, Six written press and editorial materi- products and lifestyle experiences Flags over Georgia, Six Flags Great als, for distribution and publica- that are essential partners in today’s Yvonne Middleton, Chairman America near Chicago, as well as a tion, are another agency hallmark. travel environment. Clients include Mary Gendron, President Additional capabilities include destinations, hotels/resorts, spas, Burns Patterson, Executive Vice number of Marriott Resort Hotels. President The Luckie PR team has a track marketing-based public relations, tour operators, cruise lines, travel brand awareness programs, prod- Internet sites, and luxury brands in record of getting high profile cover- There have been many age in USA Today, The Wall Street uct launches and relaunches, photo wine, spirits and gourmet food. shoots, special events, promotional The agency’s newest practice uti- remarkable years in the agency Journal, CBS Early Show, NBC’s life of Middleton & Gendron Today, Budget Travel, in-flight mag- and marketing partnerships, and lizes new media to reach con- niche marketing. sumers, providing tourism clients Brand Communications – but azines and local media coverage in 2007 stands apart. key drive markets. The Agency works closely with with added value. its clients to develop targeted pro- Among noteworthy activities in For the agency itself – the grams such as girlfriend getaways 2007: M Booth promoted the $550 year began on a high note, as for the Wayfarers walking tours, million expansion of Harrah’s chairman Yvonne Middleton MARX LAYNE Hastings House in British Atlantic City, unveiling a 4-acre was honored by HSMAI with Columbia, and Triple Creek Ranch domed pool, entertainment com- the Winthrop W. Grice Lifetime 31420 Northwestern Hwy., #100 (Relais & Châteaux, Montana); the plex and one of the largest Achievement Award for Public Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Relations Excellence. Agency 248/855-6777 culinary reinvention of Grace Bay Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas in www.marxlayne.com Club with Chef Gerry Gnassi; the the country; orchestrated a major campaigns for Eos Airlines, launch of the new Grand Spa and NYC media event for the Myrtle Orbitz.com and Mohegan Sun Michael Layne, Partner newly upgraded resort at Tabacón Beach Area of South Carolina and also earned honors. Grand Spa Thermal Resort in 3-state tour resulting in press cover- M&G’s reputation for excel- Marx Layne & Co.’s success in Costa Rica; and exciting media age and visits; and gave Yahoo! the travel and tourism sector is a events for St. Augustine, Travel record-breaking visibility by \ Continued on page 30

ADVERTISING SECTION • JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM 29 Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms include the creation of coast954, an innovative NYC pop up store MMG MARDIKS designed to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale, a client for 20+ years; an 245 Fifth Avenue, Suite 902 award winning Explore Chinatown New York, NY 10016 212/219-7560 NYC campaign to restore this area of www.mmgmardiks.com lower post 9/11; the repo- sitioning of the iconic Biltmore hotel Charles Mardiks, Managing Director in Miami; the rebranding of the city Mara Begley, Vice President of Baltimore; and the creation of the Lauren Garvey, Vice President World’s Largest Cruise Night for Cruise Lines International MMG Mardiks is a creative col- Association that helped generate laboration of some of the sharpest thousands of dollars in cruise book- minds in travel and tourism public ings across the country. Another relations. A subsidiary of MMG achievement that garnered nation- Worldwide, a global marketing wide attention was the promotion of communications agency serving a once-in-a-lifetime experience for MMG Mardiks launched the “Hertz Rent-A-Racer” pro- many of the world’s premier travel, renowned physicist Stephen gram in 2006, which resulted in major coverage gen- tourism and hospitality brands, Hawking aboard a Zero-Gravity erating more than 200 million impressions. Carroll MMG Mardiks is a travel-focused flight. The special event generated Shelby, auto racing legend and founder of Shelby strategic communications firm with major network feature segments and Automobiles (right) joins Frank Camacho, Staff Vice personalized senior-level service worldwide front page coverage. President, Marketing, Hertz (left) and Lisa Diliberto, and a depth of large agency Senior Director, Marketing Communications (center) MSA has received more than 270 resources. MMG Mardiks offers awards for excellence, and agency in unveiling the Shelby Mustang GT-H at the New York comprehensive public relations, International Auto Show. principals Morris Silver and Virginia media relations and marketing com- M. Sheridan, have been honored munications services, as well as cri- with Lifetime Achievement awards Resorts, an M&G client, come sis communications, event market- to life. Schloss Velden, a by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Middleton & Gendron ing, sales promotion, partnership Association (HSMAI). Capella Hotel, opened in May in marketing, viral marketing and Continued from page 29 Velden, Austria to wide acclaim. Current clients include American product placement. Clients include: Express, Baha Mar Ltd., Cable lence in the travel and lifestyle Capella Castlemartyr, in Ireland, Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines, is set for an August opening. Beach Resorts, Cruise Lines sectors proved compelling – and Regent Hotels and Resorts, Hertz International Association, very current- for a range of new At M&G, a passionate team of Corporation, Rezidor SAS Connecticut, Greater Fort clients who have enlisted M&G PR professionals combines Hospitality, Carlson Hotels Lauderdale, Emirates Airline, as a PR partner in 2007. These unparalleled media relationships Worldwide, Midwest Airlines, Jumeirah Hotels, Ritz-Carlton hotels include: Trump Hotel with specialized expertise in Travel Guard International, Elegant in the Caribbean and Florida, Riviera Collection, Sea Island Resorts, news bureau operations, promo- Hotels of Barbados, Sarasota Nayarit, Sol Melia, Paradisus Flight Options, Whiteface tions, event planning, new Convention and Visitors Bureau, Resorts, Victory Dallas and Zero- Lodge, The Colonnade, and media and crisis management. Colorado Tourism Office, Elite Gravity Corporation. Ocean Reef Club, among others. The agency’s overriding focus is Traveler, The May Fair Hotel, MSA is a member of the It has also been gratifying in to build brands by forging an Remington Hotels and Hyatt Worldcom PR Group, a worldwide 2007 to see Horst Schulze’s emotional connection between Regency Tamaya Resort. alliance of some 104 partners in 88 vision for Capella Hotels and client and constituents. cities on 6 continents. M. SILVER MWW GROUP ASSOCIATES One Meadowlands Plaza 747 Third Avenue, 23rd Floor East Rutherford, NJ 07073 New York, NY 10017 201/507-9500 www.msilver-pr.com www.mww.com Morris Silver, Chairman & CEO Virginia M. Sheridan, President Michael W. Kempner, President Rosalie Hagel, Executive VP and CEO For more than 30 years, M. Silver For more than 20 years, MWW Associates has distinguished itself in Group has developed destination travel and tourism, luxury lifestyle marketing, travel public relations and consumer products and services, and lifestyle communications providing customized, highly programs for organizations impactful and cost-effective PR, worldwide. marketing and branding programs. Whether it’s brand building or The agency’s client base includes creating innovative travel experi- government tourist boards, min- ences, MWW Group specializes Zero Gravity Corporation flew world-renowned physi- istries of tourism, convention and in developing PR initiatives that cist, cosmologist, and best-selling author Professor visitors bureaus, hotels/resorts, air- re-energize destinations and Stephen Hawking into weightlessness on April 26, lines, cruise lines, attractions, and increase market share. Our team performing eight parabolas, out of the Kennedy Space industry associations. M. Silver is of travel industry experts offers Center. It was the first time Professor Hawking, the headquartered in New York with a strategic counsel that connects world’s leading expert on gravity, had an opportunity to experience zero gravity. Fort Lauderdale, Florida office. tourism brands with leisure- and Recent notable achievements business-minded consumers.

30 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms We represent a diverse roster of Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming; travel organizations, including St. Lucia, West Indies; St. Regis Visit Scotland Business Tourism Resort, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Unit, Cape May Tourism Board, The Camelback , a JW Washington Winegrowers Marriott Resort and Spa, Commission, Meadowlands Scottsdale, Arizona; The Dylan Xanadu, Continental Airlines, Hotel, Dublin, Ireland; The California Travel Industry Franklin, New York; The James Association, Time Warner Center hotels, Chicago; The Langham and Gateway to LA and more. Hotel, Hong Kong; The Mansfield, New York; The Pod Hotel, New York; The Ritz- NANCY FRIEDMAN Carlton, Rancho Mirage Resort & PUBLIC RELATIONS Residences, Rancho Mirage, California; The Shoreham, New 304 Park Ave. South, Suite 200 York; The Pollard, Red Lodge, New York, NY 10010 Montana; The Residences at The 212/228-1500 Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage; www.njfpr.com West Caicos Reserve, Turks & [email protected] Caicos Islands; Westin Hotels and Resorts. Nancy J. Friedman, President Kristen Hammer, Senior VP NEW WEST For 20 years, NJFPR, has pro- 950 Breckenridge Lane vided targeted, strategic and effec- Louisville, KY 40207 tive public relations campaigns 502/891-2500 for clients in the travel, hospitality Fax: 502/891-2514 and lifestyle industries. Media www.newwestagency.com specialists and savvy strategists, the agency leaves no stone Rebecca Simpson, Nancy Friedman and team enjoying multiple awards for unturned when it comes to creat- Principal/CEO public relations excellence at the 2007 HSMAI awards. ing and executing award-winning Tom Howell, Principal/COO PR programs. We combine ments, shopping centers and related and, perhaps most proudly, the focus, passion and integrity with New West specializes in brand projects. Novom approaches PR world-renowned Atlantis Resort & industry expertise and a national development, market expansion from the viewpoint of both market Casino (Paradise Island, The network of media relationships to and reputation management. Its positioning and driving revenue for Bahamas), which began with re- give our clients the recognition staff has worked with two differ- clients. The agency is known to branding the property and evolved they merit and enable their busi- ent state tourism programs, the guide clients from inception to into a 12-year relationship. nesses to grow. Visitors and Convention Bureau completion, providing valuable We helped introduce Turnberry Clients include: Apple Core of one of America’s Top 10 con- marketing input, creating signature Associates to Las Vegas and estab- Hotels, New York; Comfort Inn vention cities, one of Florida’s services, and delivering outstand- lished the company as a “player” Midtown; Super 8 Hotel Times major destination cities, plus ing publicity placements. Having through creative representation Square; La Quinta Inn Manhattan; hotels and attractions. The firm is served over 100 clients since 1993, including “The Ride,” an interac- Ramada Inn East Side; Red Roof responsible for the successful the agency also serves as the West tive, multi-media tour that wowed Inn Manhattan; Borgata, Atlantic branding and marketing cam- Coast office of Yesawich, Las Vegas audiences. The efforts City; Cooperstown, New York; paign for the state of Kentucky. Pepperdine, Brown & Russell, the resulted in such additional projects Village of: The Otesaga; The Over the last three years, the leading marketing agency for trav- as Signature at MGM Grand and Cooper Inn; Fenimore Art Unbridled Spirit Campaign has el and leisure companies. the new Town Square at Las Vegas. Museum: The Farmer’s Museum; helped boost the economic O’Connell & Goldberg is an inde- The National Baseball Hall of impact of tourism on Kentucky’s pendent, full-service public rela- Fame and Museum and economy by 23.8 percent to $10 O’CONNELL & tions firm established in 1993 by Glimmerglass Opera; Canoe Bay, billion a year according to the GOLDBERG Jim O’Connell and Barbara Relais & Châteaux, Chetek, Travel Industry Association. Goldberg. We consistently rank New West clients include gov- Wisconsin ; Desert Springs JW 450 North Park Road, Suite 600 among the top independent PR Marriott Resort & Spa, Palm ernment, healthcare, industrial, Hollywood, FL 33021 firms of our size nationwide. Our Desert, California; Hotel commercial, business to business 954/964-9098 top priority is helping clients reach Gansevoort, New York; and consumer companies and www.oconnellgoldberg.com their primary business objectives Gansevoort South, Miami; organizations. and dozens of travel/tourism clients Gansevoort South, Condo Hotel Jim O’Connell, Principal have benefited from that philoso- Units; JW Marriott Starr Pass NOVOM MARKETING Barbara W. Goldberg, Principal phy. Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona; Our strengths lie in a “What If?” JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort 8033 Sunset Blvd., #863 We know travel & tourism. We approach to PR. This ability to & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona; Hollywood, CA 90046 have successfully represented view clients from entirely different Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton 323/882-8333 major hotels, including the first perspectives results in out-of-the- Reserve, West Caicos, Turks & Ritz-Carlton to open in Miami as ordinary campaigns that generate Caicos Islands; Occidental Hotels Novom Marketing is an integrat- well as the legendary Fontainebleau attention. Particularly recognized & Resorts (Caribbean and ed hospitality marketing and public Miami Beach and under-develop- for our creative flair, we were the Mexico); Palm Desert, California; relations firm with expertise in pro- ment Fontainebleau Las Vegas. only Florida firm to receive two Quikbook.com; Spring Creek viding winning programs for luxu- The O’Connell & Goldberg imprint awards in the same year from PR Ranch and The Wilderness ry hotels and resorts, tourism desti- also is evident at Pelican Grand Week for orchestrating headline- Adventure Spa at Spring Creek nations, resort real estate develop- Beach Resort, Noble House Hotels grabbing events.

ADVERTISING SECTION • JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM 31 Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms capabilities. firm’s partners. Everyone gets The firm also is widely regarded for reviewed and participates in train- its lifestyle marketing practices ings. We are as disciplined and reaching targeted women and men’s service-oriented as we are creative. demographics. The firm has exe- Don’t take our word for it! cuted PR campaigns that include Here’s what our clients have to say: viral and grassroots marketing, “Once in a career, you should be online influencer/blogger outreach, fortunate enough to work with a and other new communications company like Quinn & Co.! Their strategies that reach the consumer ability to truly understand and com- where they live, work and play. municate the ‘WOW’ and drive A subsidiary of the Cossette media buzz is second to none.”… Communication Group, PainePR “22 million impressions in one has core offices in New York City, month!!!” … “Their level of Los Angeles, Boston and Orange expertise combined with their County (Irvine), Calif. knack for the unique and creative delivers the perfect choice for a PR agency.” … “You have fantastic QUINN & CO. creative ideas!!!” … “They are an essential part of our success and a 520 8th Ave. true partner.” New York, NY 10018 Members of the Quinn & Co. Travel DreamTeam 212/868-1900 celebrate top honors at HSMAI Awards. Fax: 212/465-0849 [email protected] REDPOINT MARKETING PR within the travel and tourism cate- Florence Quinn, Founder/President gory, with a broad range of experi- Carla Caccavale Reynolds, 161 Ave. of the Americas, Ste. 1305 PAINEPR ence working with the airline indus- Partner/Travel New York, NY 10013 try, hotels, visitor bureaus and more. John Frazier, EVP/Travel 212/229-0119 19000 MacArthur Blvd., 8th Floor PainePR is current agency of www.redpointpr.com Irvine, CA 92612 record for Hilton Garden Inn, the Quinn & Co. produces results- 949/809-6854 oriented travel PR work that is Victoria Feldman de Falco, Principal www.painepr.com fastest growing brand in the Hilton Christina Miranda Diaz, Principal portfolio of hotel properties. In strategic, creative and goal-orient- Maria Andriano, Senior VP Daryl McCullough, CEO addition, the firm created and exe- ed. Our innovative initiatives Gabriella McNamara, Senior VP Eric Borsum, GM, Los Angeles cuted the award-winning launch of enhance the brand and garner sig- Agatha Siegel, Vice President Beth Balsam, GM, New York Shuttle by United and conducted nificant publicity in leading media Justin McCarthy, VP Business international launch activities sur- outlets with a high return on invest- Specializing in travel, hospital- Development rounding the delivery of the first ment. ity, interior design, and home fur- PainePR, regarded as one of the Boeing 777 aircraft to United Our initiatives have been recog- nishings, Redpoint is a full service nation’s leading mid-sized firms, Airlines. Our specialties include nized by peers and journalists. We marketing PR firm with an entre- has a reputation for delivering pre- strategic counsel and media rela- won the prestigious HSMAI Best preneurial style, brand building mier client service, creative pro- tions, international and national of Show Award (best travel PR expertise, and a passion for gramming and strategic brand launch events, crisis communica- campaign worldwide) the last two results. building. The firm has more than tions and influencer marketing, and years in a row as well as the 2007 Select hospitality clients two decades of ongoing experience fully integrated diversity/Hispanic Gold Bulldog Award for Tourism. include Princess Cruises, Cunard We create the concepts that drive Line, Loews Hotels, Affinia the publicity. Hospitality, Swissotel Hotels & Our considerable media contacts Resorts, The Principality of complement our creative abilities Monaco, The Regency (NY), The to produce optimum PR results. Benjamin (NY), The Sagamore We consistently make important Resort, TAG Galyean AIA, New placements in leading media out- England and Resorts lets, including cover stories and Association, The Loews hard-to-get TV segments. Philadelphia Hotel, Global Our clients include brands such Rescue, WineCountry.com, and as The Waldorf=Astoria Gateway Canyons Resort. Collection, Club Med, Conrad Redpoint executives bring a Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, “nose for news” to every client Aruba Tourism Authority, challenge, ensuring that market- kayak.com and Qatar Airways; ing ideas have just the right dash individual branded hotels (Westin, of risk to make them significantly Sheraton, Hilton, JW Marriott, newsworthy without being opera- Renaissance, Marriott, Regent and tionally challenging to implement. Loews); independent hotels in the Feature media coverage for US, the Caribbean and worldwide; clients includes national and inter- To commemorate the Queen Mary 2’s San Francisco as well as tour operators and other national outlets including the maiden call on February 4th, Redpoint Marketing PR travel-related entities. Today Show, Good Morning orchestrated an event that drew hundreds of thou- The Quinn & Co. culture of America, TV Food Network, sands of spectators to witness the ship make history teamwork, innovation and accessi- BBC-Worldwide, CNN, USA as the largest vessel to sail under the Golden Gate bility fosters a highly productive Bridge. National media coverage of the event Today, The New York Times, Wall reached more than 50 million consumers in one day. atmosphere among the 32+ profes- Street Journal, Newsweek, Time sionals, from account staff to the and more.

32 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms combines these integrated marketing Pamela Sawchuk Brown, strategies with media relations to President & CEO communicate brand attributes to Shane Williams-Ness, VP consumers through the power and Elizabeth Mankin, Assistant VP influence of entertainment. Current and past clients have Sawchuk Brown Associates included American Airlines, Miami (SBA) has a Lifestyle Practice that Convention & Visitors Bureau, serves travel and tourism clients’ Miami Boutique Hotels, The Islands diverse needs through strategic of the Bahamas, Canadian Tourism media relations, crisis communica- Commission, Fiji Audio/Visual tions, government relations and Commission, Qantas, Royal issues management, branding cam- Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and paigns, integrated marketing, event Condé Nast Traveler magazine. planning, reputation management and public awareness campaigns since 1979. RUDER FINN Recent experience includes devel- oping the “We Are Tech Valley. We Dave Price, host of CBS’ The Early Show, raced a former 301 East 57th Street Are the ” pride campaign, America’s Cup yacht in the famed sailing waters of New New York, NY 10022 launching The Saratoga Hotel & Zealand, a trip spearheaded by Spring, O’Brien. During CBS’ 212/593-6400 Conference Center and Albany’s 74 “All-Access” series, Price trekked by horseback high in the www.ruderfinn.com State hotel, work with Warren Atlas mountains of Morocco; practiced martial arts with a County Tourism, promoting the kung fu master in Hong Kong; and swam with dolphins. Gail L. Moaney, APR, Executive Saratoga Rowing Association’s row- VP/Director, Travel & Economic Development ing championship regatta, marketing Hotel 1000, Willows Lodge, communications for the Lodge at RICHMOND PUBLIC Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & For more than 55 years, Ruder Echo Lake, promoting the Spa); Rosario Resort & Spa; Salish Finn has identified and met the com- Downtown Albany “Worth RELATIONS Lodge & Spa, Sheraton Seattle Hotel munications and marketing chal- Discovering Since 1609” initiative, & Towers; Skamania Lodge; The lenges of the travel industry. The work on the French and Indian War 1411 Fourth Ave., Suite 610 Lodge at Suncadia; Tourism Walla Agency has developed results-driv- Commemoration and projects for Seattle, WA 98101 Walla; and Wenatchee Valley CVB. en programs for domestic and inter- Albany International Airport. The 206/682-6979 Previous travel clients have national travel-related clients, firm also has worked with Empire www.richmondpr.com included: Kimpton Hotel Group including national and regional State Plaza , Louis B. Richmond, CEO properties in Seattle and Portland; tourism organizations, hotel and Albany City Bicentenary, Lorne S. Richmond, President Starwood Hotels & Resorts; The lodging establishments, individual Albany Tulip Festival, Rensselaer Kirsten A. Bell, Senior Account Westin Seattle; Monterey Bay Inn; resorts and attractions, international County Historical Society, Dressage Manager/Travel Harvest Inn; Noble House Hotels & airlines, cruise lines, and high-pro- at Saratoga, Mohawk Valley Historic Resorts; Holland America Line; and file international events. All pro- Corridor, Albany Tricentennial Richmond Public Relations Gray Line of Seattle and Alaska. grams are designed to spotlight a Celebration, Hudson Valley Hot Air (RPR), a WorldCom Public client’s unique characteristics. Balloon Festival and Seaway Trail. Relations Group Partner and award- ROGERS & COWAN In addition, Ruder Finn has SBA has served hospitality clients winning travel and tourism firm, has developed communications pro- including Mirror Lake Inn and Spa coordinated many successful public- 8687 Melrose Avenue, 7th Floor grams in support of economic devel- in Lake Placid, N.Y., Albany’s ity campaigns for hotel and resort Los Angeles, CA 90069 opment initiatives. We have worked Hilton, Marriott and Omni hotels openings, as well as developed cor- 310/854-8149 for national, regional, and municipal and the Mansion Hill Inn. porate strategies and branding cam- Fax: 310/854-8106 efforts on location marketing (air- Other travel and tourism promo- paigns for luxury properties through- [email protected] ports, industrial sites, seaports, cor- tion experience includes New York out the United States and Canada. www.rogersandcowan.com porate parks, and residential devel- state’s I Love NY campaign, New Most recent awards for RPR Tom Tardio, CEO opments), and in export promotion York State Hospitality & Tourism include a Silver Anvil from the Tara Walls, EVP (for foods, wines, luxury goods, Association, Tourism Industry Hospitality Sales & Marketing Fran Curtis, EVP industrial products, machine tools, Coalition of New York and regional automobiles, and information tech- tourism agencies serving Albany, Association Industry (HSMAI) for Rogers & Cowan offers signifi- its Cave B Inn at SageCliffe grand nology among many other product Dutchess, Orange and Sullivan cant experience in creating and exe- categories). counties and the greater Hudson opening campaign in 2006. RPR cuting integrated marketing and PR also received a Bronze Anvil from The Travel & Economic Valley. campaigns for clients in the travel Development Group’s current HSMAI in 2005 for publicity sur- and tourism industries, including air- rounding the renovation and grand clients include Air France, Air lines, cruise ships, hotels, resorts, Jamaica, Counterpart International, SPRING, O’BRIEN re-opening of Alderbrook Resort & spas, destinations, visitor bureaus Spa on Hood Canal. Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites, and publishing companies. Jamaica Tourist Board, South 50 West 23rd Street, 11th Floor Previous awards have included New York, New York 10010 The agency works with clients to African Airways, The Orphalese, the “Georgie Award” from position their countries as perfect 212/620-7100 Washington State Tourism; “The Travel Alberta International, and the www.spring-obrien.com travel destinations through product University of Johannesburg. Soundie Award” from Puget Sound placement and promotional tie-ins Radio Broadcasters Association; and Chris Spring, President with films and television shows, David Kleinman, Executive VP, Travel the “Gold Quill Award” and “Award build awareness for hotels, resorts SAWCHUK BROWN Lauren Kaufman, VP, Travel of Excellence” from the and spas through celebrity seeding ASSOCIATES Shantini Ramakrishnan, VP, Travel International Association of programs, execute consumer sweep- Nora Brossard, Editorial Director Business Communicators. stakes tied to entertainment brands 41 State Street, Suite 500 Current travel clients are: MTM and manage participation in enter- Albany, NY 12207 Spring, O’Brien has a sterling rep- Luxury Lodging (Alderbrook Resort tainment events. Our distinctive 518/462-0318 utation for delivering results to its & Spa, Cave B Inn at Sage Cliffe, approach to travel and tourism PR www.sawchukbrown.com travel clients through creative think-

34 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms ing and sound media relations. In SB&A handles celebrity relations, Spring 2007, its travel PR team and has worked on client events with leveraged its relationship with CBS’ Madonna, Calvin Klein, Cameron The Early Show host Dave Price, Diaz, Antonio Banderas, ZZ Top, landing four destinations clients (out Tito Puente and Celia Cruz. The of seven!) on the network’s “All firm also represented clients that Access” series. Media coverage on have made Miami the arts and enter- Hong Kong, Morocco, New Zealand tainment hub of Latin America. and Tahiti (and national carrier, Air These include Art Miami, the Miami Tahiti Nui), totaled $2+ million Film Festival, MIDEM Americas, worth of national airtime. Broadcast The Recording Academy and the coverage of destination clients is fre- Latin Recording Academy, BMI, quent - and frequently in-depth - via Universal Music and BMG US- network ‘cable’ TV programming. Latin. Since 1982, this integrated mar- keting agency has represented lead- ing brands in every sphere of travel TJM and the luxury lifestyle - reaching COMMUNICATIONS beyond traditional PR with a pas- sionate flair for developing strategic 1312 Town Plaza Court partnerships. It recently paired the Winter Springs, FL 32708 high-end resort community of Punta 407/265-1823 Mita, Mexico, with fashion designer Fax: 407/265-1824 Michelle Smith, who created the [email protected] “Punta Mita Collection” of resort wear for the upscale Milly label. TJM Communications is a Current clients are: Air Tahiti Nui, boutique public relations firm American Express Travel, European specializing in travel and Travel Commission, Eurail, Harbor tourism, and food and wine. We View Hotel & Resort (Martha’s are based in Florida (Orlando Vineyard), Hong Kong Tourism area). Our goal is to support Board, International Expeditions, our clients’ sales and marketing INTRAV, Moroccan National objectives with a public rela- Tourist Office, Northwest Florida, tions program that is targeted Punta Mita, Royal Air Maroc, to the needs of the core prod- Smithsonian Journeys, St. Vincent & uct, while maintaining top-of- The Grenadines, SuperClubs mind awareness. This ultimate- Resorts, Tourism New Zealand, ly impacts the bottom line. Tourism Victoria (Australia), Travel We represent a range of inter- Bound, Tripology.com and the national and domestic destina- Watercolor Inn (Seagrove Beach, tions and entities, from Weber Shandwick’s work with the Canadian Tourism Florida). to South Africa to Orlando. Commission resulted in this Quebec tree for the We are a team of seasoned Bryant Park Pond, complete with 30,000 lights and and passionate communications 3,200 ornaments. Mounties were on hand for the Nov. SUSAN BRUSTMAN professionals who have been 28 Tree Lighting Ceremony. recognized in the industry for & ASSOCS. our work. Organizations that el retailing as well as industry issues Hospitality. VOLLMER has a han- embark upon our services are and management. dle on travel. We’re proud to repre- 4500 Biscayne Blvd., #360 Miami, Florida 33137 assured of a quality product We have a passion for travel that sent leaders in the travel industry 305/573-0658 and the expertise to ensure inspires us to drive awareness of and and to be known for generating www.brustmanpr.com communications success. sales for those companies we repre- results on their behalf. Our commitment to our sent. Working in small teams from Susan Brustman, President clients rests on the principles of our offices in Texas and in New Lawrence Carrino, Vice President quality service, professional- York, our travel specialists build WEBER SHANDWICK ism and a real value for your true, lasting partnerships with our Founded in 1985, Susan investment. clients. Our in-house media and 640 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10019 Brustman & Assocs. is a full-service, presentation team works to ensure 212/445-8000 bilingual, Miami-based PR firm with that travel spokespersons are pre- www.webershandwick.com a proven track record in creating VOLLMER PR pared to communicate on message publicity and special event market- with confidence. In addition to Rene Mack, President, Travel & ing programs from the local to the 808 Travis , Suite 501 expertise in the domestic market, we Lifestyle Marketing national level for a prestigious group , Tx 77005 have existing contractual agree- of culinary, hospitality, arts and 713/ 970-2100 ments with travel specialist firms in Weber Shandwick’s Travel & entertainment clients. 212/ 715-2222 the U.K., Mexico, Canada, Lifestyle Marketing practice sets The firm helped bring the Delano Germany, Latin America and the itself apart from other communi- into the media spotlight, launched For more than two decades, Asia Pacific to support our clients’ cations firms with its client serv- Mandarin Oriental Miami, and The VOLLMER has made a name for needs worldwide. ice commitment, big agency Hotel, designed by fashion guru itself in the travel and tourism sector. Current travel clients include resources and a global reach. The Todd Oldham. SB&A also intro- Today, we’re proud to be ranked as Travelocity, Sabre, Texas Tourism, practice frequently taps the skills duced Ocean Drive Magazine to the one of the nation’s top public rela- Get There, Air Partner, Groople, W- and expertise of its sister agencies, world and gained South Florida’s tions firms in destination marketing, Victory Hotel, Bliss Spa, Hotel Rogers & Cowan (leading entertain- restaurants, Wish, Johnny V’s, Mark media outreach, travel trade promo- Crescent Court, Hotel ICON, ment agency), FutureBrand (global and Azul, global media coverage. tions, product launches, online trav- ATME and French Quarter \ Continued on page 36

ADVERTISING SECTION • JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM 35 Profiles of Travel & Tourism PR Firms Weber Shandwick always puts complex broadcast publicity pro- passion and expertise into grams including satellite media accounts and projects large and tours and facilitation of on-air small. programming featuring clients. Weber Shandwick also fields The PR firm also creates and man- ages focus events, online commu- one of the best crisis manage- nications programs (Web sites, ment and corporate positioning online news rooms, distribution), teams in the business. editorial deskside interviews, Clients include: American trade show publicity and media Airlines, The Islands Of The relations, and special events. Bahamas, Beverly Hills During 2006, YPB&R hosted Conference & Visitors Bureau, more than 80 media on press Canadian Tourism Commission, familiarization tours for destina- Hard Rock Park, Hilton Head tion clients. Clients include destinations Island Chamber of Commerce, like Honduras, Antigua-Barbuda, InterContinental Hotels & Cancun, Cozumel, La Romana Resorts, InterContinental Hotels (Dominican Republic) and Group (Holiday Inn, Holiday Panama City Beach, Fla., hote- Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, liers and resort operators includ- Indigo Hotels, Staybridge ing Grupo Posadas, Isla Navidad The Zimmerman Agency “cooling off” after a five-day Suites, Candlewood Suites), (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico), Grand PR photo shoot across the 60 islands represented in Metropolitan Traverse Resort (Mich.), the British Virgin Islands in January 2007. International Plaza Hotel Convention & Visitors Bureau, (Orlando), All-Star Vacation South Peak Resort, Royal Resorts, and JMC’s SandPearl Anvils and PR Week awards to Caribbean International and Resort, Clearwater Beach, Fla. 10 Platinum HSMAI awards Singapore Airlines. Travel and leisure clients include Weber Shandwick dominating every major catego- the American Association for Continued from page 35 ry. In 2005, Rene Mack was , and iBAHN, the honored by HSMAI with a life- YPARTNERSHIP nation’s largest provider of in- time achievement award for his room Internet services to the lodg- brand consultancy) and Octagon PUBLIC RELATIONS ing industry. (leading sports marketing contribution to the travel indus- agency) to create customized try. The following year, the prac- 423 S. Keller Road communications, marketing and tice earned the first Podcast Orlando, FL 32810 THE ZIMMERMAN special event programs that PRSA Bronze Anvil. 407/875-1111 build awareness and secure From launching the world’s www.ypartnership.com/PR AGENCY headlines that drive the bottom largest ships, sending off the world’s longest flights and Peter Yesawich, CEO line. Chris Davidson, CCO 1821 Miccosukee Commons Weber Shandwick’s Travel & unveiling the world’s largest Tallahassee, FL 32308 Lifestyle Marketing practice is golf complex in China, to bring- The Ypartnership, formerly 850/668-2222 known for its strategic creativi- ing “The Streetcar Named Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & www.zimmerman.com ty, innovative approaches and Desire” to Times Square, reposi- Russell (YPB&R), ranks among consistent track record that tioning Atlantic City as “Always America’s largest integrated mar- Carrie Zimmerman, President Turned On” and anchoring keting companies specializing in includes winning major awards the travel, tourism, hospitality and in the industry, from Silver Canada in the center of Ranked by O’Dwyer’s as the Manhattan over the holidays, leisure categories. Headquartered in Orlando, largest independent hospitality Ypartnership celebrates its 25th public relations firm in the United anniversary in 2008. States, The Zimmerman Agency The Public Relations Division enters its 20th year of enticing the of Ypartnership is comprised of 18 best of the best to its portfolio. publicists, including four veteran Destination clients range from senior vice presidents who over- see four individual public rela- the British Virgin Islands, Sailing tions teams. Ypartnership serves Capital of the World, to the more than 20 public relations Emerald Coast, named Southern clients in travel and tourism and Living’s Favorite Beach in related categories such as real America 12 years in a row, and estate development and leisure- North Carolina’s Crystal Coast related products and services. with Outer Banks enticements Ypartnership publicity profession- including historic Beaufort and als extensively utilize the firm’s Shackleford, the island of research information to guide strategic and tactical plans. The Spanish ponies. company co-authors, with Concentrating on the luxury Yankelovich Partners, the tier, the agency represents iconic National Leisure Travel Monitor brands such as Bertram Yachts, and National PGA TOUR, Novus Jets and LXR Monitor, now in their 15th year of properties. publication. Whether it’s aligning its clients YPartnership executives launch the NYLO Hotel Ypartnership PR provides com- with co-brand partnerships from brand before industry elite at a press conference dur- prehensive public relations plan- ning, budgeting, plan develop- Disney Productions to Crocs or ing the 2006 Lodging Conference. With the inaugural utilizing its 22-person interactive NYLO Hotel slated to open in December 2007, the ment and implementation. brand has reached more than 25 million people world- Tactical services range from tradi- division for viral PR initiatives — wide through features in major media outlets. tional press kit and press release The Zimmerman Agency pro- development and distribution to duces results. J

36 JULY 2007 • WWW.ODWYERPR.COM O DWYER S RANKINGS TO P TRAVEL & TOURISM PR FIRMS Firm Net Fees 06

1. Edelman New York $11,474,981 2. The Zimmerman Agency Tallahassee 4,800,000 3. M. Silver Assocs. New York 4,465,648 4. Development Counsellors Int. New York 4,227,182 5. Lou Hammond & Assocs. New York 4,101,312 6. Dan Klores Comms. New York 4,000,000 7. Ruder Finn New York 3,088,000 8. Spring O’Brien & Co. New York 2,397,249 9. Vollmer PR Houston 2,095,915 10. M Booth & Assocs. New York 2,044,860 11. YPartnership Orlando 1,970,000 12. Quinn & Co. New York 1,804,604 13. French|West|Vaughan Raleigh 1,453,639 14. Coyne PR Parsippany, NJ 1,188,711 15. Davies Los Angeles 1,000,000 16. Richmond PR Seattle 953,359 17. 5W Public Relations New York 925,000 18. Morris + King Co. New York 674,721 19. New West Louisville, KY 600,000 20. Jackson Spalding Atlanta 563,750 21. Zeno Group New York 508,698 22. Padilla Speer Beardsley Minneapolis 478,974 23. Praco PR Colorado Springs, CO 470,000 24. Regan Comms. Group Boston 463,000 25. Paine PR Los Angeles 360,704 26. McNeely Piggott & Fox Nashville 249,373 27. Clifford PR New York 205,000 28. Carmen Group Wash, D.C. 128,850 29. v-Fluence Interactive PR St. Louis 124,559 30. Luckie PR Birmingham, AL 108,000 31. Bridge Global Strategies New York 84,872 32. Thorp & Co. Coral Gables, FL 71,995 33. Transmedia Group Boca Raton, FL 70,000 34. Moore Consulting Tallahassee 56,023 35. Landis Comms. San Francisco 48,000

' 2007 J.R. O Dwyer Co.