For those dreaming of a career that blends the excitement of travel with the dynamic world of public relations, Travel PR might just be the perfect destination. Stepping away from the college lecture halls and into the real world of Travel Public Relations reveals a profession far from your “average” desk job. While academic teachings emphasized crucial skills like managing deadlines and effective communication, the true essence of Travel PR is learned through experience, venturing far beyond the confines of a typical office setting.
Many envision PR professionals, particularly in travel, as constantly glued to their desks, crafting pitches and editing documents. While strong writing and persuasive communication are indeed foundational, the reality of Travel PR extends far beyond these tasks, offering a vibrant and multifaceted career path. Let’s unpack what truly defines a career in Travel To Pr.
1. First-Class Product Knowledge: Experiencing Travel Firsthand
At the heart of Travel PR lies the passion for promoting destinations, hotels, and travel experiences. The core objective is to generate positive publicity, ultimately boosting bookings and driving success for clients. Authentically representing these clients is paramount in captivating potential travelers. While online resources and press materials provide valuable information, nothing compares to firsthand experience. Immersing oneself in the destinations brings a level of passion and authenticity that resonates deeply in PR efforts.
Personal anecdotes and memories from travel experiences become powerful tools. For instance, recalling a media trip to Providence, Rhode Island, where I ventured outside my culinary comfort zone to try seafood at Oberlin, a renowned local restaurant. This experience, from savoring the exquisite flavors to engaging with the friendly staff, transformed into compelling storytelling. Sharing personal experiences with genuine enthusiasm adds credibility and persuasiveness when pitching to media or crafting content. (Pro-tip: Do try the Raw Scup with olives and chili if you get the chance!).
Raw Scup dish at Oberlin restaurant in Providence
2. Building Bridges: The Art of Media Relations
Cultivating and expanding your professional network is an invaluable skill in Travel PR. While digital communication is essential, face-to-face interactions forge stronger and more lasting impressions. Journalists are bombarded with emails daily, making it challenging to stand out in the digital noise. Taking the time to connect in person, whether over coffee, lunch, or a casual drink, demonstrates genuine interest and builds rapport.
Discovering common ground, like shared sports fandom or travel experiences, can spark connections and humanize professional relationships. Being personable, articulate, and genuinely interested in others fosters a positive reputation. When journalists know you beyond your email address, your pitches are more likely to be opened, considered, and respected. Just as PR professionals might have a list of challenging media contacts, journalists likely have their own list of PR individuals who are less effective. Breaking through and establishing meaningful relationships requires proactive networking that extends beyond desk-bound emails.
Networking at a travel industry event
3. Tech-Savvy Travel: Embracing Technological Advancements
The evolution of technology, particularly smartphones, has revolutionized the Travel PR landscape, creating a dynamic and always-on work environment. The ability to work remotely and access information instantly means the industry seemingly never pauses. Smartphones have become indispensable tools for crafting pitches on the go, responding to media inquiries promptly, and identifying emerging social media influencers.
Tasks once considered unconventional, like checking emails or social media updates while traveling with journalists or clients, are now commonplace. Even texting has become an acceptable and efficient way to communicate with media contacts and clients, a shift from more formal communication methods of the past. While drafting press releases and detailed reports might still primarily occur at a desk, the ability to communicate effectively outside traditional office hours and locations has never been more empowered by technology.
Working on a smartphone while traveling
4. Embrace the Unexpected: No Two Days Are Ever the Same
For those seeking a career that defies routine and predictability, Travel PR delivers. While some might appreciate the comfort of a repetitive job, many in this field, including myself, thrive on variety and unexpected challenges. Anecdotes abound within the industry of unforeseen and exciting moments – from impromptu shopping trips with rock stars to secure media coverage, to spontaneous celebrity selfies at live TV events, to pitching stories from unconventional locations like ski lifts or boats.
The desire to experience the world and embrace new adventures often fuels a passion for travel. For me, growing up hearing stories of my mother’s travels as a flight attendant ignited a lifelong desire to explore. While desk work is inevitably part of any job, Travel PR offers abundant opportunities to immerse oneself in the world of travel, making it far from mundane.
Client signs outside The Today Show
5. The Best of Both Worlds: The Rise of “Bleisure” Travel
The concept of “bleisure,” blending business and leisure travel, has become increasingly prevalent and embraced in Travel PR. The flexibility afforded by technology enables professionals to work efficiently from diverse locations. When schedules align, business trips can seamlessly extend into leisure time, maximizing travel opportunities.
Recently, I experienced this firsthand by extending a business trip to Providence into a personal exploration of Boston. Given that a shared love of travel often draws individuals to this industry, capitalizing on “bleisure” opportunities is a natural perk. The more destinations experienced, cuisines savored, and cultures understood, the richer our global perspective becomes. Furthermore, a leisure trip can unexpectedly lead to discovering a potential future client or destination to promote.
While office days are a reality in Travel PR, and collaborative brainstorms are invaluable, the ever-evolving nature of the industry is a significant draw. Travel PR in 2024 is vastly different from what it was in 2008, and it will undoubtedly continue to transform. However, amidst technological advancements and evolving communication methods, fundamental PR practices like personal thank-you notes and face-to-face interactions will remain timeless and essential. A career in travel to PR offers a dynamic and rewarding path for those seeking adventure, connection, and a life less ordinary.
