6 PR and marketing lessons from the travel industry

After working in the travel industry as a public relations specialist for six of the world’s largest airline vacation brands including Delta, United, and Aeromexico Vacations, and logging more than 4,000 hours flying around the globe, I’ve noted similarities between our public relations and marketing profession and the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

Now, from my position on the agency side at Maccabee, here’s what PR professionals and marketers can learn from the world of frequent flyers, vacation hotels, and luxury resorts.

1. Don’t try to predict the weather, or volcanic eruptions, or mechanical failures. There will always be delays.

Anything from violent weather to the Super Bowl and mechanical problems or fluke fires like those recently experienced in the cruise industry can affect travel schedules, plans, and prices. The best thing for travelers to do is always have a plan B and be prepared to think on their feet.

The same goes for media relations and corporate communications professionals. We work within a 24/7 news cycle. No one knows when an incident will occur that could affect your brand and its key audiences or stakeholders; when one does occur, you’ll be more equipped to react if you’ve planned for such contingencies.