program duration2005 - 2008, (four years)
communication Inn rebranding, Destination PR, Luxury Travel
target audience National/International Tourists, Boston and New England, island enthusiasts
challenge The oldest continuously operating inn on Nantucket, the Century House, needed some 21 Century revitalization. The beautiful and historic bed and breakfast, enveloped by romantic vines and blooms weren't driving guests to the Inn and local efforts overlooked the attractiveness of the Island.
solution We recognized a larger need to create awareness about the Island of Nantucket and make it a destination. The next step was to sell the Inn as a beautiful overnight stay. To complete this, we proactively pitched our established relations with travel writers and invited them to visit the Island. We stirred their interest by highlighting all the wonderful get-away activities such as the renovated Whaling Museum, harbor cruises, fishing excursions, and sandy beaches, plus nationally known events like the Wine Festival. The Inn hosted its own events Artist's Week in June – that invited New England artists to the Island.
results The results were terrific. The Century House was named in the top 5 Eastern US Destinations for the summer by Forbes.com (2005). Placements have appeared in Delta Sky Magazine, Boston Magazine, Frommer's, Your Morning on CN8, Zagat, Boston Globe, Martha Stewart Living and Cape Cod Today among many others.
program duration Pre and Post-Opening, 2005 - 2009 (four years)
communication Launch, Hospitality, Travel, Lifestyle
target Audience Business Travelers, Regional Visitors, Tourists, Parents
challenge Entering an up-and-coming city with a new concept of luxury hotel in downtown, rich in décor, museum quality art, and uniquely appointed rooms. Introducing the luxury hotel and restaurant combination concept regionally and beyond upon opening, paired with the changes in the city at the time was the challenge.
solution We recognized the importance of a true luxury hotel and restaurant experience in Providence, which was lacking up until the opening of the Hotel Providence. Its presence transformed the old Downcity and Entertainment districts. To raise awareness to the media, multiple press trips were arranged and aggressive media relations efforts were put in motion regionally and nationally. We stirred media interest by highlighting the art in the hotel, as well as its location, luxurious rooms and personalized service.
results The results were very powerful. The Hotel Providence earned multiple placements in prominent publications in the first six months, including the New York Times, a cover in the New England Real Estate Journal, Westchester Magazine, Conde Nast and shortly after, the property was the winner of several awards, including AAA Four Diamond, Top Rated in Zagat, #1 on TripAdvisor for 12 consecutive months and several other industry and preservation awards.
program duration 2005 - 2008
communication Destination PR, Hospitality for Hotel Rebranding, Restaurant Opening
target audience Affluent Europe and US leisure and business travelers seeking a classic, European luxury hotel experience
challenge Bruges was generally known as a day-trip destination so few travelers booked overnight stays.
solution Position Bruges as an up and coming destination, and one of the most beautifully preserved medieval and historic cities in Western Europe. Highlight the city's tourism attractions by season and tie-in the hotel, which is centrally located to the city's attractions. Showcase the hotel's amenities and personalized service as part of the Bruges destination experience.
results With the rebranding of the city and hotel successfully carried out, highlighting several renovations and a new, fine dining restaurant and lounge, the hotel has had tremendous results. The Heritage has had repeated placements in the Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Rick Steves' Guide, Zagat, Fodor's Europe, the Michelin Guide, Miami Herald, and several other strategic placements that supported the initial PR strategy. Top travel outlets named Bruges one of Western Europe's must-see, and affordable cities, and the hotel was recently accepted in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux family of hotels. The Hotel Heritage was also one of the first properties to have a social media presence, and has won awards from Expedia and TripAdvisor, where the hotel continuously ranks in the city's top five. Says the General Manager and Owner, "Let me add my words of acknowledgement, appreciation and thanks. Your drive, tenacity and creativity are hugely impressive. You have served us very well.
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