Finding the Right Agency for Your Hospitality Brand

Why Your Choice of Marketing Agency is a Competitive Advantage

Hospitality marketing once thrived on glossy magazine spreads, bustling travel expos, and trusted word-of-mouth recommendations—but the landscape has shifted dramatically. While these strategies still hold some value, the way travelers discover, engage with, and book their stays has changed dramatically. In 2025, the industry is driven by real-time engagement, AI-powered personalization, and data-driven marketing strategies that cater to the modern traveler’s digital-first expectations. Brands that fail to evolve risk losing market share to competitors who leverage cutting-edge digital strategies.

​​The shift to digital marketing isn’t just a trend—it’s backed by hard data.

• The U.S. advertising industry is projected to reach $77.1 billion by 2029, as brands shift more investment into digital marketing strategies (IBISWorld, 2024). This signals a clear shift away from traditional media, proving that brands that don't adapt to digital-first marketing will struggle to compete. A marketing agency well-versed in this evolution can ensure your brand remains ahead of the curve.
• The hospitality sector is expected to grow by 2.3% annually through 2029, with boutique hotels and luxury accommodations driving much of this expansion (IBISWorld, 2024). As more boutique hotels emerge, competition will intensify, making strategic marketing essential. A strong digital presence can help boutique and luxury brands differentiate themselves and attract high-value guests.
• Influencer marketing in travel is a $19.8 billion industry, up 13.7% from 2023, highlighting the power of direct engagement (Mintel, 2024).  Travelers trust recommendations from real people over generic advertisements, making influencer partnerships a crucial part of a modern marketing strategy. A good agency will know how to leverage these relationships to build credibility and trust.

As consumer behavior evolves, brands need an agency that not only executes campaigns but also anticipates industry trends. At The Travel Foundry, our expertise comes from both agency leadership and in-house experience at a globally recognized luxury hotel chain. This gives us a dual perspective—we understand the challenges both brands and agencies face and can navigate them more effectively than a traditional marketing firm. How can your brand not only keep up but stay ahead? The right marketing agency can be your competitive advantage.

1. Setting Goals: Define Success & Measure What Matters

Selecting a marketing agency should begin with clear performance goals. Every hospitality brand has different priorities, whether it's increasing direct bookings, expanding brand reach, or improving customer retention. The right agency should align its strategies to measurable revenue growth.

• The U.S. boutique hotel market is expected to reach $39.7 billion by 2029, growing at 2.7% annually (IBISWorld, 2024). With steady growth in the boutique hotel market, it’s crucial for brands to capture their share by positioning themselves effectively. A marketing agency that understands these dynamics can help drive occupancy and revenue.
• Hotels that optimize direct booking strategies see higher guest loyalty and lower customer acquisition costs. When guests book directly, hotels avoid expensive third-party fees and build stronger relationships with their customers. The right agency will implement strategies that reduce reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs).
• Travel brands that implement AI-driven marketing have seen up to a 30% increase in direct bookings, proving that personalization drives higher conversion rates (Statista, 2024). AI helps brands tailor messages to potential guests based on their preferences, making them more likely to book. A knowledgeable agency can harness this technology to maximize booking potential.
• Programmatic ad buying is expected to drive over $15 billion in travel advertising spend by 2025, as brands seek data-driven efficiency (IBISWorld, 2024). This means automation and AI will play an even bigger role in ad targeting, ensuring marketing dollars are spent efficiently. An agency with expertise in programmatic advertising can stretch your budget further while reaching the right audience.

Imagine a luxury ski resort in Colorado trying to increase offseason bookings. Instead of running generic ads, they use AI-driven segmentation to identify past guests who have booked in the summer months. With personalized messaging highlighting summer activities, they boost repeat bookings by 20%, proving that data-backed marketing works.

Key Marketing Takeaways:

• Boost direct bookings to reduce OTA fees and build stronger guest relationships
• Use AI-driven segmentation to personalize guest experiences. Modern travelers expect a personalized experience—targeting the right audience with tailored messages can significantly increase conversions.
• Implement a multi-platform strategy to reach travelers at every stage of planning. Travelers bounce between social media, search engines, and booking sites before making a decision—your marketing should be present at every touchpoint. As the industry shifts, it’s not enough to simply market—you need an agency that anticipates and adapts to industry trends.

2. Industry Expertise: Hospitality Marketing Requires a Deep Understanding of the Guest Journey

Marketing for hotels, resorts, and travel brands is entirely different from other industries. The guest journey is long, emotionally driven, and highly influenced by digital storytelling.

• Luxury travelers are looking for hyper-personalized experiences, not just prestige—meaning digital content needs to evoke exclusivity (IBISWorld, 2024). A generic marketing approach won’t cut it—luxury guests want unique, high-touch experiences that make them feel valued.
• 98% of U.S. adults use social media, and 47% of vacation planners follow travel influencers, highlighting the importance of influencer partnerships (Mintel, 2024). Social media is no longer optional—it’s a major factor in travel decisions, making influencer collaborations a powerful marketing tool.
• SEO-driven content marketing is one of the most trusted forms of advertising, with 72% of consumers preferring organic search results over paid ads (Statista, 2024). Ranking high in search results helps establish credibility and attracts travelers who are actively searching for their next getaway.

At The Travel Foundry, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team’s experience inside a globally renowned luxury hotel chain means we understand the pain points of marketing decision-makers—from agency inefficiencies to the real challenges of proving ROI to executive stakeholders.

Using Creativity to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

For travel brands, embracing innovative digital strategies can be a game-changer. Consider how a boutique hotel might use an interactive online experience to engage travelers before they even arrive. A luxury resort, for instance, could launch a virtual concierge program where potential guests can explore rooms and amenities through augmented reality. These experiences build brand excitement and drive engagement, long before a guest steps foot in the hotel.

3. Transparency, ROI, and Performance-Based Strategies

One of the biggest frustrations for hospitality brands working with agencies? A lack of transparency and performance tracking.

• Agencies that prioritize conversion optimization and measurable KPIs have a 19.0% higher profit margin than those that don’t (IBISWorld, 2024). If an agency isn’t measuring results and optimizing accordingly, they aren’t maximizing your budget. The best agencies continuously refine their strategies based on real data.
• Real-time reporting and data attribution help brands optimize their marketing spend. Without clear reporting, brands can waste thousands on ineffective ads. A data-driven agency ensures every dollar spent leads to measurable growth.

At The Travel Foundry, we provide:

• Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. You shouldn’t have to worry about surprise charges—transparency builds trust.
• Performance-based marketing strategies aligned with revenue goals. Every campaign should have a clear return on investment—if it doesn’t contribute to growth, it’s not worth running.
• Direct access to senior marketing strategists, ensuring top-tier expertise at every step. You deserve more than junior account managers—your brand should be handled by experienced professionals who understand the travel industry.

Your Next Steps to Growth in 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Travel brands need an agency with real hospitality experience to create campaigns that truly convert.
• AI-driven personalization, influencer marketing, and programmatic ad buying are key strategies for increasing direct bookings and guest retention.
• Transparency and ROI tracking should be non-negotiable when selecting a marketing agency.

The travel industry is evolving at breakneck speed, and waiting to adapt isn’t an option—it’s a risk. The brands that take action today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow. Don’t let your competitors define the future of travel marketing—let’s shape it together. Ready to get started? Let's connect.