Three tiers of support available in Travel & Tourism, Hospitality, Franchising sectors; Includes pro bono business reactivation PR planning, reduced PR retainers and new ‘Flex Contract’.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Hemsworth Communications, a top-ranked, award-winning public relations and social media agency, announced the launch of a unique new ‘Public Relations Stimulus Program’ designed to provide financial relief to businesses within the firm’s three core sectors – Travel & Tourism, Hospitality (Food/Wine/Spirits) and Franchising. As part of the effort, Hemsworth is offering three tiers of support to those impacted by COVID-19, making access to quality agency resources more affordable during difficult times.
“We are an independent, family-owned firm so we are nimble, with the ability to pivot our business model in thoughtful ways that benefit both our team members and our clients,” said Samantha Jacobs, founder and president of Hemsworth Communications.
“As the reality of the coronavirus pandemic began to set in, we knew it was time to get creative in terms of how we support our clients, many of whom were bracing for an unprecedented impact,” Jacobs continued. “While working with our existing partners to set priorities and outline the best path forward, we simultaneously began to develop a new structure that would innovate the way many have traditionally thought about the client-agency relationship. This program was created to provide the affordability and flexibility we know is needed right now by so many.”
Hemsworth’s ‘Public Relations Stimulus Program’ offers three levels of support, including:
- pro bono help for those who meet certain criteria (with an emphasis on government-affiliated destination marketing organizations, tourist boards and CVBs);
- up to 50% reduced monthly retainers through 2021; and
- a new “Flex Contract” that grants deferred payment options to businesses who qualify, along with additional client-friendly terms.
Plans are tailored to both the short and long-term need, taking a phased approach that considers sensitivities within the current landscape. The agency’s capabilities include internal and external messaging development, website relaunch content and content marketing strategy, sentiment reporting (including COVID-19-specific daily news alerts and competitive media audits within a specific region or segment), vertical market thought leadership campaigns, press release development and distribution, ongoing media relations programming (reactive and proactive), event planning/programming and more. Influencer marketing, social media content development and social media engagement are also available under the stimulus program.
“Our stimulus program is an ideal option for those who see the value in having public relations as a core part of their post-pandemic reactivation marketing plan but find themselves challenged by new limitations, either in terms of staffing resources or budget,” said Jacobs. “This initiative is our way of reaffirming Hemsworth’s commitment to our three core industries of focus, helping facilitate economic recovery. We believe there is a bright future ahead for tourism, hospitality and franchising, and we look forward to leveraging our passion, insight and global media connections in new ways as we all collectively settle into the new normal.”
One of the fastest-growing, top-ranked agencies in the United States according to O’Dwyer’s PR Report and a PR News’ Top Place to Work, Hemsworth represents fresh, up-and-coming businesses as well as leading, renowned global brands. Clients include AmaWaterways; Air Partner; Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line; Coral Hospitality; Discover Dunwoody; Driftwood Hospitality Management; I Heart Mac & Cheese; Grand Hyatt Residences Grand Cayman; Kenefick Ranch Winery; Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort; Massanutten Resort; Oasis Travel Network; Press & Grind Café; PuroClean; Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach; Waters Edge Wineries; Zombie Coffee and Donuts and more.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
