Leeds-based creative communications agency, Hatch, has announced the launch of a new dedicated division, Hatch Travel & Destinations.
The new offer sets out to connect travel providers, hotel and hospitality brands, tourism organisations, and communities with modern travellers through insight-driven creativity and culturally tuned strategies.
The launch is accompanied by the appointment of experienced travel communications specialist Daisie Whitaker as travel lead, joining the agency to spearhead the new division’s growth and specialist offer.
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James Hickman, managing partner at Hatch, said: “Travel is one of the most emotionally powerful sectors in communications. Whether it’s a destination, hotel, attraction or transport provider, people don’t simply buy travel products, they buy experiences and memories.
“Over the years, we’ve delivered successful campaigns for brands including Hotel Indigo, Radisson RED, Route YC and Visit Birmingham, and more recently, we’ve welcomed clients including Northern Trains alongside existing partners such as Leeds Bradford Airport, Grand Central and North Yorkshire Water Park.
“As demand for specialist travel expertise continues to grow, launching Hatch Travel & Destinations was a natural next step. Bringing Daisie into the business gives us a dedicated leader with outstanding sector knowledge, creativity and commercial experience to take that offer forward.”
Whitaker joins Hatch from integrated communications agency GOLD79, where she most recently held the position of account director and head of experiential & partnerships. During her career, she has designed integrated communications campaigns across travel, tourism, hospitality, lifestyle and consumer sectors, leading work for brands including Jet2.com & Jet2holidays, The Reserve at Chester Zoo, Cloud Nine, Wilko and Phase Eight.
With more than a decade of experience spanning PR, social, content, search, influencer and experiential marketing, she has developed a reputation for creating insight-led campaigns that drive engagement, build reputation and inspire action.
New hire Whitaker said: “Travel has the unique ability to move people emotionally, culturally and physically, which makes it one of the most exciting sectors to work in. Today’s travellers are seeking authentic experiences and meaningful connections, and brands need to communicate in ways that reflect that shift.
“Hatch Travel & Destinations has been built around understanding the traveller journey and creating culturally relevant stories that inspire action. By bringing together one integrated offer, we’re helping travel brands create campaigns that resonate far beyond the point of booking.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Hatch at such an important moment for the agency and to work with ambitious destinations, tourism organisations and travel brands looking to connect with audiences in more meaningful ways.”
The announcement follows the agency’s recent launch of its sport & communities division and forms part of Hatch’s wider ‘supercharged storytelling‘ proposition, bringing together expertise across PR, social, content and activations, to create campaigns that drive meaningful engagement and measurable results.
