Louise Jordan and Tara Flanagan, both formerly of Sunway Holidays, have launched TLC Marketing, a consultancy company offering marketing, PR and representation services. Although travel and tourism is their core industry, TLC Marketing is also working with companies in the hospitality and fashion industries.
“We recognised an opportunity to offer consultancy services to companies that are working in a difficult marketplace, presenting cost-effective opportunities to give brand exposure and a return on investment,” said Tara. Louise added: “It’s our local knowledge of the market and key contacts in the travel industry that destinations and hotel groups can greatly benefit from by using TLC Marketing. Often media buying and marketing plans are developed outside of Ireland for the Irish market and opportunities can be lost simply by not understanding how the Irish market works!”
TLC Marketing offers a range of services from marketing planning, campaign design and implementation, local representation, product training and PR, and advises tourist boards and travel suppliers that now is not the time to retract investment from Ireland – this is short-term thinking and it is costly in the long run to try and re-enter the market. There are opportunities to be gained by using local expertise in the Irish market.
Affinity marketing is another core area where TLC Marketing sees growth. This is where travel partners can be matched up with complementary brands to promote their products or destinations. “With our contacts in the media, FMCGs and the travel industry, we are matching suitable partners for co-operative campaigns that offer a win/win situation for both parties,” said Tara. “If we call, it’s because we see a genuine opportunity for your business.”
