Explore every episode of the podcast Embargo Podcast

Welcome to the Series 2 finale, Episode 6 of Embargo – the UK’s leading Travel PR Podcast.

This time, we’re tackling the 'old vs new media' debate in travel PR. With so many ways to promote a brand, from newspapers and magazines to digital publications, social media, videos, blogs and podcasts, how do you know which channels are right for your client? And how can travel PR professionals make sure they’re reaching the right audience in an ever-changing media landscape?

To help us get to the bottom of it, we’re joined by three brilliant guests:

• Richard Hammond, Editor of Green Traveller and co-host of It's a Journey: A Sustainable Travel Podcast

• Maria Pieri, Editorial Director at APL Media, covering publications such as National Geographic Traveller

• Carmen Roberts, Freelance Journalist, Broadcaster and Content Creator, known for her work with BBC Travel.

As ever, we’ll kick things off with a round of our favourite travel game, “What in the world is that?” But after our Series 1 guests managed a rather disappointing 2.5 correct answers out of 6, can our Series 2 panel match that score?

Then, we’ll get stuck into the big debate, exploring how old and new media can work together, how to choose the right outlets for your brand and what the future of travel PR might look like.

And finally, as this is the last episode of Series 2, we’ll be talking all things The Baubles, our upcoming Christmas event celebrating the very best of travel PR.

Click play and join us for the series finale of Embargo!

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

This time, we’re tackling one of the biggest debates in travel PR: agency vs in-house vs freelance. The days of every major travel brand automatically turning to a big PR agency are long gone, with talented freelancers and in-house teams now playing an increasingly important role across the industry. But what’s the right option for a travel brand looking for PR support? Sometimes a big agency is absolutely needed, but what important information does the agency need from the client to get the ball rolling in their relationship.  And what do you need to know if you’re thinking about making the leap into freelance PR yourself?

To help us tackle all of that, we’re joined by three brilliant guests: 

• Kylie Bawden from FINN Partners
• Charlotte Humphrey from Princess Cruises
• Esther Bell from Hello Mrs Bell.

As ever, we’ll kick things off with a round of our favourite travel game, “What in the world is that?”, before getting stuck into the big debate – looking at the pros and cons of agency, in-house and freelance PR, what each side can learn from the others, and what travel brands really want from their PR teams.

And finally, we’ll be talking all things The Baubles, our upcoming Christmas event celebrating the very best of travel PR. Nominations are now open, so get involved and make someone’s Christmas!

Click play and join us for another episode of Embargo.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Artificial intelligence has quietly crept into our working lives, from generating press releases and creating content to media monitoring, research and marketing. But what does that mean for travel PRs and journalists? Could AI threaten jobs, or could it actually make our working lives easier?

We’re joined by three brilliant guests to get to grips with the opportunities, challenges and potential pitfalls of AI:

• Amy Dowling from TUI
• Kate McWilliams from LOTUS
• Amanda O’Brien, marketeer and content creator

As always, we’ll kick things off with “What in the world is that?”, before getting stuck into a big conversation about how AI is changing the way we work – and how travel PRs can make sure they’re using it to their advantage.

And there’s one final thing… The Baubles are coming! We’ll also chat about our upcoming Christmas event, with nominations now open.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

How do you go from starting out in travel PR to reaching the top of the career ladder? And is there a secret to getting there?

From building your personal brand and developing new skills to staying ahead of changes in data, technology and trends, there are plenty of ways to keep your career moving forward. But do you need to work for a big agency to succeed, and what can we learn from those who have already made the journey?

In this episode of Embargo, we’re talking all about building a successful career in travel PR.

We’re joined by...

• Manty Atherton from Flamingo PR

• Jo White from Click PR

• April Cernuschi from FINN Partners

We’ll discuss how to progress your career, the skills that can help you stand out, the importance of personal branding, and whether there’s a right or wrong route to the top.

Plus, we’ll kick things off with our travel game “What in the world is that?” before chatting to our guests about their award-winning work at The Baubles in 2025.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Collaboration is a huge part of working in travel PR. From teaming up with journalists and content creators to working with other PRs, brands and tourism organisations, some of the most successful campaigns are built through collaboration.

But what makes a great collaboration? How do you find the right people to work with, and how can you make sure everyone involved gets the most out of the partnership?

In this episode of Embargo, we’re talking all about the value of collaboration in travel and tourism.

We’re joined by... 

• Lindsey Thorpe from Visit Malta
• Caroline Calvert from Caroline Calvert Communications
• Catherine Boardman from Cultural Wednesday 

We’ll discuss the benefits of working together, the challenges that can come with collaboration, and why finding the right fit can make all the difference.

Plus, we’ll kick things off with our travel game “What in the world is that?” before chatting to our guests about their award-winning work at The Baubles in 2025.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Well, we’re back! Welcome to Series 2 of Embargo – the UK’s leading Travel PR Podcast.

Series 1 was such a success that we couldn’t resist coming back for another six episodes. Although, if we’re being completely honest, we’d become slightly addicted to the game… “What in the world is that?” …and weren’t quite ready to stop playing.

Across Series 2, we’re tackling everything from building media relationships and using AI to make your job easier, to collaboration, old media vs new media, climbing the PR career ladder, and the eternal debate: agency, in-house or freelance?

And what better place to start than with the people who can make or break a PR story: the media.

In this episode, we’re talking all about building media relationships. How do you create genuine connections with journalists, how important are those relationships when it comes to securing coverage, and what do journalists really want from PRs?

We’ll explore what makes a great PR-media relationship and how both sides can work together to make the process more successful.

Because in travel PR, relationships really do matter.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Welcome to series 2 of Embargo – the podcast for travel PR professionals who want to sharpen their skills, challenge their thinking and have a laugh along the way.

Hosted by Howard Salinger, each episode brings together smart voices from across the travel industry to tackle the big issues facing PRs today. From media relationships and AI to careers, collaboration and the agency vs in-house vs freelancer debate.

Plus, there’s “What in the World Is That?” – our infamous game, where PR expertise goes out the window. After scoring just 2½ out of 6 in Series 1, expectations are… low.

Big ideas, honest opinions, useful advice and questionable game performances.

Embargo – travel PR, but not as you know it.

Brought to you by The Travel PR Association and The Travel Podcast Agency.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

In the final episode of Series 1, host Howard Salinger rounds off the series with a powerful and thought-provoking discussion on diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion in the travel industry. The episode explores how the UK travel sector can better reflect the diverse world it serves.

Joined by a stellar panel of experts;

• Claire Steiner (UK Director, Global Travel and Tourism Partnership) www.gttp.org/
• Atlyn Forde (Founder, Communicate Inclusively) www.communicateinclusively.com/
• Uwern Jong (Experientialist®-in-Chief, OutThere and Diversity Angel award-winner) www.outthere.travel/

The panel tackles the big questions: Is the travel industry truly inclusive? Are we communicating effectively across cultures? And how do we promote diverse voices within travel PR and journalism?

Before diving into the discussion, there’s one final round of the fan-favourite travel game What in the World Is That? What's the final score of the series, did Howard and the guests beat producer Amy? 

The episode wraps with a spotlight on Uwern’s recent win at The Baubles, offering insight and inspiration for those hoping to drive change in the industry.

Don’t miss this thoughtful conclusion to series 1, and remember to subscribe, share, and get in touch if you’d like to join us for Series 2.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

In this Earth Day special of Embargo – the UK’s leading travel PR podcast, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about (and sometimes misunderstood) topics in travel: sustainability.

Is “sustainable travel” just another buzzword, or is it reshaping how we communicate and create compelling stories in tourism? Host Howard Salinger is joined by a powerhouse panel: 

- Debbie Hindle (Chair, International Centre for Responsible Tourism) https://icrt.global 

- Karen Edwards (freelance journalist writing for Wanderlust, Time Out and more) https://www.karenedwards.co.uk 

- Brian Young (MD, EMEA at G Adventures) https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/responsible-travel/?srsltid=AfmBOorH_EYTq0oXDwUwJqcohMEixKW5vgno6sdQZFoQgNZ6SVX8T4Tb 

We’re unpacking questions PRs wrestle with daily; what sustainability messages matter, who they’re really for, and how to avoid greenwashing as well as what positive impact storytelling really looks like in 2025.

We round off with a conversation with Brian Young about his win at The Baubles and what it takes to earn industry recognition for responsible travel initiatives.

Plus, we test our guests’ travel instincts with our favourite podcast game “What In The World Is That?”. 

Don’t forget to follow and leave us a review.

See you in two weeks for the season finale!

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Welcome back to the Embargo Podcast, the UK’s leading travel PR podcast, brought to you by the Travel PR Association and The Travel Podcast Agency. In this fourth episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical topics in the industry: crisis management.

From the 2004 tsunami to the Icelandic ash cloud and, more recently, the Covid pandemic, the travel sector is no stranger to disruption. So how can PR professionals prepare for the unpredictable? And what steps should we take when a crisis hits?

Host Howard Salinger is joined by three seasoned experts: 

- Frances Tuke, Account Director at LOTUS and former ABTA PR Manager www.wearelotus.co.uk/

- Ian Benjafield, Head of Communications at Ambassador Cruise Line www.ambassadorcruiseline.com

- Sam Day, Vice President at FINN Partners www.finnpartners.com/uk/

Together, they share their insights, experiences, and real-life case studies on managing communications through turbulent times.

Plus, we kick things off with our listener-favourite travel sound guessing game, What In The World Is That?, this was the hardest one yet! 

We finish with a spotlight on Sam Day’s recent win at The Baubles 2024.

Stay tuned for top tips, fascinating anecdotes, and the answer to our mystery travel sound…

New episodes every fortnight. Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

In episode three of Embargo, host Howard Salinger is joined by a brilliant panel of travel PR pros and content creation insiders to tackle one of the biggest questions in the travel PR industry today: how do we choose the right content creators to work with?

With the rise of influencers across Instagram, TikTok and beyond, brands have more choice than ever but with that comes more confusion. Should follower count matter? Are views everything? Or is it all about the vibe? To explore this, we welcome three esteemed guests;

- Yolanda Copes-Stepney, the Founder & Director of Speak&Do, who manages influencers and can give us a perspective from that side. (https://www.speakanddo.com/)

- David Venables, the Managing Director of Brass Tacks Media who looks after some U.S destinations, and frequently promotes through content creators. (https://brasstacksmedia.co.uk/)

- Chelsea Dickenson, the Founder of Cheap Holiday Expert, and TV celebrity, who can tell us what it’s like to be a content creator and what they need from travel PRs. (https://cheapholidayexpert.com/)

We also play our favourite travel game What in the World Is That? and no, we still haven’t got it right…

Finally, we chat to Chelsea about her recent recognition at The Baubles 2024 awards and the reality of being a highly commended content creator.

Press play, join the conversation, and discover what really makes a creator worth the collab. 

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

In the fast-paced world of travel PR and journalism, having the right support can make all the difference so, following on from Episode 1 where we discussed networking and the importance of presenting yourself, we explore how mentoring and mental fitness can help to build your confidence. 

This is episode two of Embargo, and host Howard Salinger explores the vital role of mentorship, not just in shaping careers, but in supporting mental wellbeing.

Why do we celebrate mentorship with a Best Mentor category at The Baubles? Because great mentors do more than offer career advice, they provide encouragement, act as a sounding board, and help navigate the challenges of work-life balance.

In this episode, host Howard Salinger is joined by: 

- Rachel Johnston (Senior PR at Atout France and mental fitness coach) 

- Alessandra LoTufo Alonso (Founder of Women in Travel CIC) 

- Phoebe Smith, winner of the Best Mentor award, who shares her experiences with the WeTWO Foundation and the power of giving back.

And, of course, we kick things off with our travel game, What in the World Is That? Can you guess the mystery sound?

Listen in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on why mentorship is more than just career guidance.

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/

Want to know more about Women in Travel CIC? https://www.womenintravelcic.com

Interested in the Male Allyship Network? https://www.womenintravelcic.com/male-allyship-network/

Work with or sign up to the WeTwo Foundation here: https://teamwetwo.com

Welcome to the first episode of Embargo, the UK’s leading travel PR podcast! Hosted by Howard Salinger, this episode dives deep into the world of networking within the travel PR and journalism sector – but with a twist. We’re not just talking about the traditional networking you’re used to; today, we’re exploring the idea of Networking and Not Working.

Networking is essential for building your reputation, promoting your work, and forging valuable connections within the industry. But it’s not just about what you do – it’s about who you are. Your personal brand plays a crucial role in making lasting impressions and opening doors. As Howard shares a personal story about how a light-hearted comment on how his theatre background led to a new client, we’ll discuss why presenting yourself is just as important as what you can offer professionally.

In this episode, we’re joined by:

• Amy Skelding, Managing Partner at FINN Partners
• Lisa Minot, Head of Travel at The Sun

We’ll also hear from Queenie Shaikh, Freelance Journalist and winner of Freelance Journalist of the Year at The Baubles, who will share her own networking journey.

Before the discussion, we’ll have some fun with our travel game, What In The World Is That?

Stay tuned to the end to find out the answer. 

Join the TPRA here: https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/

Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/