Embargo Podcast

Opening Doors: Diversity, Equality, Accessibility & Inclusion in the Travel Industry

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/ [http://www.gttp.org/] * Atlyn Forde (Founder, Communicate Inclusively) www.communicateinclusively.com/ [http://www.communicateinclusively.com/] * Uwern Jong (Experientialist®-in-Chief, OutThere and Diversity Angel award-winner) www.outthere.travel/ [http://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/ [https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/] Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/ [https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/]

Beyond the Buzzword: Cutting Through the Sustainability Noise in Travel

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 [https://icrt.global/]  - Karen Edwards (freelance journalist writing for Wanderlust, Time Out and more) https://www.karenedwards.co.uk [https://www.karenedwards.co.uk/]  - Brian Young (MD, EMEA at G Adventures) https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/responsible-travel/?srsltid=AfmBOorH_EYTq0oXDwUwJqcohMEixKW5vgno6sdQZFoQgNZ6SVX8T4Tb [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/ [https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/] Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/ [https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/]

Turbulence Ahead: Navigating Crisis in Travel PR

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/ [https://www.wearelotus.co.uk/] - Ian Benjafield, Head of Communications at Ambassador Cruise Line www.ambassadorcruiseline.com [https://www.ambassadorcruiseline.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13137008520&gbraid=0AAAAABY5Iqj76kFpTUR9klzRZoFAA6jtM&gclid=CjwKCAjwz_bABhAGEiwAm-P8YfSUFGMu7RblViJURCBaem3vWT5SyP6BzDTfKuGwv8vYTu0SBmgcHxoCoLYQAvD_BwE] - Sam Day, Vice President at FINN Partners www.finnpartners.com/uk/ [https://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/ [https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/] Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/ [https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/]

Who Should You Really Be Working With? Choosing the Right Content Creators

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/ [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/ [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/ [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/ [https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/] Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/ [https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/]

Why Mentorship Matters: Supporting Career Growth & Mental Wellbeing in Travel PR

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/ [https://www.travelconnectiongroup.com/tpra/] Created in partnership with https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/ [https://www.thetravelpodcastagency.com/] Want to know more about Women in Travel CIC? https://www.womenintravelcic.com [https://www.womenintravelcic.com] Interested in the Male Allyship Network? https://www.womenintravelcic.com/male-allyship-network/ [https://www.womenintravelcic.com/male-allyship-network/] Work with or sign up to the WeTwo Foundation here: https://teamwetwo.com