Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN), an alliance of independent travel and lifestyle communications agencies across more than 37 markets around the world, is proud to mark its 20th anniversary this year.
Founded in Europe in 2005 by Hannah Clever (President of the German Clever Group) and Judy McCrusky, TLN was built on the principle that world-class communication must be strategic and locally relevant worldwide. Today, it is a testament to its vision, with over 350 experts from 22 member institutions serving over 500 clients around the world, from boutique hotels to the National Tourism Bureau.
“We created the TLN because we saw the need for something different. It's an international network based on trust, culture encyclopedia, collaboration,” says Kleber. “Twenty years from now, we are still proof that local expertise is meaningful and consequential to our global campaign.”
“We created the TLN because we saw the need for something different. It's an international network based on trust, culture encyclopedia, collaboration,” says Kleber. “Twenty years from now, we are still proof that local expertise is meaningful and consequential to our global campaign.”
To officially mark this milestone year, celebrations will be held at TLN's upcoming AGM in Montreal, Canada from June 4th to 6th at Warwickle Crystal Montreal, Canada, with all partner institutions once again congregating under one roof.
Collaboration to promote growth
For agents leaders like Agnes Van Duffelen, managing director of Baltus Communications (The Netherlands), he joined TLN.
“Participating the network provided us with greater reliability with clients than we would otherwise have overlooked, but more importantly, it gave us the knowledge that we weren't accessible on our own.”
She adds:
“TLN is about sharing work and perspective. You grow faster when you surround yourself with intelligent people from around the world who face similar challenges but see them through different lenses.”
Ann Wild, managing director of Ann Wild & Associates (Australia), joined more than 15 years ago when her agency was evolving its travel offering.
“The organization was separated from multinationals looking for agile partners with strong market insights,” Wilde said. “TLN has allowed us to provide both personalized services and multi-market reach.”
As one of the first non-European members, Anne played a tool in expanding membership throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“That peer support has evolved into true business growth thanks to the introductions between members.
People First Culture Meets Innovation
The strength behind TLN is people who are committed to appearing all the time.
He states that as Virginie Le Norgant, Associate Manageing Director and Business Development Director for Group Expression (France).
“We started sitting around one table – only 12 or 15 – and today we have an institution of over 20 people, which feels like family.”
Virginie also highlights one initiative that highlights TLN. This is an agency staff exchange program.
“Every year, our team has the opportunity to spend time within another member institution overseas, learning new approaches firsthand,” she explains.
“For many team members who have never traveled professionally before, this experience changes their worldview and they regain fresh thinking that will benefit everyone.”
Calling for ambitious independents
TLN is certainly not slowing down as it is entering its 30th year. Networks are firmly focused on future-ready innovations based on human connections.
Clever says:
“Our goal is to continue expanding into a high potential market, empowering the next generation within our agency through mentorship and masterclasses.”
In an industry defined by change, TLN has proven that when independent minds connect with shared objectives, local insights become global influence and collaboration becomes a competitive advantage.
