45 Degrees Marketing has officially launched their marketing services of international boutique travel suppliers to the North American market. Co-founded by Jacob Marek and Joshua Smith, 45 Degrees Marketing integrates social media and newer marketing techniques with the proven traditional marketing practices.
“Our focus at 45 Degrees Marketing is not mass market products, rather those niche experiential journeys in amazing destinations,” said Marek. “I think it’s clear that tourism marketing is adjusting quickly with the times, yet the larger representation companies still use the same tactics from 20 years ago. Having a new and innovative understanding is what will enhance our portfolio.”
45 Degrees Marketing will focus on six key areas:
1. Travel Retail Relations – Educating travel agents and other retailers on clients’ destinations through webinars and sales presentations while representing portfolio members at tradeshows and other events.
2. Industry Management – Developing relationships with North American operators on behalf of clients to incorporate product inclusion and assisting clients in consortia navigation.
3. Public Relations and Media – Managing public relations efforts for its portfolio, including press release writing and distribution, story pitching, and media buying and negotiating.
4. Creative Services – Developing brands through industry research and managing client introduction in the North American market. Services include brochure design, trip documentation, collateral production, and mail fulfillment.
5. Social Media – Creating and managing an online presence of information, promotion and on-site news on behalf of clients. 45 Degrees Marketing clients are also promoted through the 45 Degrees Marketing social media outlets.
6. Government Relations – Establishing relationships between portfolio members and their respective government organizations and implementing co-operative marketing programs for clients to maximize their presence.
Smith and Marek previously worked together on increasing tourism to Kenya through a consortium partnership. Marek managed North American marketing programs focused on selling Kenya through education on behalf of the Kenya Tourist Board. Smith’s experience resides in his work with Virtuoso as Account Manager of Tour and Specialty Operators and subsequent development of the Tourism Board portfolio including the Kenya Tourist Board.
“I was fortunate to have focused on a unique sector of the travel industry, tourism boards, which allowed me the opportunity to recognize gaps in the marketing process,” Smith stated.
Both Smith and Marek will be attending ITB in Berlin on March 9th as an official industry launch.
45 Degrees Marketing, www.45degreesmarketing.com