LDPR: Laura Davidson Public Relations

About LDPR

The travel industry is changing. Fast. Increased competition and rewards, technological advances, and shifting socio- and demographic trends have transformed it into a business with new rules and accountability.

LDPR is an innovative travel and lifestyle public relations agency based in New York City. We work with prestigious clients from around the globe including destinations, tour companies, private islands, hotels and resorts. Our unique culture is defined by our collaborative, strategic and creative approach to working with clients and the media, leading to a strong partnership with measurable results and an outstanding reputation in the industry.

Lean, fast and smart, we have spent the last 20 years perfecting an approach we call "media marketing" - a mix of marketing skills and traditional PR practices. First we strategize with our clients and prioritize goals. Then we translate those goals into words the media can understand and wants to hear. Strategic partnerships, media outreach, brand promotions, guerrilla marketing and news-generating events are all part of the agency's creative mix.

The results speak for themselves: extraordinary coverage in magazines, newspapers, broadcast and online outlets…return on investment as high as 200:1...a wide network of media friends…a dedicated and talented staff…and a family of satisfied clients who value our commitment, expertise and enthusiasm.

Laura Davidson, President
Laura has focused exclusively on travel PR throughout her 25-year career. Prior to opening the agency in 1991, she worked for Spiro & Associates (Philadelphia) and Tromson Monroe (New York). In 2008 Laura was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), the governing body of the industry.

In addition to her agency work, Laura is deeply involved in numerous organizations including SATW (Society of American Travel Writers), CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization), CHA (Caribbean Hotel Association) and ATME (Association of Travel Marketing Executives). Determined to "give back" to society, she involves her agency in several philanthropic initiatives — from sponsoring teachers at a primary school in Benin, West Africa, to planting a community garden for the homeless in the Bronx.

Greatest professional achievement ?
“It’s always good to get industry recognition, and yes, the many awards the agency wins each year are very gratifying. From a personal perspective, the Lifetime Achievement Award that I received from HSMAI was a career highlight. But I would have to say that my greatest achievement has been to build an agency that retains its clients and its employees. To me, strong relationships are the most accurate measure of success.”

Most memorable travel experience ?
“Taking an early morning safari on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. It was like witnessing the beginning of the world.”

Advice for someone starting in PR ?
“First, listen…to your colleagues, your clients and your imagination. Next, create. The game of PR is won by those who uncover opportunities that others simply don’t see and run with every great idea long after others have given up. Finally, really love what you do. If PR is just a job for you, don’t apply."

Leslie Cohen, Executive Vice President
Leslie has focused on travel PR for over two decades, matching her broad experience with a sixth PR sense and an amazing contact list. Before joining LDPR in 2000, she was a senior vice president at Porter Novelli in New York, where she ran the company’s Travel Group with clients ranging from Princess Cruises and Southwest Airlines to the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

Leslie is also deeply involved in the travel PR world outside of the agency. She is a member of SATW (Society of American Travel Writers), PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) Travel and Tourism Section, and HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International). As an expert in her field she is called upon regularly to moderate panels and speak at conferences.

Most successful campaign ?
“While working at Porter Novelli, I led the Princess Cruises account team to win PR’s three most prestigious awards for a single campaign, launching the Dawn Princess. Media coverage involved “Good Morning America,” “Oprah” and all the TV networks, plus dozens of articles in such major publications as People, Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald and the New York Daily News. The ship was sold out for its first three months at sea. Princess Cruises declared the Dawn Princess launch its most successful ever.”

Why travel PR ?
“I truly believe that if you are to live a fulfilling life, you must find your passion and follow it wherever it leads. For me, that passion is travel in all its many wonderful variations: hiking in the Rocky Mountains, sipping café au lait on the Champs-Élysées or snorkeling in the Caribbean. Travel PR chose me.”

LDPR’s secret ?
“It’s an incredibly supportive environment where everyone is invested in the agency’s success and celebrates each other’s good work.”

Lisa Caruso, Vice President
When Lisa joined LDPR in 2003 she brought with her 10 years of travel, lifestyle and brand marketing experience along with a passion for promoting clients in unique and effective ways. Today she oversees accounts including Abercrombie & Kent, Tourisme Montréal, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau and The Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau with a special focus in lifestyle media and broadcast categories. While at LDPR, she has also led the team for the opening of Phase III at Atlantis, Paradise Island in 2006/2007, and supervised the Marriott International account and special events for VisitScotland and Tourism Australia.

Lisa has initiated creative publicity programs focused on news and trends, luxury and experiential travel, spa/wellness, and culinary arts. She has led the media strategy for her clients, placing stories in top press from consumer travel and trade to lifestyle and news mediums. Lisa has also spearheaded integrated marketing campaigns for clients, including multi-faceted programs for international hotel companies with partners including DreamWorks Pictures, Lifetime Television, Condé Nast Bridal Group, Lavalife, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Prior to joining LDPR, Lisa was the director of PR at PGA National Resort & Spa in Florida and was heavily involved with the Palm Beach County Convention & Visitors Bureau PR outreach, as well as VisitFlorida PR and promotions programs.

Paul Rakov, Vice President
Paul has more than 15 years of public relations experience in a diverse range of industries that includes travel and tourism, consumer electronics retail, software technology and e-commerce. .

Paul came to LDPR after spending nearly four years as the Public Relations and Advertising Director for the Emerson Resort & Spa, a four-star luxury property located two hours north of New York City. His time on the “client side” gives him valuable insight and a keen understanding of our clients’ business objectives.

Paul has also led national campaigns to launch new products and divisions while at Circuit City Stores, provided public and financial relations support for emerging technology companies in the high-tech sectors of the Silicon Valley and Seattle, and has worked with convention and visitors bureaus to promote destinations such as Virginia Beach and Amelia Island, Florida.

Sara Geen Hill, Vice President
After earning a degree in public relations from Boston University, Sara first came to LDPR as an intern. Ten years later she has risen through the ranks to become a vice president with impressive media contacts in upscale travel, lifestyle, food & beverage, design, wellness and bridal. Her strength is developing innovative programs that secure coverage beyond the traditional outlets, especially social media forums. Sara is a leader in new hotel openings and has achieved terrific success for The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort, and The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort.

What makes a good PR manager ?
“The training at LDPR. This agency is a tight-knit team of real professionals and I can’t imagine a better place to work and to fine-tune both my PR and managerial skills. Since I have worked my way up the ranks, gaining insights and new skills at each level, I can relate to all members of my team, and have the right perspective to coach them.”

Any advice for aspiring PR professionals ?
“Be a sponge. Everyone who you meet along the way in your career will offer different insights and ideas. Only by seeing PR from a 360-degree perspective can you master the art of the unexpected.”

Worst travel experience ?
“Tripping over a rock amid the ruins in Merida, Spain. I spent the next few hours in the ER and the rest of the trip in a wheelchair.”

Carla Tracy, Vice President
Carla has been one of LDPR’s over-achievers ever since she joined the agency in June 2003, straight from Marist college. Since then, she has worked with many of LDPR’s biggest clients, earning outstanding results and a collection of awards. Carla is best known for her personal approach and strong contacts in print and digital media. Her keen eye for trend spotting (“cinema-cations” with Abercrombie & Kent) and telling the client’s story with style and authenticity (RockResorts’ Iconic Weddings) is her specialty. She is also one of LDPR’s resident “foodies” and has a love for the outdoors, sports and photography.

Greatest professional achievement ?
“Winning the Platinum HSMAI Award for The Resort at Paws Up Grand Opening campaign. Partly because it was my first Platinum and partly because the Lipson family (owners of Paws Up) have become part of the LDPR family. They have been great clients for over six years and claim much of the resort’s success is due to our efforts at LDPR.”

Most unique hotel service ?
“While relaxing atop the enormous Serengeti kopje rocks at Sanctuary Kusini Camp in Tanzania, exchanging stories and recounting safari sightings around the fire pit, the camp manager pulled out an extraordinary green laser pointer that cut through the thick, black night to give us all a “cosmic safari.” It was magical and fascinating—I will never see the stars the same way again!”

Top of the packing list ?
“My Nikon D40 camera; I never go anywhere without it. Some of my most prized possessions are my travel photos. On long-haul flights, I’m never without my cashmere travel-sized pillowcase and travel blanket.”

Meghna Patel, Senior Vice President
When Meghna joined LDPR in 2001, she added international flair, excellent organizational skills, and extensive industry knowledge (starting with a degree in hospitality management). Her experience includes three years at a Hong Kong agency that specialized in travel (Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Swissôtel and Accor Asia Pacific) and high-end products (San Pellegrino and Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch). In addition to handling the media activities for her clients, Meghna also has broad experience in event organization and marketing sponsorships.

How do you measure success ?
“Of course there are many ways to measure success in this business…awards, ROI, site traffic, goals met…but probably the most significant is the time a client stays with the agency. Take the Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. LDPR was hired for one year to open the resort for Marriott and Ritz-Carlton; seven years later we still have the account. We’ve worked with VisitScotland for seven years and Mustique for 12 years. I attribute these long-standing relationships to our philosophy of working in partnership with our clients and acting as an extension of their PR and marketing departments.”

Insights from an international perspective ?
“I’ve lived on three continents, traveled around the world since I was a child and speak five languages. Needless to say, I have experienced different cultures and practices, which has given me an appreciation and understanding for different ways of life and doing business. It’s amazing how this experience helps me serve my clients and adapt to their needs while allowing me to explain how things work in the US. I am truly appreciative of the international life I have lead and hope to share all my experiences with friends, colleagues and clients.”

What do you love most about LDPR ?
“Our team - we truly have a dedicated group of people and we can count on each other to create success stories for our clients every day.”

LDPR on Location


The LDPR family, celebrating the agency’s 20th Anniversary in style at the Trump SoHo New York	Dana Curatolo posing under a series of naturally shedded antlers Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Dana Curatolo at the Jackson Lake Lodge Corrals in Grand Teton National Park	Jason Coletta, Leslie Cohen, Tricia Lanigan and Dana Curatolo with Residence Inn by Marriott's first Resident Mom Award Recipient Holly Robinson Peete

LDPR’s Ashley Day, Annie Scott of Luxist/Gadling and Krista Rossow, National Geographic Traveler get up close and personal with the wildlife in Zambia on safari with Sanctuary Retreats and Abercrombie & Kent.	LDPR staffer Nubia DuVall Wilson soaking up the sun during a tour at Villa Hibiscus on the island of Mustique


Laura Davidson with sons Tobey and Jake enjoying one of the many groomed runs at Beaver Creek Mountain!	Where's Brad Pitt when we need him?! “A River Runs Through It” in Montana, as LDPR's Ashley MontBlanc led a group of journalists rafting the Blackfoot River during a press trip to Paws Up. Pictured here are Stephanie Oswald (TravelGirl), Jenny Peters (Bel Air), Michael Dickey (Jezebel) and Terecille Basa-Ong (The Record, NJ).


LDPR’s Sara Geen experiences the royal treatment at Atlantis, Paradise Island.	New York Times Columnist Harry Hurt III with Patrick Dill of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Jason Coletta of LDPR at Grande Lakes Orlando.


Ashley MontBlanc of LDPR flying above the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.	Agency president Laura Davidson, actors Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton-John, Tourism Australia’s Bob Monfrini, and Barry Brown (formerly with Travel + Leisure) at Australia Week in LA.


LDPR’s Kelly Brewer standing in the shadow of the great Sphinx of Giza while on an Abercrombie & Kent adventure in Egypt.	Laura Davidson and Leslie Cohen fit in a bit of sightseeing at Muskauer Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site outside of Dresden, Germany, while attending the 2010 Society of American Travel Writers convention.



Laura Davidson and family on an Abercrombie & Kent adventure, getting ready to hike the primary rainforest at the Lapa Rios preserve.

Accolades

Laura Davidson Honored for Public Relations Excellence
Agency President Laura Davidson was recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) with the Winthrop Grice Lifetime Achievement Award. The award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions and lasting impressions on the hospitality and travel industry. Davidson was honored during the 51st Annual Awards gala on Monday, January 28, 2008, presented before a crowd of 1,000 attendees.

click on photo to enlarge

LDPR measures its success in a number of ways. There are our long-standing relationships with clients (we’ve worked with Mustique for 12 years; Curtain Bluff, 10 years; The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, eight years; VisitScotland, seven years). There is the willingness of key members of the media to act as our references, the loyalty of the our staff and, of course, our remarkable results — clip-books with print, broadcast and Internet placements.

Industry Honors
Other industry-recognized measurements of success are those awards for excellence earned from prestigious organizations like Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

HSMAI Platinum Awards
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
VisitScotland
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
Jake’s, Jamaica
Hotel Sofitel North America

HSMAI Gold Awards
Star Island
Grande Lakes Orlando
Tourism Victoria
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines
Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda
Marriott International
The Regency, A Loews Hotel
The Mustique Company
VisitScotland
Tourism Australia
Accor Lodging North America
Tauck World Discovery
Island Outpost
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
Jake’s, Jamaica
Hotel Sofitel North America

HSMAI Silver Awards
Abercrombie & Kent
The Resort at Paws Up
The Osprey at Beaver Creek
Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines
The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort
Orlando/Orange County CVB
Tourisme Montréal
Grande Lakes Orlando
The Mustique Company
La Posada de Santa Fe, New Mexico
VisitScotland
Marriott International
Peter Island Resort & Spa
Tourism Australia
The Equinox Resort & Spa, Vermont
designhotels
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
The Australian Tourist Commission
The Cotton House & the Villas of Mustique
American Classic Voyages Company
Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia
Accor North America
American Classic Voyages
Hotel Sofitel North America
Coco Palm, St. Lucia

HSMAI Bronze Awards
The Keystone Lodge & Spa
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
RockResorts
Peter Island Resort & Spa
Turtle Island, Fiji
Snake River Lodge, Wyoming
Curtain Bluff, Antigua
American Classic Voyages
Sundance
Tauck World Discovery
Marriott & Renaissance Offshore Resorts
The Island of Mustique in the Caribbean
Tourism Australia

PRSA Big Apple Award
VisitScotland

Cushman Awards
Tourisme Montrèal
The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
VisitScotland

LDPR Gives Back

Ever since LDPR was formed in 1991, the company has had an active philanthropic program. It's a part of who we are and we take it seriously. Our staff members put forward deserving causes; they are vetted by an internal committee and supported with time, talent and contributions.

THE KAKANITCHOÉ PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BENIN, WEST AFRICA
It all started back in 2000 when Beth Walsh, then a VP at LDPR, decided to leave the PR world and follow her heart. It led her first into the Peace Corps and then to Benin in West Africa. In the course of her work, she met Pascal Gbenou, a Beninese farmer, who had the dream of building a primary school in his remote village, Kakanitchoé-Whenusu (if you think it's hard to pronounce, try finding it on the map).

There was a real need. The nearest school was four miles away in Adjohoun, but there is no school transportation in this small West African country and, especially for the youngest elementary school students, the distance was just too great.

So Pascal built his primary school in Kakanitchoé and staffed it with help from LDPR. Now it's in its eighth year and more than a hundred students have passed through its grades and gone on to middle school. LDPR pays the salaries of three of the school's four teachers. For more information, please contact Beth Walsh at walshbenin@yahoo.com.

OLD ROAD FUND
While many resorts make a big show of their corporate responsibility, Curtain Bluff in Antigua is the exception to the rule. Since the resort opened in 1974, this luxurious all-inclusive has been quietly, determinedly and effectively raising the fortunes of hundreds of people in the nearby village of Old Road.

In the last 10 years alone, the fund has provided scholarships, paid additional college expenses for local students, and sent more than 50 children to tennis camp in the US. Others have gone as camp counselors. It has given medical and emergency relief to those in need, computers to Old Road's primary school, and new uniforms and sporting equipment to the village football (soccer) and cricket teams. Additionally, Miami Dade Community College (MDCC) and Florida International University (FIU) are helping the fund to offer scholarships for degrees in tourism and hospitality.

LDPR supports the efforts of the Old Road Fund by making yearly donations on behalf of its employees. For more information, please visit http://www.curtainbluff.com/oldroad.htm.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Since October 2008, LDPR has supported Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that provides interview suits, professional business attire and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide. The goal of Dress for Success is for each woman who is pre-screened to be job-ready to leave with a complete outfit and training that will help her feel confident in her interview and land a job. She can then return to Dress for Success for employment suiting once she is hired. For more information on Dress for Success or to donate items, please visit dressforsuccess.org.