Innovative Travel Marketing

03/31/2026

Thank you, Steve Carran and David Millili, for a terrific conversation on Modern Hotelier.

In this industry, our journeys shape how we think about growth, demand, and brand presence. My focus has been on how hotels can approach advertising and digital marketing more strategically — with precision, timing, and how campaigns are funded.

This is a vital consideration beyond the brand’s creative.

Hotels often invest heavily in development and operations, but underinvest in visibility. That’s where opportunity— and often untapped value—lives.

When you begin to think differently about where and how you invest, new possibilities open up — often without increasing spend.

Listen to the full conversation here:

The Modern Hotelier - Episode #263: Innovative Marketing Strategies for Hotels | with Jody MerlHow can hotels, especially independent and boutique propertie...

03/02/2026

On March 5th, I’ll be joining the inaugural Female Founders in Hospitality Summit in NYC as a panelist to discuss how we can reframe business development. Looking forward to candid conversations, practical takeaways, and connecting if you’ll be there.

02/26/2026

Going to the HSMAI Adrian Awards each year reinforces the value of staying connected to this industry. We share ideas and continually learn alongside peers who care about elevating hospitality. On behalf of Innovative Travel Marketing, congratulations to all who were recognized! Everyone who attended was a winner.

11/04/2025

Thank you, Jennifer Glatt, Lesley Mckenzie and Mint Pillow, for the thoughtful dialogue and for shining a light on how independent hotels can elevate visibility and profitability. It’s always energizing to exchange ideas with fellow advocates who know that resourcefulness – not just resources – is what drives success in hospitality. In a marketplace where chains cast a long shadow, it’s rewarding to help smaller brands compete with creativity and confidence, and to keep advancing the conversation.

Here’s to empowering independents with smart strategies, strong storytelling and shared purpose.

Transform unsold room nights into powerful ad placements that boost visibility and revenue.

10/20/2025

My heartfelt thanks to HSMAI NYC for the honor of being spotlighted in the latest Roomers Newsletter. From the start of my career, HSMAI has been a place to learn, share ideas, and build lasting connections. I’m deeply grateful for the role this community has played in my journey—and in advancing our industry together. It’s a reminder that all of us, whether just starting out or well-seasoned, are sources of inspiration to one another. https://www.hsmainyc.org/press/jody-merl

09/10/2025

Independent boutique hotels have an unmatched ability to create experiences that resonate long after check-out—blending authenticity, personalization, and a sense of discovery. In a crowded marketplace, it’s not enough to simply be seen; you need to be remembered.

That’s where Innovative Travel Marketing comes in—our media marketing expertise empowers boutique lifestyle properties to boost awareness of their brand, target the right audiences at the right time, to help drive bookings and loyalty. If you’re ready to elevate your visibility and gain greater impact, let’s start the conversation.

07/28/2025

The Business Travel industry is booming! Last week’s Global Business Travel Association - GBTA conference had over 5,000 attendees in Denver with corporate travel managers and buyers from 50+ countries. Now is the time for hoteliers to capitalize on reaching this key audience segment. Do you have your marketing plan in place for RFP season? ITM has helped many of our hotel clients to increase their Corporate and Group Travel Business, and it would be our pleasure to help you, too.

07/21/2025

We had a wonderful time at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards event last week. It was so great to reconnect with colleagues and to honor excellence in the travel industry. Congratulations again to all the winners! Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

07/14/2025

We are always full of pride when our clients earn stellar recognition. Congratulations to these esteemed properties for ranking atop the Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards … so well deserved!! Travel + Leisure

The Fifth Avenue Hotel as the #1 Best City Hotel in New York City—exquisitely designed in the heart of Manhattan

The Boca Raton as the #2 Resort in Florida—an elegant, historic icon soon celebrating its 100th year anniversary

The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville as the #1 Best City Hotel in Nashville— a repeat winner of this award located in downtown Nashville

The Lodge at Woodloch -- A Destination Spa continues to rank as one of the 15 Best Spas in the US—a luxury adult-only destination spa near the Poconos, PA

This year, for our 30th anniversary of the World's Best Awards, our readers traveled far and wide. Here are the places, hotels, and companies they are loving most in 2025.

04/24/2025

Congratulations! We are thrilled for Beach Club at The Boca Raton.
https://lnkd.in/eH4i3v4m

We are thrilled to announce that Beach Club at The Boca Raton has been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Hot List. This prestigious recognition celebrates the world’s best new hotels shaping the future of travel as selected by their team of global editors. A heartfelt thank you to Condé Nast...

02/19/2025

Innovative Travel Marketing at the HSMAI Adrian Awards, Debbie Durso, Jody Merl and Michelle C. Walsh. Working in the industry is a joy and lovely way to connect with wonderful colleagues again. Congratulations to all the winners!