Jody Merl, president of Innovative Travel Marketing (ITM), has been
named by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
(HSMAI) as one of the �Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in
Hospitality, Travel Sales and Marketing� for 2010. This recognition
makes Merl the first ever barter expert to be on the list of
honorees, who have habitually exemplified traits indicative of the
best sales and marketing professionals in the hospitality, travel
and tourism industries. The tribute took place during a private
ceremony preceding the HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala on January 31 at the
New York Marriott Marquis.
A
prized asset of the industry that goes under the radar, Jody Merl
effectively guides hotel and travel organizations to monetize their
unsold rooms or airline seats, as a financially intelligent and
critical part of an integrated marketing program. With the mantra
�an empty room is a terrible thing to waste,� she has bolstered her
clients� purchasing and marketing power � transforming available
inventory into currency to dramatically expand marketing budgets,
grow business, cover sales & marketing costs, or fund capital
expenditures.
A
30-year veteran of the industry, Merl launched Innovative Travel
Marketing in 1992 and has since made it the leading media planning
and buying company for the hotel/travel industry that uses barter as
a strategic financial tool. She and her company have literally
recovered millions of dollars for her clients by monetizing and
trading unsold room inventory that would have gone to waste, while
passing on millions in cash savings and increased cash flow to
bolster the bottom line. ITM�s media buying expertise supports hotel
sales efforts and generates spectacular results that could not have
otherwise been achieved.
Under her leadership, the firm�s customized barter advertising and
marketing programs have proven highly successful for independent and
chain-affiliated hotels and airlines worldwide. Merl has forged
long-standing relationships with a wide range of customers such as
Ian Schrager Hotels, Affinia Hotels, The Breakers Palm Beach, and
destination spa The Lodge at Woodloch. All have greatly benefited
from her barter advertising expertise, media placement strategies
and merchandising services to increase occupancy, average rate and
profit.
For more information phone 973-331-8171 or
click here.
