With the leisure, tourism and hospitality industries all taking a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, communications has been key during these unprecedented times, and specialist marcomms agency Azalea has stepped in to provide crucial marketing and strategic support for those in need.
The pandemic struck Europe in early 2020 and forced a number of venues and resorts to close, requiring careful messaging throughout the closure to members and customers to keep them informed, engaged and, ultimately, excited to return.
During this period, Azalea has used its specialist service to help a number of flagship golf clubs, major tourist boards and luxury resorts get the right messages to their stakeholders, through the right platform, and at the right time. From crisis reporting, social media management, member comms, email marketing and press announcements – Azalea has been on hand for its clients, every step of the way.
Furthermore, Azalea has supported with extensive communications plans and marketing strategy as clubs and resorts have begun to reopen. In the UK, ‘staycations’ are set to be popular this summer, particularly within the golf break segment, with Azalea working closely with its clients on packages and promotional plans to get people returning.
And don’t just take it from us! Here are some testimonials from some of the clients we have helped through the coronavirus crisis:
Sally Raith-Riches, director of sales at Foxhills Club & Resort, said: “Wow! That’s all I can say about Azalea’s support over the last few months, we are incredibly grateful. Never has member comms been so vital, especially as we were going through renewals in the peak of the virus, and Azalea helped us maximise our renewal and kept our members engaged and in the loop during the uncertain times. We hit the ground running with our golf membership with a very successful strategy implemented and are ready and raring to go ahead of our hospitality reopening thanks to Azalea’s forward-planning.”
James Ibbetson, general manager at Farleigh Golf Club, said: “We have had amazing feedback from our members and local community on our comms, thanks to Azalea’s creative and proactive approach. Not only that, but we were delighted with our membership renewal – in impossible trading conditions – which was then followed by a record-breaking six weeks upon reopening the golf course. All of this isn’t a coincidence and is a testament to Azalea’s great work.”
Nick Hughes, general manager of Green Grass Golf, said: “Azalea has been extremely flexible and supportive throughout this tough period. By being proactive and reacting quickly, they have ensured we have been ahead of the game. As a result, both of our venues have come out of this as strongly as they could have in the circumstances – with record numbers of golfers playing the courses. Azalea is definitely a trusted partner, not only are they good at what they do, but an enjoyable bunch to work with too.”
Alan Foley, director of golf and spa sales for the Almarose hotel group, said: Azalea is a valuable extension of our small internal team and brings expertise that is needed to help us get maximum results. One thing that sticks out is Azalea’s speed and turnaround time; tasks are always completed quickly and to an excellent standard – they really do know their stuff. Throughout our time of need, Azalea has been extremely flexible and a great sounding board for ideas – a voice of reason which knows exactly what will work for our target market.”
If you are interested in teaming up with Azalea, please contact: daniel@theazaleagroup.com