Former Kuoni PR chief launches free ‘inspire hour’ for travel firms

A new communications and coaching agency run by the former Kuoni PR chief is offering a free ‘inspire hour’ during August to travel firms wanting an “independent, trusted sounding board”.

The launch offer by new consultancy Rachel O’Reilly Communications & Coaching aims to give firms the chance to talk through plans or problems and discuss what support or next steps might be useful.

Founder O’Reilly, who has worked with leading tour operator brands, including Kuoni and parent Dertour UK, independent businesses, global hotel groups, attractions and destinations, sees it as an “exploratory” session for travel businesses.

She said: “In my experience, people value having a trusted sounding board and sometimes like having someone totally independent to run it by without feeling that there is an immediate need or commitment to budget.

“It is something I’m offering free for the whole of August – it’s available to everyone, small companies and large ones. It could be anyone working in travel who is looking for communications or coaching advice.”

O’Reilly said she has already received bookings from “all corners of the industry”, including independent travel agents, not-for-profit organisations, technology companies and operators.

This follows her LinkedIn post, which read: “Think of it as an ‘inspire hour’ to have in the diary which can be used to chat through an idea, untangle a knotty problem or sow the seed of a new plan.”

The hour could be to talk through a work project or challenge, brainstorm options in terms of how to tackle it and move forward, she said, including how to get media coverage to launch a project or connect the team with better internal communications.

Alternatively, it could be to help someone progress their career or to give advice on presentation skills, building media relationships or growing their industry profile, she noted.

The hour can be hosted on Teams, by phone or in person.

O’Reilly added: “I’ve spent more than 30 years working in communications for all sectors of the travel industry – PR, internal communications, business acquisitions, corporate communications and profile raising for entrepreneurs or executives.

“I also qualified as a health coach in 2024 and now offer wellbeing in the workplace advice, which I can also extend to individuals. Better sleep, increased energy, reducing stress, building a fitness routine into busy work schedules – that’s all part of balanced health.”