HUNTER and KWT Just Changed the Game in Travel PR and Everyone’s Watching
With the recent integration of KWT Global into HUNTER, the communications powerhouse is doubling down on one of the most dynamic and high-growth industries: travel and hospitality. This move marks a bold evolution of the agency’s capabilities, now operating as one unified brand under HUNTER and led by longtime travel PR expert Matthew Levison, who serves as Managing Director of the Travel & Hospitality practice.
Levison brings decades of experience and a deep passion for the industry to this role, backed by a dream team of seasoned professionals whose combined resumes read like a who’s who of global travel brands. From Four Seasons and Virgin Atlantic to Canyon Ranch and CLEAR, the team’s legacy in travel storytelling is rock solid. With the integration, they now offer clients the creative agility of a boutique agency fused with the reach and power of a global player.
“This isn’t just about bringing together agencies—it’s about supercharging what we do best,” says Levison. “We are fortunate to have such an energized and experienced team, paired with a slate of clients that are leaders in the industries we love.”
Why It Matters Now
The integration comes at a pivotal time. Just before the announcement, KWT was tapped by Fairmont to lead a global repositioning campaign, aligning the brand with modern luxury sensibilities. And just after, HUNTER landed Tripadvisor, the world’s most trusted travel platform, as its U.S. agency of record. These wins position HUNTER at the center of travel’s most exciting transformations.
A Conversation with Matthew Levison
How has the integration of KWT Global into HUNTER elevated the agency’s Travel & Hospitality capabilities? “The union of KWT and HUNTER has truly strengthened our Travel & Hospitality Division. We maintain the boutique feel of a smaller partner with the vast resources and reach of a global leader.”
You’ve often said that travel and hospitality are your passions. What inspired your journey into this space, and how did it lead you to this role? “During the 2008 recession, I soul-searched and realized my passion was travel. I wrote a love letter to the agency representing my favorite hotel—and got the job. That moment set everything in motion.”
Fairmont and Tripadvisor are two major wins for the agency. What do you think drew these iconic brands to HUNTER? “They recognized our creativity rooted in strategy, and our ability to insert brands into culture. They’re both titans, and we’re excited to bring them into the HUNTER family.”
Fairmont is in the midst of a global repositioning. What role is your team playing in this transformation—especially within the U.S. market? “We’re working in lockstep on a soon-to-launch campaign that will be truly special. You’ll have to wait and see.”
Tripadvisor is one of the most recognized names in travel. How are you helping them evolve and remain culturally relevant for the next generation of travelers? “We’re pairing legacy offerings with tech innovations, exciting partnerships, and fresh uses of their traveler-powered data to keep them relevant and growing.”
Looking at your approach to campaign development, what’s the key to building programs that stand out in a crowded travel media landscape? “We always triangulate three pillars: the brand’s intention, the audience’s desires, and the cultural context. That’s the formula for resonance.”
As your client roster expands, how are you maintaining strong relationships with legacy partners while onboarding new ones? “Our team sees ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams. As our roster grows, so does our passion—and our staff.”
What current trends are shaping travel and hospitality communications? Are there any emerging topics that clients are particularly focused on this year? “AI is the topic of the day. Clients are figuring out how to integrate it into hospitality without losing the human touch that makes great travel unforgettable.”
You’ve worked with both boutique properties and global powerhouses. How do you tailor your strategies for brands at different ends of the spectrum? “We don’t generalize. We take a surgical approach to audience segmentation, crafting campaigns that speak to specific travelers with precision.”
What’s your long-term vision for HUNTER’s Travel & Hospitality practice? What’s next on the horizon? “We aim to be the go-to resource that uplifts brands and destinations, celebrating the power of travel to transform lives.”
The Road Ahead
This is a strategic move that underscores HUNTER’s commitment to redefining what effective travel PR looks like. With Fairmont and Tripadvisor in its orbit—and Levison at the helm—HUNTER’s Travel & Hospitality division isn’t just keeping pace with the industry. It’s shaping where it goes next.
