In today’s fast-moving media world, timing isn’t just a bonus—it’s a strategy. Some of the most successful PR efforts come from brands that know how to align their story with what people are already talking about. Whether it’s a cultural moment or a headline-grabbing event, these opportunities can unlock deeper storytelling, broader reach and longer-lasting visibility.
Below are three standout examples from the travel and lifestyle space—each showing how a timely move turned into meaningful media results, and what other brands can take away from the approach.
Three Smart Ways Brands Seized the Moment
Turning a Celestial Moment into a Sold-Out Stay
A luxury resort located in the path of the solar eclipse created an elevated viewing experience, complete with themed packages and immersive add-ons. With a strong lead time and a story that tapped into the cultural buzz around the rare event, the offering earned 15+ national media placements and more than 700 million impressions, helping the property book out completely for the occasion.
Lesson: When your location or experience aligns with a national moment, act early, lead creatively and give media a timely hook.
Shifting the Spotlight During a Major Tournament
During a historic golf tournament, one hospitality brand chose to highlight a behind-the-scenes story: the women preparing the championship course. In a field where women make up less than 2% of turf managers, this values-driven angle caught the attention of sports and lifestyle media, resulting in millions of impressions and contributing to the most-streamed women’s golf tournament in network history.
Takeaway: Leading with an unexpected, human angle can break through—even in saturated spaces.
Summer Games Energy Fuels Wellness Coverage
As excitement built ahead of the global summer games, one Southwest resort rolled out a “Triathlon Prep” wellness experience that spotlighted its top-tier spa and on-site gold medalist swim coach – leveraging assets it already had in a new way. With a clear tie to cultural trends and a well-packaged pitch, the story earned a spotlight in The Wall Street Journal and boosted the resort’s profile among fitness-focused travelers.
Insight: Tapping into the energy of global events can reframe existing offerings and elevate visibility in new and valuable ways.
Five Ways to Make the Most of Timely Media Moments
Whether you’re a hotel, destination or lifestyle brand, here are five actionable tips to help your story break through when it matters most:
- Audit What Already Makes You Unique
Great stories often come from assets you already have. Identify partnerships, people or experiences that could gain new relevance in upcoming news cycles. - Work the Editorial Calendar—and the Zeitgeist
Track key seasonal, cultural or pop culture moments 60–90 days in advance. Editors are always looking for a fresh take on what’s trending. - Tell the Story Behind the Offering
Don’t just pitch a product—craft a narrative that connects with human interest or larger social themes. That’s what makes coverage stick. - Mind the Moment and the Mood
Timing is crucial, but so is tone. Make sure your message fits the news environment—whether it’s celebratory, reflective or values-forward. - Have Assets Ready Before You Pitch
Speed matters. Prepare visuals, spokespeople and press materials before outreach begins. You’ll beat the rush and win the inbox.
Headlines change by the hour, but the brands that consistently win attention have one thing in common: they’re paying attention. They know when to act, how to frame a story and why timing can turn a good pitch into a great one. Relevance isn’t luck—it’s planned.