Celebrating 20 Years of TLN: A Global Travel Network
This year, the Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN) celebrates its 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 by Hanna Kleber from Germany and Judy McCluskey, TLN has grown into a network of over 350 professionals across 22 agencies in 37 markets.
Kleber reflects on the network’s origins: “We saw the need for a unique platform—one built on trust and collaboration.” Today, TLN partners with more than 500 clients, from boutique hotels to national tourism boards.
To celebrate this milestone, TLN held its annual meeting in Montreal in early June. It was an opportunity for members to connect and share insights.
Growth Through Collaboration
Agency leaders highlight how TLN transformed their businesses. Agnes van Duffelen from Baltus Communications in the Netherlands shares, “TLN enhanced our credibility with larger clients and gave us access to valuable knowledge.”
Anne Wild from Australia joined TLN over 15 years ago. She saw a shift in the industry toward smaller, more agile partners. “TLN helped us offer personalized services while reaching broader markets,” she notes.
The network has also fostered friendships. Wild valued the support from fellow leaders: “Exchanging strategies and experiences has led to genuine business growth.”
A Supportive Culture and Innovative Programs
TLN’s strength lies in its people. Virginie Le Norgant from GroupExpression in France recalls starting with just a dozen members. “Now, we’re a large family of over twenty agencies,” she says.
One standout initiative is the inter-agency staff exchange program. Members can experience other agencies’ approaches firsthand. Le Norgant explains, “For those who have never traveled for work, it changes their perspective and brings fresh ideas back to their teams.”
Looking Ahead
As TLN enters its third decade, the focus remains on innovation and connection. Kleber states, “We aim to expand into new markets while nurturing the next generation through mentorships and masterclasses.”
In a rapidly changing industry, TLN shows that when independent entities unite with a shared vision, local expertise can lead to global impact. This collaboration is not just a strategy; it’s becoming a distinct advantage.
Expert Insight
According to recent studies, networks like TLN that facilitate collaboration can enhance business growth. Research from Harvard Business Review indicates that companies engaging in collaborative practices report higher revenue growth—up to 15% more than their peers.
As TLN looks to the future, their commitment to local insight and personal connections may well define their next chapter in the evolving landscape of travel and lifestyle communications.
For further reading on business networks and their impact on growth, check out the Harvard Business Review article.