After 18 Years with TLN: A Meaningful Chapter Ends and a new begins.
When Baltus Communications joined the Travel Lifestyle Network in 2007, TLN was still very much in its infancy, with only a handful of European agencies being part of the network. None of us could have predicted how influential those early connections would become, both professionally and personally.
From the very beginning, TLN proved to be far more than a network in name. It was a place where we learned, together, how to navigate international pitch processes, how the tourism PR world truly operates beyond borders, and how valuable it is to exchange experiences with like-minded colleagues who genuinely understand the challenges of our profession. There were moments of frustration, of course - those familiar situations where you think, “Is this really only happening to us?” - only to discover, during an honest conversation at a TLN meeting or over dinner, that others were facing the very same issues. That shared reality was comforting, grounding, and often surprisingly motivating.
Over the years, TLN gave Baltus Communications professional visibility, credibility, and most importantly - lasting relationships. Collaborations grew naturally, trust was built, and friendships emerged, extending far beyond business cards and conference rooms. Deciding to step away from such a valuable network after 18 years was therefore not an easy choice. This decision, however, does not mark an end to my professional involvement in travel PR. On the contrary, my work continues - albeit in a different form. I remain active as a freelance in Travel PR and advisory professional, collaborating selectively on projects like the
Life, however dynamic, is also fragile. The sudden passing of one of TLN’s founding figures, the late Judy McCluskey, underscored that reality profoundly. Judy was not only a visionary within the network, but also a mentor whose guidance and generosity left a lasting impression on us. As this chapter within TLN ends, I do so with deep gratitude for everything the network has brought us, and with genuine respect for the community that continues to move TLN forward.
Warm Regards, Agnes van Duffelen, Baltus Communications, The Netherlands
Travel
Lifestyle
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The Travel Lifestyle Network
connects leading independent agencies with local insight and a global reach to form a best-of-breed agency network specializing in travel and lifestyle.
Together, TLN crafts stories that inspire curiosity, build global engagement, and deliver measurable growth.
For more information: travellifestylenetwork.com
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