Hospitality and Real Estate Journalists to Know
By Hailey Pinto
The worlds of hospitality and real estate never really sit still.
One minute, a new travel trend takes over the news cycle (see: flashpacking). The next moment, a new piece of technology disrupts the industry, and suddenly things have wobbled and shifted overnight. These sectors move quickly and reporters are at the center of it all, covering the stories that matter most and helping their readers make sense of it.
To help you put your best foot forward with these journalists, we’re spotlighting a few of our media partners consistently shaping meaningful conversations across both hospitality and real estate.
5 Hospitality and Real Estate Journalists to Know
Nikki Ekstein
Nikki is a travel reporter and editor at Bloomberg Pursuits who covers the world of travel through a luxury and lifestyle lens. She highlights everything from trending getaways and bold hotel makeovers to eccentric hoteliers leading the industry, and anything in between. She also explores state-of-the-industry topics such as AI’s impact on hospitality operations and shifts in U.S travel behavior and revenue.
Nikki is typically responsive, even if the story isn’t a current fit. If you’re looking to pitch a new property opening, a standout luxury experience, or better yet, a bucket list vacation spot that would check anyone's box, send it Nikki’s way!
Check out Nikki’s coverage of our former client Roami and its houseboat-style vacation rental Arkup here.
Michal Christine Escobar
Michal is a senior editor at Hospitality Technology Magazine, where she primarily covers the hotel industry. With a decade of experience as a B2B journalist, she established the hotel beat at the magazine. She hones in on emerging technologies including AI, VRP, IoT, and other innovations that are transforming operations and guest experience.
Michal is collaborative and receptive to feedback, which makes her a valuable partner for any story. If her schedule doesn’t allow for a live interview, she’s open to accepting bylines or written Q&As on topics that shed light on the industry.
Check out the byline Michal published on our client Arise and their tech-driven CX platform here.
Peter Lane Taylor
If your story sits at the intersection of travel, real estate, climate change, and exceptional human experience, Peter is your guy. As a ForbesLife contributor, his writing is driven by big thinking and the desire to help people live life to the fullest. His voice and perspective are unique within the Forbes ecosystem.
Peter includes some of his life’s adventures on his Forbes profile. Have you also sailed to Antarctica or done barrel rolls in a stunt plane over the Panama Canal? If the answer is yes, use that to kickstart the conversation. Thoughtful personalization goes a long way in a crowded inbox!
We offered Peter the chance to stay at a Roami vacation rental to build his own perspective. Beyond an enjoyable stay, this trip sparked an in-person conversation with the CEO of Roami, which became a lasting professional relationship.
Take a look at Peter’s coverage of that experience here.
Gregg Wallis
Gregg is the senior editor at Hotel Business and InspireDesign. He covers new property openings, business developments, leadership updates, and major renovation projects across the hospitality industry. Gregg is a pleasure to collaborate with, very responsive, and a good media “friendly” of ours. He’s always on the lookout for breaking industry news to share with his readers!
Pro Tip: When pitching real estate journalists or travel reporters – or any reporter, really – keep the conversation going beyond the initial pitch. Check in periodically on coverage priorities, current topics of interest, or just to send well wishes during the holiday season. Consistency and humanity go a long way!
Gregg’s covered our client Mint House and their new “aparthotel,” The Dylin, here.
Samantha Delouya
Samantha is a writer for CNN Business, where she reports on our fluctuating economy. She focuses on housing, labor, affordability, and policy-driven change. Whether it’s breaking business or economic news from home loans and mortgage rate shifts to inflation and flood insurance, no topic in this realm is off the table.
As Samantha often keeps her pieces grounded in facts and implications, pitches that clearly outline the who, what, why, and what’s next resonate best. Providing data, expert insight, or policy context also helps to drive interest.
Read Samantha’s coverage of our client, EdgeWise, on the shift from buyer agents to listing agents here.
Take the time to understand each reporter’s beat, their perspective, and their unique approach to journalism. Think about what you can truly offer, how your story fits their coverage, and where you can connect beyond the initial pitch.
Behind every inbox is a real human navigating deadlines and a constant flow of information. Thoughtful outreach goes a long way.
Happy pitching!
