What a travel marketing agency should deliver
Discovery audit (SEO, ads, analytics), keyword map aligned to cities you serve, content briefs, paid media structure, and monthly reporting tied to qualified quotes—not impressions alone.
For DMCs, include trade enablement (PDF kits, LinkedIn) alongside consumer SEO. For hotels, pair with hotel-marketing and OTA modules.
In-house vs agency vs freelancers
In-house fits always-on product updates; freelancers suit audits and one-country depth; agencies help multi-market language sites and complex migrations.
Vetting checklist
Ask for travel case studies, Search Console screenshots, sample content briefs, and how they prevent thin city-page spam. Confirm GA4 quote events and consent mode for EU traffic.