Flagler Awards 2016


The in-house digital marketing agency of Innisfree Hotels, was honored with a Florida Tourism Award from VISIT FLORIDA during its annual Governor’s Conference on September 7, 2016.


Named for Henry Flagler, a key figure in the state’s industrial development, the Flagler Awards recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. Annually, the awards honor the individuals and organizations who help maintain and improve Florida’s position as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.


Jillian Glenn, Director of Social & Creative Strategy, and Rachel Hogue, Director of Content Production, traveled to Orlando to attend the conference.


The team won the Bronze Flagler Award for its popular Tag & Release campaign at Pensacola Beach restaurant Red Fish Blue Fish. Guests are encouraged to snap photos at the ‘best backyard on the beach,’ then tag them with the restaurant’s hashtag and share them on social media.


“I am so proud of our team from our in-house agency! What a great story of brains over bucks for our little container restaurant, Red Fish Blue Fish,” says Julian MacQueen, founder and CEO of Innisfree Hotels. “Check out who they were competing with in the category of Social Media Marketing in a state that leads the nation in tourism.”


The in-house marketing team’s entry was up against major players with much larger budgets, including Silver Award winner The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for the Song & Chance 2 Video Contest and top Henry Award winner The Florida Aquarium for the Lightning’s Drive for The Stanley Cup.


The total budget for the Tag & Release campaign was $2,315. Total cost of Facebook ads was only $20.


The Tag & Release social media campaign garnered more than 1,643 total campaign submissions and generated nearly 9,000 new Facebook Likes for the Red Fish Blue Fish Facebook page through owned, earned and paid efforts.


“I’m extremely proud of our team and of the accomplishments we’ve been able to achieve this year,” Glenn says. “We’re a small agency, producing work while we sleep, so it feels good to be recognized.”


– Ashley Kahn Salley

Lead Storyteller, Innisfree Hotels