The Decker/Royal Agency
PR, Marketing and Creative Communications for Travel, Tourism and Hospitality.
Travel & Hospitality PR Agency
Welcome to Decker/Royal, a creative marketing & communications agency representing the travel and hospitality industry. Our NYC and London teams drive results, raise profiles and manage reputations.
/ who we are
We value hard work and living well. Balance allows us to appreciate inspiring moments and nurture our spirits. Our team believes that the more we experience the better we can help our clients. Our brand building, social media marketing and storytelling are vivid, because we’ve lived it.
/ what we believe
Ultimately, travel is a source of good in the world. Helping intrepid travelers discover you is giving them a gift. Beyond that, our company culture revolves around creating a better world through social responsibility, empathy and awareness. When we aim to make the world a better place, our work is better and our relationships are stronger.
New York Office
Cathy Decker
Principal (aka Queen Bee, Head Janitor, Office Mom)
A fixture in the travel industry for over 35 years, Decker is a girl boss and mom of three who believes in mentoring, the exhilarating thrill of solo travel and the power of forgiveness.
Unforgettable dining experience?
The catamaran pulled up to a stunning slice of Jamaica beach and we feasted on roasted yam, curried goat and stewed oxtail cooked on an open fire.
Pro family travel tip?
Prepare and then relax. Moms often set the tone for the whole family; if you are relaxed, confident and looking forward to fun – so will the rest of the tribe.
Where next?
Visiting faraway family and friends is the priority this year, but then, I am going to Petra.
Stacy Royal
Principal (aka Ring Leader)
With more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, Stacy is almost as passionate about travel and PR as she is for her beloved Yankees, and much to her friends’ dismay, her gluten-free creations.
What’s the one thing you can never travel without?
CBD Balm - it works for everything!
Where to next?
Dreaming of the spice markets in Marrakesh, blue waters of the Exumas and the trails in the Scottish Highlands
Something someone would never guess about you? I’m an award-winning tap dancer and a serious proponent of plant-based diet even though yes, I did catch a 30 lb salmon on my first try in Alaska.
Devyn Barker
Senior Vice President (aka HBIC)
A PR and marketing pro with over a decade of experience, when Devyn isn’t planning her next trip, she is checking out what’s new on Broadway, going to a concert (#allhailqueenBey) or re-watching too much Friends.
Most memorable travel experience?
Flying over Mt. Everest in Nepal
If you had to eat the same meal every day?
Pizza. Although I’ve lived in NYC for over 10 years, as a native CT girl, I will argue with anyone that New Haven has the best slice.
Where to next?
Scuba diving in the Galapagos or hiking Machu Picchu
Kristin Sluyk
Account Director (aka Ideator in Chief)
Keeping a pulse on the spirit of the zeitgeist and the intersection of compelling research, Kristin is a trend-spotter with a knack for crafting strategy that captivates. She approaches her work like an artist, drawing inspiration from everyone and everywhere.
Where to next?
Immersing myself in the amazon jungle for my 200-hr. yoga certification; traversing the lavender fields and tasting Provence wines in France, continuing my studies in Ayurveda on an immersion trip to Kerala, India, and perfecting the duck dive at surf camp in Taghazout, Morocco.
Favorite travel experience(s):
How can anyone choose just one? Here’s a few of my favorite moments… eating French fries (with mayo) in Brugge, meditating in a riverside hut in Kauai, having lunch with local artisans in Amman, Jordan; feeling the mist on my face from the colossal Skogafoss waterfall in Iceland, and living on a sailboat in Croatia.
Fun fact:
I love any opportunity to flex my creative skills through photography, and I secretly write poetry.
Lindsay Stein
Account Director (aka D/R’s Media Magnet)
Lindsay has a diverse background within all facets of the industry from managing PR for travel and tourism clients, writing about her adventures for top publications like T+L and Elite Daily, to creating content for her personal blog and social channels (amassing over 100k followers collectively!). She has a niche for storytelling, media relations, and inspiring others to see the world.
Where to next?
I’m dreaming of eating sushi in Japan, staying at a luxury hotel in Bora Bora, and sailing through the fjords in Norway.
Most memorable meal:
Dining at an underwater restaurant in the Maldives!
Fun fact:
I mentor high school and college students who are passionate about pursuing a media-focused career in the travel industry.
Jenna Lang
Senior Account Executive (aka Chief Cheerleader)
Jenna caught the travel bug as an intern for D/R way back when, and when not keeping up with the latest in pop culture is constantly seeking out her next adventure.
What’s the one thing you can never travel without?
My portable luggage scale. I’m a chronic over-packer and can’t resist shopping in new places; a deadly combo when the return flight rolls around.
What’s your biggest pinch-me travel moment?
Call me cliché, but there’s nothing more magical than the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. Seeing it for the first time in all its evening glory {made even better with a chocolate crêpe in hand} was a movie-like moment I’ll never forget
Unforgettable dining experience?
I was lucky enough to have dinner at the Michelin-starred Aroma restaurant in Rome, overlooking the Colosseum. It was my first Michelin dining experience and hands down the best meal I’ve ever had, with an epic backdrop to boot.
Where to next? Top on my bucket list is the pyramids in Egypt. Hoping to get there one day!
Melannie Arolick
Senior Account Executive (aka Captain of Multitasking)
A traveler since birth, Melannie is always looking for the most underrated cities to explore and the longest trails to hike. Having her passion for travel as a part of her career is a dream come true!
Favorite travel experience:
Hiking a glacier in Alaska! I’ve never been so cold in the middle of August but never seen water so clear.
Where to next?
Thailand. I need to eat my favorite cuisine in its native country and hang out with my favorite animal, elephants!
What’s the one thing you can never travel without?
Headphones. Listening to Taylor Swift while walking aimlessly through the streets of Copenhagen is pure magic.
Fun fact:
I have a National Park Passport and it’s almost full 😉
Courtney Young
Senior Account Executive (aka Content Queen)
A media junkie with a bad case of wanderlust, Courtney started her career in the consumer PR space before sailing (get it) into the world of travel.
Unforgettable dining experience?
I’m a big proponent of being a tourist in your own city, and luckily NYC is a major foodie hub. Joanne’s in the Upper West Side has some of the best Italian food in the city, shoutout to the complimentary rosemary ciabatta. It’s also owned by Lady Gaga’s family, and rumor has it you can find her behind the bar on occasion.
Something someone would never guess about you?
I love to write, and when I’m not writing about dreamy travel experiences you can find me practicing freelance and comedy writing.
Where next?
Tokyo has always been at the top of my bucket list, I guess I’m a city girl at heart. After that, Portugal or the Maldives.
Kayla Ibe
Senior account executive (AKA Digital Nomad)
A seasoned PR pro, Kayla comes to D/R with years of experience in media-centric brands having worked on clients such National Geographic, The New Republic, The Hollywood Reporter, Verizon Media, Telemundo, Smithsonian Magazine, and more. Now, she’s aligning her personal and professional interests in the world of travel PR.
Favorite Travel Experience:
During Covid a friend and I took a six week road trip through the US and hit 16 states and 12 national parks, all while working remote! My favorite part was driving the entirety of Highway 1 in California over the course of four days.
SOMETHING SOMEONE WOULD NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU?
I am a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and I've been to the last two Super Bowls they were in.
Next Travel Adventure?
I would love to see the Taj Mahal in person, so India is high on my list. Also dreaming of vineyards in Italy & France and the famous white houses on the cliffs in Santorini.
Aly Wichmann
Account Executive (AKA consumate discoverer)
After interning for D/R, Aly has grown with the team and is now an AE. Born and raised in Arizona, Aly is always planning her next adventure and looks forward to exploring more of the world.
Pinch Me Travel Moment?
It’s a tie between sailing on a yacht in the Amalfi Coast and paragliding off the Swiss Alps in Switzerland.
Fun Fact?
You can catch me always capturing and filming my travels and adventures on my iPhone. I now have almost all of my trips in the past 10 years documented in short videos to watch and relive.
where to next?
Traveling to an island is at the top of my list right now. Hawaii, Caribbean, Maldives, or Bora Bora - I’m not picky!
Tania Kucap
Having always been a globetrotter, foodie, and Taylor Swift enthusiast, Tania originally comes from a finance background. She realized her true passion for travel PR and interned with D/R before starting with the company full time.
Favorite travel experience:
Going on a glacier hike/tour in Iceland!
Favorite dining experience:
Dinner at Trattoria la Tagliata in Positano. There was no menu- the waiters would bring out heaping portions of whatever the chef felt like preparing that day for each table family-style, from pastas galore to a variety of grilled meat. It felt like I was eating at a local Italian family’s home!
Fun Fact?
I’m a first generation American, and Ukrainian was my first language.
Alexa Pope
account coordinator
After leaving publishing, Alexa was ready to switch to travel & tourism and joined D/R as an Account Coordinator. Her love for books is still very intact, but she is thrilled to be able to learn and thrive in this bustling, ever-changing industry that will fuel her imaginative mind beyond the likes of paper (or her e-reader).
One thing you can’t travel without?
A book that's been collecting dust on my nightstand. They’re always some of my best reads and never fail to put me in the vacay mood.
Favorite Travel Experience:
A book that's been collecting dust on my nightstand. They’re always some of my best reads and never fail to put me in the vacay mood.
Where to next?
Bali has been on the to-do list for a while, but I’m also hoping to visit Egypt and/or Amsterdam soon!
Bre Cherry
Account Executive
Coming from a family of travel enthusiasts, it surprised no one when Bre decided to jump into the world of travel PR. Now with a couple years of experience under her belt, Bre is certain she made the right choice (besides, where else would she get all her travel inspo from?).
PINCH ME TRAVEL MOMENT?
Alright, I probably have a “pinch me” travel moment for every country I’ve visited, but I would say my top would be seeing a *glimpse* of the Northern Lights from the middle of the North Atlantic while on a trip to Iceland.
WHERE TO NEXT?
I’m taking a solo trip to Central and South America! I’ll be visiting Peru, Colombia, and Panama - but I’d love to see even more.
SOMETHING YOU’D NEVER GUESS?
I’m scared of just about everything (can hear my friends saying now, “yeah, we know Bre”). People think because I travel by myself a lot, that I must be pretty brave, but really, I’m just testing how hard I can push myself.
London Office
Chloe Davison
Director (aka Ambassador of Buzz)
An enthusiastic, London-based PR specialist, Chloe has more than 17 years of experience in the travel, leisure and hospitality sectors. From humble beginnings as a chalet girl and a holiday rep, to leading communications campaigns for hotels, attractions, destinations, tour operators and airlines, Chloe knows the industry inside and out.
Most exhilarating adventure overseas?
Strapping on crampons atop France's Aiguille du Midi to cross the ‘arête’ in high winds, and trying not to be blown down the 50-degree pitch either side. Thankfully the magic of skiing La Vallée Blanche’s stunning 20km off-piste route back down into Chamonix, followed by an extra-large vin chaud, helped my buttocks to unclench.
Where’s your next trip next?
Visiting greatly-missed friends in Lisbon, and then ticking a big one off my bucket list and driving a camper van around Iceland, spotting waterfalls and (hopefully!) the Northern Lights.
Something someone would never guess about you? As the daughter of a championship sailor I was on boats almost before I could walk...but I’m actually a horrible swimmer. I've found that it’s the best incentive to avoid capsizing!
Lucy Dalton
Director (Partner Guru)
London based PR pro with over 14 years’ experience in the travel business. You will find Lucy chasing after her active toddler, sunny climates and good quality sauvignon.
Most exhilarating adventure overseas?
White water rafting in New Zealand’s Shotover River (Queenstown) – the bus journey to down to the river on a single track road involved the wheels of the bus hovering off the cliff edge, it only got better from there!
Where’s your next trip next?
Caribbean sand, sea and a kids club are much needed!
Something someone would never guess about you?
I’m a personal trainer and qualified spin instructor. I also have an identical twin sister (and no, we don’t have telepathy!).