KOG

KOG was founded in late 2017 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, by Krystin Arneson, an American, and Gordon Smith, a Scotsman. The agency was born out of a clear gap in the market: the travel industry, particularly in the LGBTQ+ tourism sector, lacked dedicated, culturally competent communications. With combined experience spanning four continents, the founders set out to create a firm that could build genuine bridges between travel brands and the LGBTQ+ community. From its Bath Street offices in Glasgow, KOG has since grown into a specialist agency that blends public relations, creative copywriting, and social media strategy with a deep understanding of inclusive marketing.

Current Focus and Philosophy

KOG positions itself as a pioneer in developing LGBTQ+ tourism through strategic communications. The agency’s work is rooted in the belief that representation matters, and that travel brands must go beyond tokenism to engage authentically with diverse audiences. While its core expertise lies in travel and tourism, KOG also serves clients in hospitality, lifestyle, and destination marketing. The agency’s approach is data-informed and culturally aware, drawing on the founders’ global perspectives to craft campaigns that resonate across borders. In a market where many agencies treat LGBTQ+ audiences as a niche, KOG treats them as a core demographic—one with distinct preferences, spending power, and expectations.

Services and Specialties

KOG offers a focused set of communications services tailored to the travel and lifestyle sectors. While specific service packages are not publicly itemized, the agency’s work typically encompasses the following capabilities based on its stated expertise in PR, copy, and social media:

• Public relations strategy and media relations for travel and hospitality brands
• Creative copywriting for websites, brochures, and campaigns
• Social media management and content creation
• Influencer and partnership outreach within LGBTQ+ and travel communities
• Brand messaging and positioning for inclusive tourism
• Crisis communications and reputation management
• Event planning and launch campaigns for destinations and hotels

These services are delivered with a sharp editorial eye and a commitment to storytelling that feels authentic. KOG’s team understands that LGBTQ+ travelers are not a monolith, and they tailor messaging to reflect the diversity within the community—from solo adventurers to couples and families.

Who Benefits from Working with KOG

KOG is an excellent fit for destination marketing organizations, hotels, airlines, tour operators, and lifestyle brands that want to reach LGBTQ+ audiences in a meaningful way. The agency is particularly well-suited for companies that are new to inclusive marketing and need guidance on how to communicate without stereotyping. Established brands seeking to refresh their approach to diversity will also find value in KOG’s nuanced perspective. Because the agency is based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, it has a strong foothold in the European travel market, but its founders’ international experience means it can work with clients from North America, Asia, and beyond. Whether a client is launching a pride campaign, developing a long-term inclusion strategy, or simply refining their brand voice, KOG offers the specialized knowledge needed to navigate this space with confidence and creativity.