Heidi Barfels
Communications
Connecting Destinations.
Building Brands.
Two decades bridging South Florida with the world.
The Journey
South Florida Native, Global Perspective
Heidi Barfels didn't just learn the South Florida market - she grew up in it. A third-generation travel professional, she developed an intuitive understanding of what makes this region unique: its affluent, travel-obsessed residents and its world-class destinations that attract global attention.
Over two decades, Heidi has built an unmatched network spanning local media, regional tourism boards, and international hospitality brands. She knows who the South Florida traveler is, what they want, and how to reach them.
The Expertise
A Bridge That Works Both Ways
Most marketing consultants specialize in one direction. Heidi excels at both. Her deep roots in South Florida mean she understands the local market like no outsider can - the media landscape, the influencer networks, the cultural nuances.
At the same time, her career has taken her across the country and around the world, building relationships with global media, international tourism boards, and luxury hospitality brands on every continent.
Global Network
Local Authority
Media Relationships
Industry Expertise
Two-Way Expertise
Services That Go Both Directions
Whether you need to reach South Florida's affluent market or take your South Florida brand global, HBC is your strategic partner.
Reach South Florida
For destinations worldwide seeking to capture South Florida's wealthy, travel-obsessed market.
Ideal For
- Caribbean & Latin American resorts
- International tourism boards
- Global luxury hotel brands
- Regional U.S. destinations
Go Global
For South Florida businesses and destinations ready to expand their reach beyond the region.
Ideal For
- Florida Keys & South Florida DMOs
- Local luxury resorts & hotels
- Regional hospitality brands
- South Florida attractions & experiences
Core Capabilities
What We Do Best
Regardless of direction, these are the core services that drive results.
Strategic PR
Media relations, press trips, and earned coverage that builds credibility.
Influencer Marketing
Authentic partnerships with travel influencers who reach affluent audiences.
Digital Campaigns
Targeted advertising and content that reaches the right travelers.
Brand Strategy
Positioning and messaging that sets you apart in competitive markets.
Portfolio
Two-Way Success Stories
Taking South Florida brands global. Bringing global destinations to South Florida. Results in both directions.
Local to Global
Visit The Florida Keys & Key West
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Leading marketing strategy for South Florida's iconic destination, driving record domestic and international visitation through integrated global campaigns.
Global to Local
Caribbean Resort Collection
Strategic Marketing Consultant
Positioned Caribbean luxury properties as the escape of choice for South Florida's elite travelers through targeted local media and influencer campaigns.
20+
Years in South Florida
50+
Destinations Served
3
Continents Reached
$500M+
Client Revenue Influenced
Heidi understands both sides of the equation - she helped us reach South Florida's travelers while building our brand globally. That dual expertise is incredibly rare.
Tourism Executive
Regional Destination Marketing Organization
Get In Touch
Let's Bridge the Gap
Whether you're reaching into South Florida or launching out of it, every great partnership starts with a conversation.
Connect With Heidi
Location
Based in the Florida Keys
Serving Clients Globally
Response Time
Heidi personally reviews all inquiries. Expect a response within two business days.
Send a Message
Tell us about your destination or brand and what you're looking to achieve.
Based in the Keys, Connected to the World
From our home in the Florida Keys, we bridge South Florida with destinations across the globe - helping brands reach this affluent market and helping local businesses achieve worldwide recognition.