The Uganda Tourism Board has hired a trio of PR firms for the first time to target its main travel markets of the US, UK and Germany.
PHG Consulting, with operations in Chicago, New York and Washington, will tackle North America for the east African nation. Nottingham, UK-based Kamageo will promote the country in the UK and Ireland, while KPRN works Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Tourism Board CEO Stephen Asiimwe said it is the first time the country is using agencies in source travel markets. Among Uganda's attractions are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, City of Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Nile River.
The World Bank's Competiveness and Enterprises Development Project is footing the bill. Tourism officials blame the west African Ebola outbreak last year, as well as terrorism in neighboring Kenya for hindering travel to Uganada.
On the political front, the former British colony and land of Idi Amin slates a presidential election for Feb. 18, sparking a Jan. 25 US State Dept. warning for US citizens to "exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation." during the election period through mid-March.
Pitched as "the Pearl of Africa," the country drew about 1.3M tourists in 2014.
Colorado is accepting the qualifications of PR firms, ad agencies and marketing services companies that are interested in working for The Centennial State.
Maryland’s State Highway Administration has driven out an RFP for marketing communications, media support and public outreach. 
Washington’s King County is looking for a federal government relations shop to help it stay abreast of policies and legislation that could impact its 2.2M people and cities such as Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond.
Carlsbad is looking for an economic development partner to help position the southern California city as a great place to build a business and grow a career.
Hermosa Beach, a bedroom community 21 miles from downtown Los Angeles, seeks a firm to provide community outreach and engagement services to support its infrastructure redevelopment push.
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