Hills Balfour has defended its U.K. PR contract with the Arizona Office of Tourism, following an RFP process.
The travel PR specialty firm won a 2007 review for the $5K base pact to promote the Grand Canyon State in the U.K. and Ireland, the state’s No. 3 international market behind Mexico (Jackson Marketing Int’l) and Canada (Connect Worldwide Int’l).
HB works tourism PR for Scottsdale, Chicago, Las Vegas and Texas, among others.
The state released an RFP in early March for the account noting Brits’ affection for the state’s sunny weather, Western culture and national/state parks.
The Canada and Mexico pacts will be up for review in 2013.
HMA Public Relations handles U.S. PR for the Office of Tourism.