The Lone Star State has kicked off a review of its tourism PR account for the Americas as it tries to broaden perceptions beyond its cowboy image.
The Office of Gov. Rick Perry oversees the Texas Economic Develop and Tourism Division, which released an RFP on July 16 covering strategic travel and tourism PR for the state. Texas, which uses it "It's Like a Whole Other Country" tagline, wants a "responsible, accurate and positive image" cultivated as it is pitched as a premier destination.
Edelman is the incumbent firm for the US, picking up the account in its 2010 acquisition of Vollmer PR. VoX International works PR in Canada.
The RFP notes "many domestic and international travelers have a stereotypical and one-dimensional image of Texas, recognizing the state for its rich cowboy image and western heritage, but also perceiving the state to be a hot, flat, dry and dusty place with limited appeal as a travel destination."
Travel spending supports nearly 600K jobs and has a $67B impact on Texas per year, one of the largest industries in the second largest state.
A two-year contract is expected to result from the review with a two-year renewal option.
Proposals are due Aug. 1.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for a firm to produce PSAs and compelling PR messaging in support of its “Ready Campaign” emergency preparedness effort.
Metro, the governmental body that oversees 24 cities in Greater Portland, is looking for firms interested in handling strategic communications, marketing and brand services on an on-call basis.
Detroit seeks a firm to run a public education campaign to promote the roll-out of its automated transportation system designed to reduce traffic deaths.
The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants is looking for a firm to promote its new national initiative on equity and racial justice.
The Great Blue Wall Initiative, a global conservation effort aimed at presevering marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable ocean use, wants proposals from marketing and branding firms.
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