Tourism Western Australia has appointed Host to handle its creative account, worth more than $4 million, following a three month pitch.
Host was left to battle it out with 303 and BMF in the final stages of the review, following the withdrawal of M&C Saatchi and incumbent Marketforce, which had held the creative account for seven years, from the nationwide pitch process. The five year contract is worth up to $4.4 million.
Stephanie Buckland, executive director of marketing at Tourism WA, said Host’s ability to deliver a “value for money” marketing campaign put it ahead of the rest.
“The rigorous two-stage tender process was designed to find the agency with the most outstanding and impactful marketing approach and the ability to deliver it within our budget,” she said.
“Host demonstrated an excellent grasp of the challenges in marketing Western Australia as a tourism destination, and recommended an exciting next step in our strategic direction.”
Host will be tasked with developing advertising campaigns that differentiate WA from rival destinations both in Australia and internationally and to boost the state’s $7 billion tourism industry.
Buckland thanked Marketforce for their contributions to Tourism WA’s marketing activity.
“John Driscoll and his team have provided us with outstanding service during their time as our advertising agency and we thank them,” she said.
The tourism body’s media agency, Media Decisions, will remain and no review is expected to take place.
