South African Tourism Names Coyne PR Agency of Record

NEW YORK, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- South African Tourism is proud to announce Coyne PR as its new public relations agency of record. Coyne PR's Travel & Hospitality team, whose clients include Disney Parks and Resorts and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, will manage and execute an integrated marketing and PR campaign to promote travel to South Africa.

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South African Tourism has charged the team at Coyne PR with spotlighting the country's scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, kaleidoscope of cultures and heritages, the great outdoors, sport and adventure opportunities, eco-tourism and conference facilities. Education will be the cornerstone of the South African Tourism PR campaign in the U.S., showcasing an incomparable array of activities and adventures not available anywhere else in the world.  Ultimately, the agency will seed curiosity and interest in Americans, driving value-for-money offerings and creating the urgency to travel to South Africa while conveying the message that "it's possible."  

"We are thrilled to be working with South African Tourism to promote travel to such an incredible country," said John Gogarty, Executive Vice President of the Travel & Hospitality team at Coyne PR. "This opportunity is unique and particularly exciting for the team because we're not just looking to generate buzz for a destination, but to create a real connection between American travelers and South Africa, its culture and diverse experiences."

South African Tourism is working with the agency to finalize a comprehensive program to educate American consumers and press on South Africa's many attractions and experiences. The campaign will seek to develop a distinct and compelling persona for South Africa that is recognizable and relatable to Americans, and will be supported by consumer and trade events, media tours, sponsorships, partnerships, and news bureau services throughout the year.

"We are pleased to welcome Coyne PR as our agency of record," said Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism for North America.  "Coyne's big thinking and experience, both in and out of the travel industry, makes them the perfect choice to help us to strengthen our brand and further grow the positivity for our destination following the success of last year's FIFA World Cup."

ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. For more information visit www.southafrica.net and join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitsouthafrica.

About Coyne Public Relations:

Coyne Public Relations, LLC, is a full-service public relations agency with offices in Parsippany, New Jersey and New York City. With expertise in a variety of categories, Coyne Public Relations consistently displays the knowledge and creativity that has made it one of the country's fastest growing agencies. Prominent national brands including Medco Health Solutions, Inc., Humana, The Walt Disney Company, Goodyear, Shell Lubricants, General Mills, and Hard Rock International look to Coyne Public Relations to create high-profile public relations programs that deliver significant media results and help them attain their marketing communications goals.

The agency has won more than 100 honors over the past two years. These honors include being named Midsize Agency of the Year by PRWeek and PR News as well as Consumer Agency of the Year and Best Agency to Work For in America by The Holmes Report. In 2011, Coyne PR was named Small Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report, and received the Honorable Mention for Midsize Agency of the Year by PRWeek.

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination. It is headed by Chief Executive Officer Thandiwe January-Mclean and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Scholtz.

Website www.southafrica.net

SOURCE South African Tourism