Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (9 April 2015) The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism welcomes new firms to represent the Cayman Islands in the United States as agencies of record for Public Relations and Creative Services. This decision comes following a rigorous open, competitive tender process which is enshrined in the Cayman Islands Public Management and Finance Law.

“While the long term partnership with our agencies has been extraordinarily positive, it is imperative that the department ensures due process is followed in order for the government to receive positive return on investment and value for its marketing services,” Director of Tourism, Mrs. Rosa Harris.

The tender process commenced in November of 2014 under the framework managed by the Central Tenders Committee. There were twenty agencies who submitted proposals for the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands, with the final presentations narrowing down to the eight firms spanning both creative and public relations disciplines.

“The Cayman Islands tourism industry has attained the highest number of visitors in recorded history, and we would like to recognise our agencies that have assisted to raise awareness of the destination in the United States. Our government is very grateful for the dedication, partnerships, and commitment of our agencies in seeing the Cayman Islands prosper throughout the duration of our time together,” shared Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon Moses Kirkconnell.

Assuming the public relations services role will be Coyne PR, based in Parsippany, New Jersey. The award winning agency was founded in 1991 and has worked with clients such as The Walt Disney Company, Daytona International Speedway, and a myriad of other clients in fields such as but not limited to hospitality, sports, travel and tourism. The diverse expertise of the Coyne PR team will bring creative approaches to marketing the Cayman Islands in a fiscally prudent manner, while ensuring innovative solutions to broadening awareness of the destination.

The role of creative services will now be managed by Bright Red\TBWA, based in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1987, the agency has received awards such as AdWeek’s ‘Agency of the Year’, amongst others. Focusing on strategic development that is based on quantitative research methodologies and a creative team with vast experience, the agency will manage the way forward for the creative design elements associated with the Cayman brand.

Bright Red\TBWA and CoynePR agencies will be working closely together under the guidance and supervision of the Department of Tourism to creatively impact elevated visitation and brand awareness in the US market. The agencies will also progress the Caymankind brand positioning to its next phase, deepening the impact of the unique selling proposition with core audiences.

Both agencies will begin their tenure with DOT effective 1 May 2015.