LONDON, UK 2023-Aug-7 — /Travel PR News/ — The State of Washington Tourism (SWT) and Port of Seattle has appointed London-based integrated communications agency, Black Diamond, to manage their PR, consumer and travel trade activity in the UK & Ireland.
Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington State offers varied experiences across its diverse terrain from wondrous mountain ranges and lush rainforests to dramatic coastlines and rolling hills. Comprising 11 diverse regions with Seattle as the iconic gateway, Washington State is home to an abundance of natural wonders with three national parks — Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic – offering stunning encounters with nature, in addition to the San Juan Islands. Head east to experience another side of the state: aridly beautiful, with upscale wineries and cowboy-style breakfasts in equal measure, plus orchards, wheat fields and pioneer history.
Starting 1 August, Black Diamond’s strategy will position the State of Washington as a desirable tourism destination beyond Seattle, with a particular focus on increasing and encouraging visitation to the rural regions for slow travel and soft adventures. With the UK being the State of Washington’s top overseas market Black Diamond will help in broadening the state’s appeal amongst a new suite of targeted audiences. Black Diamond will tell exciting stories and widen the destination’s appeal through a combination of PR, trade and consumer-led tactics, prioritising enhancing destination awareness, expanding product and education in the travel trade and producing high-impact consumer initiatives.
Specialising in travel, Black Diamond helps destinations and travel brands to reach new audiences through multifaceted communication strategies. Part of International Tourism Group, together Black Diamond provides expert leadership in travel and tourism public relations as well as travel trade, digital and consumer marketing within the sector.
Managing Director of Black Diamond, Jim O’Doire commented; “We are delighted to be able to announce our appointment as the State of Washington and Port of Seattle’s UK & Ireland communications agency. Bolstering our expanding portfolio of US clients, this welcome addition will complement our existing activities and representation in the state. With our extensive knowledge of the Pacific Northwest, outdoor activities, including several ski clients, combined with our team of communication experts, we are delighted to be promoting travel to such a rich destination for adventure and expand the state’s knowledge amongst our industry peers.”
Black Diamond will manage the account alongside its wider portfolio of destination clients across Europe, Japan, the South Pacific, Australia and the USA, including Aspen, Whistler, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and California.
For further information on the State of Washington, please visit: stateofwatourism.com
ENDS
About State of Washington Tourism
State of Washington Tourism (SWT) is the official Destination Marketing and Management Organization for the State of Washington. SWT is a membership-based nonprofit that was established after the closure of the Washington State Tourism Office in 2011 (formerly the Washington Tourism Alliance).
About Port of Seattle
Founded in 1911 by a vote of the people as a special purpose government, the Port of Seattle’s mission is to promote economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce and job creation in an equitable, accountable and environmentally responsible manner. The Port of Seattle is a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and properties ranging in scope from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), to cruise terminals and one of the largest container terminals on the West Coast, we maximise the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability.
About Black Diamond
A London-based integrated communications agency specialising in travel, Black Diamond helps destinations and travel brands reach new audiences through expert story-telling and combining sound strategic thinking, creativity and a digital-first mindset. With deep sector expertise in travel destination, hotel and airline representation, Black Diamond develops effective, measurable and award-winning PR, marcomms, digital marketing and consumer-facing campaigns for a 50-client strong portfolio. Part of the International Tourism Group, a collection of award-winning agencies, Black Diamond provides integrated solutions for pan-European strategies with offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK.
Washington State Tourism UK team contacts
Emma Westman, Communications Director | emma@blackdiamond.com
Imogen Frew, PR Account Manager | imogen@blackdiamond.com
Bella Walls, PR Account Executive |bwalls@blackdiamond.com
Brendan Croft, Trade Director |bcroft@blackdiamond.com
