Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) has tapped Quinn & Co., a New York City-based public relations firm, to handle the USA PR effort for the island “where happiness lives.”

After a multi-stage PR review process, which culminated in a visit to the Big Apple to visit three finalist firms, Quinn & Co. was selected as the agency of record for ATA. The PR review committee consisted of Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, ATA director; Gina Lopez Gnecco, acting PR director; Theresita Chai, marketing manager USA; Marcial “Charly” Ibarra, ATA director North America; Scott Wiggins, Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association marketing representative; and Anabela Peterson de Sousa, a consultant for the Ministry of Tourism.

While Quinn & Co.‘s official start date was July 16 and will run for a three-year tenure, they joined the Aruba family ahead of schedule and attended the island’s AHMSANA retreat on July 8-10 in Fort Lauderdale. It was here that Minister of Tourism and Transportation Edison Briesen signed the official contract.

“Aruba Tourism Authority is thrilled to have Quinn & Co. on board as part of the Aruba family,” said Minister Briesen. “Their experience and reputation in the travel industry coupled with their creativity and passion for Aruba will translate into increased awareness in the U.S. market for the island,” he concluded.

Carla Caccavale, one of the firm’s partners, will oversee the Aruba account. Caccavale serves as a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s PR Council and supervises a number of the firm’s Caribbean accounts. Aruba holds a special place in her heart and the island’s stamp dominates her passport with nearly a dozen trips, both business and personal.

“We were overjoyed, literally jumping up and down, when the news about the ATA win came in,” said Caccavale. “There are many opportunities that we are excited to bring to fruition.”

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