Tourism Australia has confirmed the start of a competitive tender process for its global creative services account.  The national tourism agency is required under Australian Government procurement rules to periodically review its agency partners to ensure the best service, value and fit with the marketing objectives and goals of Tourism Australia.

The successful agency or agencies will be selected through a competitive tendering process and will provide Tourism Australia access to their creative services over the next three years, proposed to commence on 1 July 2013.  Services covered by the contract include both traditional and digital advertising.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said effective creative advertising services are a key part of Tourism Australia’s marketing effort to encourage travellers to travel to and through Australia.

“Tourism marketing is constantly evolving and the expiry of our existing global creative services contract provided us with an opportunity to test the market again, in line with Tourism Australia’s long-term strategy and goals,” Mr McEvoy said.

Incumbent agency DDB Worldwide’s original three-year contract was due to run until July 2011, and was initially extended until June 30, 2012 and extended again for a further 12 months to 30 June 2013.

The new arrangements run for three years, with an option to extend the contract for two further periods of 12 months.