St. Johns County has selected a prestigious Miami-based advertising agency to help remake and advance its brand, The Citizen has learned
St. Johns County Visitors and Convention Bureau CEO Susan Phillips told the Tourism and Development Council this week that the contract has been awarded to Tinsley Advertising.
“They’ve won many, many awards,” she said, noting that the county vetted 16 high-quality applicants. “They are very sharp individuals. They get it.”
Founded in 1974 by Sandy Tinsley, the firm has handled marketing duties for the Florida Keys and Key West for several decades.
Tinsley also represents the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, helping to refresh the venerable institution’s image in the luxury tourism sector.
Phillips has previously expressed her desire to seek out higher-end and international tourists, a goal that likely informed Tinsley’s selection.
Phillips told the TDC that the firm will officially take the reins on April 1, but won’t activate their marketing package for several months.
The county agreed to extend the current vendor in the interim to guard against a lapse in advertising, she said.
Several TDC members — including Board of Commissioners Chair Krista Joseph — lauded the deal.
“I’m excited,” she said. “They’re from Florida. So they should really know what we’re doing.”
2 Responses
Really? Do people think St Augustine needs to advertise for more tourists? I’m befuddled.
Consultants for Nights of Lights, branding agencies for marketing, not researching the new trash hauler and firing them right away while having them still contracted to pick up trash for a year, and so on…
This area’s elected officials really like to waste our money.