Wesgro, the Western Cape’s official tourism, trade and investment agency, has appointed FCB Cape Town to handle its estimated R15 million annual marketing and communications account.
Nineteen responses to Wesgro’s request for tenders, as well as presentations from five short-listed agencies, were evaluated and – after completing a ‘chemistry’, credentials and an ‘opinion forming’ session – FCB Cape Town bested M&C Saatchi Abel, Fox P2, Ireland Davenport and Duke.
Wesgro’s CEO, Tim Harris, was particularly excited by the partnership: “As the province’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, working with a partner that understands the Cape and its people was crucial.
“FCB Cape Town’s reputation and recent work convinced us that they are best suited to help us promote the Cape to the world. We look forward to working with FCB Cape Town and are excited to see what this partnership produces for our region.”
Headed by Eric d’Oliveira, FCB Cape Town is one of the most established and creatively-awarded agencies in the Mother City, with solid performances in local and international competitions.
According to d’Oliveira work on the account will begin immediately. he said the agency is looking forward to partnering with Wesgro to enhance and build on the solid communications strategies it has put in place over the years.
“It’s awesome that we can utilise the skills we’ve honed building some of South Africa’s favourite brands to help positively influence the economic success of one of her most dynamic’s provinces,” he said.
“It’s clear why countless global and South African organisations have chosen the Western Cape as their destination of choice. Not only does the Mother City’s infrastructure form the gateway to the continent, but value, innovation and creativity are embedded into its business culture.
“We’ll be required to develop work that gives global citizens and potential investors a clear sense of the Western Cape’s potential, especially in key sectors such as film and media, trade, energy, agri-business, tourism and manufacturing.
“The feeling of pride and elation that swept through the agency after hearing we would be responsible for helping shaping our home province’s image was remarkable. We’re looking forward to unlocking the potential for our province,” d’Oliveira said.