On behalf of GMCVB we were at the Visit USA ball at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, and a fun time was had by all.

Travel Manitoba hosted Rendez Vous trade show this year in Winnipeg.  Prior to the show several of us headed to Riding Mountain.  A beautiful national park but would you believe this is May!

FPR organised a sales mission for Travel Manitoba and its partners and the final evening culminated in a travel industry dinner at Tom’s Kitchen.

To celebrate FPR, which has represented the destination for 25 years, presented BJ Stokey from the Port of Seattle with an impressive cake of the iconic Space Needle.

BJ Stokey with the Space Needle cake

FPR took a group of leading UK tour operators to Manitoba, where they visited the vibrant city of Winnipeg before travelling to Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world 

FPR escorted five journalists to sunny Cyprus to sample all the cultural delights the island has to offer, including the Ancient Amphitheatre, Byzantine churches and the stunning Troodos Mountains. One journalist that attended the trip said that exploring the cultural side of Cyprus was the best trip she'd ever been on, and getting to know the interior of Cyprus made for a very interersting experience.

The group sample locally caught trout whilst taking in the views of Kakopetria village.

Hilary Modeste, director of tourism, UK and Europe Director, said: “We are delighted to have FPR on board.  Their vast experience in the travel trade and wide connections with the media will help us to achieve our objectives and we are certainly looking forward to working with them on some exciting projects, such as our upcoming Summer Gold promotion.”

FPR has been appointed to handle the UK and Ireland communications campaign for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.  The agency won the brief to promote the glamorous twin-island state in a competitive pitch.

The team led by Lynda Daboh will leverage the tourist board’s tag line, “The beach is just the beginning” to highlight the destination’s rich cultural heritage and attractions beyond the beautiful beaches which it is known for.  FPR will capitalize on the ‘A-list’ getaway status that the island enjoys, attracting celebrities including Giorgio Armani, Eric Clapton and Oprah Winfrey, who recently declared the island her favourite beach holiday spot.

Warren Wilkinson, senior VP of marketing and communications, ICVA commented: “We have ambitious plans to grow our international tourism efforts and we are thrilled to have FPR on board to boost British arrivals and showcase all that Indianapolis has to offer. Our city has always enjoyed a good following of the Indy 500 in the U.K. and we look forward to expanding the market to incorporate other leisure activities including golf with the help of FPR." 

First Public Relations (FPR) has been appointed to handle the UK public relations and marketing efforts for the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association (ICVA).  This is the ICVA'S first foray into the British market.

Known as the “motor sports capital of the world”, Indianapolis is home to iconic sporting events such as the Indy 500, which is the world’s largest single-day sporting events and the Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP, the world’s premier motorcycle race series.   In 2011 the famed speedway will host the centennial Indy 500 race and in 2012 Indianapolis will host the NFL's Super Bowl.

FPR will capitalise on these assets to highlight the city-break appeal of the destination, increase awareness of its cultural attractions and broaden appeal beyond petrol-heads.  The agency is particularly known for securing “Big Hit” TV coverage and its trend-setting, lifestyle-led tactics.  Travel trade marketing will be a key component of the programme to develop new product offerings with leading travel companies. 

Indy 500

FPR attended three Visit USA roadshows around the UK in Ashford, Liverpool and Belfast on behalf of Miami to showcase the destination to regional agents. All three events were a huge success and Miami proved a popular destination with the participants.

FPR is newly appointed as the marketing representative in the UK for Travel Manitoba.

Eve Gardiner discovered the wild side of Manitoba on a recent visit that included travelling nearly a 1,000 miles across the province to see polar bears and beluga whales.

A group of journalists from the UK national press travelled to Palm Springs to enjoy the sun, glamour and outstanding natural scenery that California's desert hideaway has to offer. The group then enjoyed a lovely dinner at the legendary Riviera Resort and Spa.

L - R: Samantha Preece, Laura Clark, Daily Mail; Jim Birsall, News of the World; Andrew Fraser, OK Magazine; Anna Murphy, Daily Telegraph; Susie Boniface, Sunday Mirror; Rachel Spencer, The People

FPR invited travel and music journalists to see the world's most successful rock n' roll show, Buddy Holly the Musical. A pre-theatre reception was followed by an unforgettable evening celebrating the life of the sensational Texan singer song-writer and guitarist, to commemorate the "Day The Music Died" on the 50th anniversary of his death.

L - R: Samantha Preece, Eve Gardiner, Denise Bridgeman; First Public Relations Texas team.

L - R: Jessica Brown, Star Magazine; Ellie Piovasana, Now Magazine

FPR was in the Twilight Zone at the Soho Hotel with select guests from the travel industry to enjoy an evening of vampires and werewolves with the private screening of the hit movie, Twilight and a tasty reception.

FPR arranged and escorted a foodie film shoot for celebrity chef Phil Vickery for This Morning's weekly cookery segment. The two Texas cookery segments will be aired on the programme in the Spring, showcasing Phil learning the secrets about the true Texan BBQ in Houston, and the delights of Tex-Mex in San Antonio.

L - R: Phil Vickery, ITV1 This Morning; Michael Cortez, Mi Tierra Restaurant; Charlie Marshall, ITV1 This Mornin; Denise Bridgeman, First Public Relation; Lynsey Evans, ITV1 This Morning.

FPR worked with Major Travel to take their preferred agents to Seattle for a winter break. The group enjoyed several stops in their hectic schedule to taste some of the local wines.

FPR watched the new movie blockbuster 'Twilight' which has already taken the USA by storm.

Set in Washington State the film is based on the hugely successful Twilight books, which tell the love story of schoolgirl Bella and handsome Edward, who is actually a vampire!

Top travel journalists were flown to the hip city of Seattle and taken around the beautiful wine and fruit regions of Washington State.

The group were also treated to a bird's eye view of the Emerald city during a tour in a seaplane with Kenmore Air.

L - R: Heather Whinney, Prima; Mark Langford, Birmingham Mail; Polly March, Western Daily Press; Amy Waugh, Shropshire Star; Rebecca Usher, Daily Star.

During 2008 FPR has been around the UK on behalf of its clients at consumer shows including The Royal Show in Warwickshire, The Royal Berkshire Show and the British Birding Fair in Rutland.

KLM/NW cut the ribbon for its inaugural service to Seattle and FPR helped them raise a glass to its success...

FPR bowled over the travel industry with a fun filled evening at retro style bowling venue in London for the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism. Guests enjoyed use of two private bowling lanes and super canapè's to give them energy.

L - R: Tim Winkworth, Flight Centre; Sally Watts, Erna Low Body & Soul Holidays; Fiona Harrington, Major Travel; Mary Jo Ginther, Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

FPR arranged a fun and informative two-day extravaganza for Texas Tourism. Kicking off with a business forum with key travel industry speakers followed by a workshop. The London itinerary finished on a high with delegates and guests enjoying the evening at the liveliest rock 'n' roll musical and meeting the Buddy Holly cast over a glass of champagne.

FPR organised a trip with some of the leading food and travel writers highlighting the Lone Star State's culinary delights.

L - R: Dee Dee Poteete, director communications San Antonio CVB, Wendy Horton, Trinity Mirror Group; Helen Maher, Tesco Magazine; Anna Glayzer, The Food Magazine; Juliet Catton, Love It! Magazine.

FPR arranged and escorted Lion Television to film in Seattle and Washington State. Programme to be aired later this year on Channel 5's Rough Guide showcasing it as a top holiday destination and ultimate travel experience.

L - R: Toby Amies, Presenter; Denise Bridgeman, First Public Relations; Laura Harding, Lion Television; Peter Cooksley, Lion Television.

First Public Relations escorted eleven lucky golfers to 'America's desert playground' earlier this month. Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism hosted UK travel trade winners and sponsors of the Northern Golf Classic to three rounds in the 'golf capital of the world' and an action packed itinerary.

L - R: (back row) - Paul Hills, The Leaderboard; David Giles, David Giles Travel; Matt Schvaneveldt, Wyndham Hotel; Garry Winterburn, AU Logistics; Brian Staunton, Worldspan; Frank Docherty, Traveltek;

L - R: (front row) - Leslie Potts, Dial a Flight; Adam Quieros, Key Travel; Gerry Boyle, Funway; Paul Melinis, Insight Vacations; Steve Kimber, Great Rail Journeys; Howard Jacobs, Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

During 2007 FPR has been around the UK on behalf of its clients at consumer shows including The Royal Show in Warwickshire, The Royal Berkshire Show and the British Birding Fair in Rutland.

Mrs Perry, First Lady of Texas, headed the largest delegation to exhibit at WTM on a brand new booth. It was a busy week with travel industry and media appointments, radio interviews and a lively boot scootin' event at the Texas Embassy Cantina with Continental Airlines.

Whilst Seattle and Washington State delegation were in town FPR arranged a business forum and several travel industry and media events. Of course, Washington State wine was served wherever appropriate.

L - R: Larry Williams, Assistant Director, Washington State Tourism; John Creighton, President, Port of Seattle Commissioner; Sam Eliatamby, Director, Southall Travel.

FPR was at the Royal Berkshire Show for Rural Cyprus and the crowds loved tasting the wines and foods whilst learning what the sunny island has to offer.

First Public Relations has won the public relations contract for the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). FPR's strategy for Maharashtra will be to capitalise on the awareness of Mumbai, as the gateway to India and Bollywood, whilst highlighting lesser-known areas and the state's diverse attractions including UNESCO World Heritage sites, wildlife, culture and award-winning champagne.

Photo: Elephanta, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First Public Relations has teamed up with deluxe makeup brand, Pout, to create the "Miami Beach" compact. To celebrate the launch of this limited edition product, FPR has negotiated a nationwide in-store and online promotion giving away a VIP break to Miami from hip travel specialist, Black Tomato. FPR also attracted an array of the UK's top media to the exclusive launch event held at the flagship poutlet in Covent Garden.

Top Photo (L - R): Lucie Cave, Heat Magazine and Lynda Daboh, FPR.

First Public Relations, in partnership with Hyatt Hotels and Continental Airlines took six top golf tour operators on a fun filled 6-day familiarisation trip to Texas.

L - R: Gay Galloway, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa; Jackie Marsden, Worldwide Golf Holidays; Matt Walder, Letsgo2; Denise Bridgeman, First Public Relations; Neil Cutler, Eagle Golf Tours; Janice Baldridge, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa; Alex Felstead, Driveline Golf; Tod Schrader, Continental Airlines; Ross Elliott, Golfing Trips.

First Public Relations organised a sales and media mission to Manchester and London for a Texas delegation. There were two dinners in London for the UK's most important trade and media to meet the First Lady of Texas and the host of Texas partners.

L - R: Sam Eliatamby, Southall Travel; Anita Perry, First Lady of Texas; Stephen Hughes, Funway Holidays.

FPR clients won in two out of eight categories. The Visit USA Association made the awards for coverage of:

• Best Photography category was won by Pamela Jones, for her coverage in Olive Magazine of Miami Foodie Traveller.
• Best Broadcast category was won by BBC1 Blue Peter, for its half-hour programme Howdy Partner filmed in Texas. Ros Sewell, the programme's producer was there to receive the award.

L - R: Lynda Daboh, FPR; Pamela Jones, journalist; Peter Moss, Chairman Visit USA.

L - R: Ros Sewell, BBC producer; Eve Gardiner, FPR.

FPR and guests enjoyed the VUSA summer party at The Dorchester...

L - R: Howard Car, journalist; Fiona Gordon, FPR; Dominic Hodson, Purely America.

FPR arranged and escorted a press group to Seattle to enjoy the wonders of Washington State, from rainforests, whale-watching tour and sea-planes rides to dinner at the top of the Space Needle.

L - R: Brad Jones, Director of Tourism, Seattle CVB; Eve Gardiner, FPR; Joanne Travis, Birmingham Evening Post; Ferne Arfin, Sunday Telegraph; Lisa Trainer, My Weekly; Julie Moult, The Sun; Kristian Low, Eastern Daily Press; Andrew Manning, The Yorkshire Evening Post.

FPR recently secured key magazines and regional publications for a press trip to the quirkiest sites in the Franche-Comté region. The itinerary included a stop at the "Rèpublique du Saugeais" where journalists were granted real entry visas by the République's very own Prime Minister! With a programme including the most unusual, the journalists were soon sold on Franche-Comté as a destination with a difference.

FPR recently hosted a press trip taking in some of the destination's best cultural sites including Kourion Amphitheatre, Byzantine churches and Aphrodite's Rock. The itinerary provided with an insight in the destination's fascinating culture, and showed the group that there is much more to Cyprus than sea and sand.

L - R: Lyssiemay Annoh, Executive Traveller; David Alcock, The Sentinel; Daniel Lombard, South Wales Argus; Sandie Beard, Focus Magazine; Sally Churchward, Southern Daily Echo.

First Public Relations hosted a gourmet dinner on behalf of the Franche-Comté Tourist Board at London's Mews of Mayfair private dining room. TV, radio and key consumer and trade media attended, with all commenting on the great success of the evening:

"Thank you so much for the wonderful evening on Tuesday - really enjoyed the dinner and the company." Roopa Gulati, UKTV Food.

"Just to say thank you so much for the wonderful reception last night. I have to say it was one of the nicest I have ever been to." Anna Hyman, Travel Editor, Motoring & Leisure.

L - R: Fiona Gordon, First Public Relations; Anne Chauveau, Franche-Comté Tourist Board.

FPR excels at gaining prime-time exposure for its clients across all programme formats, reaching far beyond traditional travel shows. It recently took Grand Designs, Channel 4's most watched show, on location to Miami. The programme featured a couple visiting the Mecca of Art Deco, to seek inspiration for the design of their dream home. The shoot offered the opportunity to showcase Miami's signature style to an audience of 5 million viewers. Stay tuned for further innovative coverage from FPR.

First Public Relations scored a hat trick with BBC Holiday 2007, by organizing and escorting presenters to three of our destinations in a six-week period. Main host, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, explored Art Deco Miami while Nicky Chapman became a golf widow in Cyprus. Laurence then visited Dallas and Fort Worth to soak up the glitz and glamour of Dallas and the 'Cowtown' History of Fort Worth. First Public Relations has secured over £5million in television exposure for our clients this year... and 2007 has only just kicked off!

FPR secured over 100 travel media and trade contacts for a full day of events to launch the Cyprus Tourism Organisation's Rural Initiative. Co-funded by the European Union, FPR won the bid to organise a series of targeted events over a three-year period, designed to introduce travellers to the "Real Cyprus".

Key operators attended a daytime workshop where new niche product was discussed, while the evening saw a gala dinner attended by most of the key travel media in the UK market.

FPR teamed up with the daily cookery show 'ITV Cooks' to treat viewers to the opportunity to win a tasty trip to Miami for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Capitalising on lifestyle trends and its state-of-art research tools, FPR goes beyond traditional travel programming and is at the forefront in targeting primetime media opportunities and exposure for its clients.