The Tourism Group managed the launch of Wyndham International's ByRequest Free Long Distance program with a front-page story in USA Today in conjunction with an event in Times Square in June 2002. Pictured here is CEO, Fred Kleisner, making a free call from Times Square.

The Tourism & Lifestyle group orchestrated and conducted media relations surrounding the Ceremonial Opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in November 2002.

Edelman's Tourism & Lifestyle practice comprises a global team of experts dedicated to serving clients in the tourism arena. The practice encompasses tourism clients all over the world, with Edelman tourism professionals in virtually all of its offices to serve them.

A key advantage that Edelman brings to its tourism clients is its network of media relationships that have developed and grown over many years. Add to that deep industry knowledge, an ability to anticipate trends and issues affecting the tourism industry and infectious enthusiasm for the work that we do on behalf of our clients; and the result is a proven winning formula for tourism promotion success. This is one reason why our anchor clients have chosen to stay with us over the course of many years.

Edelman has been a pioneer in consumer public relations for the past 50 years. Thus, our standing as the top-ranked consumer and tourism practice shapes a unique point of view about consumer behavior as it relates to travel decisions. In other words - we know and understand what motivates the traveling public. We also know how to reach them in meaningful and measurable ways. Our extensive work in promoting some of the world's most prominent brands also gives us a unique understanding of the positive impact that brand names have upon consumer behavior. This directly relates to consumer behavior towards "travel brands" as well.

Edelman's tourism client roster represents many different facets of the tourism industry, including destinations, transportation, technology, retail, hotels and resorts, and attractions. Heading the list is the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Bureau of Tourism, which has remained a client for eleven years. Adding to the destination round-up are Puerto Rico, the Beaches of South Walton (Florida) and Cancun CVB. Former destination clients include Mexico, Egypt, Scotland, Singapore, California, Texas and the British Tourist Authority (Central Region).

Edelman represents the upscale brand Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, conducting brand-wide PR programming as well as individual property representation. In recent years we've also worked with Sea Island Resort in Georgia, Loews Hotels, The House of Blues Hotel (Chicago), Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, La Quinta Inns, Baymont Inns & Suites, Voyages Hotels and Resorts, Cadena De Hotels, Hoteles Exelaris and Jolly Hotels.

In transportation, Edelman currently represents TED, the new United Airlines spin-off brand, NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line, and aircraft manufacturer Boeing. We have also worked with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Qantas, SAS, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Atlantic Southeast Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines over the years.

Cathleen Johnson

General Manager,
Tourism & Lifestyle
Tel: 312-240-2659
cathleen.johnson@edelman.com