The coveted South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) creative account has been put out to tender, with 13-year incumbent KWP to defend the business.
The South Australian Government has asked for tender submissions from creative agencies, with all submissions to be entered by early December.
KWP recently had its contract extended for one year, however government rules enforce tenders every three to five years, and KWP has reached its maximumfive year contract.
KWP joint managing partner John Baker told AdNews: “Really, there has never been a better time for us to defend this business. We are doing the best work we have ever done for them, and they are getting the best results. We're looking forward to the process.”
However, he also said: “It's a significant piece of business for us in terms of size and emotional connection. We'll be defending the account with great vigour.”
A statement on the South Australian government tenders website said: "The SATC is seeking Expressions of Interest from an appropriately experienced and qualified service provider to assist the SATC in communicating with our target markets and attracting more visitors to South Australia, principally in the Australian market (intrastate and interstate)."
The tourism body was briefly surrounded with controversy earlier in the year when it was revealed the organisation had given money to celebrities to tweet about Kangaroo Island. It had been suggested the move was unethical because celebrities were not disclosing they had been paid.
KWP's contract with SATC will end in June 2013.
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