When GMCVB and partners came to the UK in 2013 they had a busy schedule set up and accompanied by FPR.

Apart from one-on-one appointments there was a business forum, trade dinner and an agency event at the Hard Rock Cafe in London which was a sell out success.

GMCVB in the UK

 Eve and Guillaume enjoyed a great evening in good company at the Visit USA ball, held on the 4th of July at the Intercontinental Hotel, London.

FPR at Visit USA ball

 FPR participated in the launch event of NCL’s newest ship the Breakaway.� We were able to enjoy the luxury of the cabins and experience its myriad activities and taster of its restaurants whilst networking with the agents on board.� Shame it was only one night.

FPR booth

 Following a busy mission in Paris Travel Manitoba and its partners headed to London for the CTC key event promoting its signature experiences.

A productive day and a fun evening meeting trade and media persons and the surprise visit of Prince Andrew.

CTC Event

FPR has been busy during 2013 with numerous clients visiting the UK:

We had Seattle and Washington State in London in February where we met with tour operators, media and cruise experts.

Laucala Island carried out its first media and sales trip to London in April. Kurt Wachtveitl, global advisor for Laucala Island hosted a lunch for media and Lynne Hunt, the British designer who did the interiors at the resort joined us.

Laucala

 FPR recently returned from a trip to Manitoba visiting Churchill and Seal River Lodge. With temperatures as low as minus 37F it would be difficult to recognise anyone in the group. Luckily despite the early freeze we did see polar bears up close.

Group

Polar Bear

The island of St Barth is pleased to announce the launch of the St Barth Commuter new route, directly linking the island with Antigua from 01 December 2012. Flights cost approximately £242 one way or £485 return.

The launch heralds much improved accessibility to the island for the British traveller. The new connection will offer several flights each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a departure time from St Barth of 2.45pm and from Antigua at 4.30pm local time. Flight duration is 35 minutes, greatly facilitating access to this haven of elegant tranquillity.

The flights will be operated by brand new Cessna Grand Caravan (C208.B) aircraft, providing greater comfort for passengers.

Moreover, St Barth Commuter will offer passengers who are on connecting flights to St Barth access to the “Club 17°61°” Lounge within the price of the ticket, giving them the chance to relax before their next flight.

Providing high quality service is essential to the island of St Barth, and this additional scheduled flight will improve the existing choice of flight connections to the island. The British traveller can now fly directly on BA or Virgin to Antigua and connect with St Barth Commuter rather than having to change planes twice en route when travelling to St Barth from London. 

St Barth Commuter

 On 19 February 2013, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Tourst Board invited journalists to come and discover their latest Android and iPhone application called the Provence Gallery App at the Charlotte Street Hotel. The app allows users to discover Impressionist works of art as well as the landscapes that inspired them. Visitors to Provence can also be alerted when they are near to a famous site and are invited to try and recreate the original works of art using their smartphones.

http://www.pressetourismepaca.fr/en/

Provence Gallery App

VISIT USA ASSOCIATION 2012 MEDIA MARKETPLACE

Tuesday 3rd July, 2012

Crystal Ballroom, St. Ermin’s Hotel, St James’s

BEST TRAVEL TRADE FEATURE

Jo Austin from Selling Long Haul won this year�??s award for �??Best Travel Trade Feature�?� for her article �??Out on the range�?�. Unfortunately, she was not able to attend and Alan Orbell received the award on her behalf.

In the photo: Guillaume Post (First Public Relations), Alan Orbell (Selling Long Haul), Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations)

VUSA Marketplace

The award for �??Best general consumer magazine feature writer�?� went to Ellie Watts-Russell for her article �??Welcome to Miami�?� in Jamie Magazine. Holly O�??Neill took the award on her behalf.

In the photo: Edith Meyer (First Public Relations), Holly O�??Neill (Jamie Magazine) 

GOVERNOR’S LUNCH LONDON July 2012

Visit Florida Lunch 1

 VISIT USA ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENCE BALL                     

Wednesday 4th JULY, 2012       

Intercontinental London Park Lane

VUSA Ball 1

Top: Guillaume Post (First Public Relations), Jane Poyser (Trailfinders)

Middle left: JT Nimmons (Secret Escapes), Emma Hanson (STA Travel)

Middle right: Kathryn Brownrigg (British Airways Holidays, Nick Smith (First Public Relations)

Bottom left: Angus Bond (Virgin Holidays), Anel von Schuckmann (Fontainebleau Hotel)

Bottom right: George Turner(Flightcentre), Jan McKeown (Virgin Atlantic)

VUSA Ball 2

Top left: Anel von Schuckmann (Fontainebleau Hotel), Guillaume Post (First Public Relations)

Top right: Nick Smith, Guillaume Post (First Public Relations)

Bottom left: Emma Hanson (STA Travel), George Turner(Flightcentre)

Bottom right: Bob Schumacher (United Airlines), Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations)

 Dinner on Thursday 21June at Hush Restaurant with Miami delegation and UK travel trade partners

Dinner Pics 1

Top left: Carly Crowe (Western and Oriental), James Gelfand (The Turnberry Isle Hotel), Judith Patrón-Fernandez (Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Top right: Simon Lynch (Abercrombie and Kent)

Middle left: German Villa (Trump Hotel), Jennifer Hartnett (North America Travel Service)

Middle right: Roy Collett (Colletts Travel), Colin Brodie (Visit Florida UK)

Bottom left: Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations), James Gelfand (The Turnberry Isle Hotel), Juliann McCain (Charles Group Hotels)

Bottom right: Jane Poyser (Trailfinders), Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations), Amy Shine (Cosmos Holidays)

Dinner Pics 2

Top left: GP, Lesley Roberts (United Airlines), Sarah Lax (TUI)

Top right: German Villa (Trump Hotels)

Middle left: Kristen Lee Bergen (Z Ocean Hotel), Amy Shine (Cosmos)

Middle right: Judith Patrón-Fernandez (Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Bottom left: James Gelfand (Turnberry Isle Hotel), Carly Crowe (Western and Oriental), Svetlana Hristova (Sonesta Coconut Grove), Nancy Bedoya (Biltmore Hotel)

Bottom right: Svetlana Hristova (Sonesta Coconut Grove)

 Business forum with Miami delegation and UK travel trade partners

Miami Mission Business Forum

Top left: James Galfond (Turnberry Isle Hotel), Ken McLeod (Advantage Travel)

Top right: Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations), Judith Patrón-Fernandez (Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau), Graham Bell (American Airlines)

Middle left: Simon Lynch (Abercrombie and Kent), Melinda Neave (Goldman Properties)

Middle right: Graham Bell (American Airlines), Tracey Polly (American Airlines), Svetlana Hristova (Sonesta Coconut Grove)

Bottom left: Eve Gardiner Lane, Andre Brouwers, Guillaume Post (First Public Relations)

Travel Manitoba's UK trade dinner March 2012

Manitoba Mission 1

Top Left: Ajanta South (Bridge and Wickers), Grant Chem (Frontiers North Adventures), Olga Pavlova (Original Travel)

Top Right: Ally Harmer (Sea 2 Sky), Guillaume Post (First Public Relations)

Bottom Left: Eve Gardiner Lane (First Public Relations), Mary Moore Mason (Essentially Canada)

Bottom Right: JT Nimmons (Black Tomato), Dene Sinclair (Travel Manitoba)

Manitoba Mission 2

Top Left: Jane Archer (Freelance Writer), Tara Stefansson (Lazy Bear Lodge)

Top Right: Jayne White (Titan Travel), Nicolas Fournier (Canadian Tourism Commission)

Bottom Left: Doreen Booth (Churchill Wild), John Gunter (Frontiers North Adventure)

Bottom Right: Mike Carter (Holidays 2 USA/Canada), John Gunter (Frontiers North Adventure)

 First Public Relations recently secured some top wedding and honeymoon travel writers to attend the Antigua and Barbuda Romance Press Trip. The writers were treated to some of the best wedding and honeymoon experiences on the island including a picnic on a secluded beach resulting in some rave reviews following the trip.

Antigua and Barbuda Romance Press Trip

Left to Right:

Charlotte Ellis - Wedding Venues and Services Magazine, Catherine Davies - Perfect Wedding, Maria Blackman - Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority , Francesca Lee - Your County Wedding Magazines, and Mandie Brathwaite - Blue Waters Resort 

 The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authorityis celebrating this Leap Year with a competition offering ladies that propose to their partners on 29 February 2012, the chance to win a seven-night, all-inclusive luxury honeymoon at the chic, boutique Sugar Ridge Resortin the twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda.

These days women can propose to their beaus any time however the tradition remains that on 29 February, women can take the proposal initiative. To qualify for the competition, entrants are required to upload a short video of their Leap Day proposal on to YouTube, between 29 February and 31 March 2012.  Videos will be shared on the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Facebooksite and will be promoted via @antiguabarbudaon Twitter with the hashtag #AntiguaBarbudaProposal.  The top five most entertaining and creative videos will be shortlisted and the video getting the most votes will be declared the winner of the dream honeymoon to Antigua.

Courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authorityand Sugar Ridge, the honeymoon includes return flights from London Gatwick and seven-nights all-inclusive accommodation at the luxury boutique hotel Sugar Ridge.  Nestled on a natural hillside bordered by sugarcane, the hotel offers the perfect secluded and romantic escape after the excitement of the big day. Sitting elevated, overlooking the beautiful palm lined beaches of the West Coast of Antigua and Caribbean Sea, Sugar Ridge commands stunning views from every angle ensuring the perfect backdrop for a honeymoon. 

P Hilary Modeste, UK & Europe Director, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said: “We have launched this innovative, not to mention fun, online campaign to reach our key audience of females who we know tend to be the honeymoon decision maker. We hope women will leap at the chance to propose.  With a honeymoon to Antigua up for grabs, how could he say no!”

Full terms and conditions and entry requirements available at: http://www.visitantiguabarbuda.co.uk/competitions-leapyearproposal.asp

For further information on weddings and honeymoons in Antigua and Barbuda, go to: http://www.visitantiguabarbuda.com/weddingshoneymoons.asp

Taking the Leap Of Faith

 During January and February FPR has been busy promoting WA wines as well as tourism through a media blitz to food and wine writers and the travel trade press as well as hosting the travel industry to a sumptuous dinner to accompany the delicious wines.

Enjoying Washington States Wines

Ian Murray,editor of The Southern Daily Echo and BJ Stokey from the Port Of Seattle enjoy the evenings festivities.

Sampling the States Best Wines

Russel James from Cosmos and Jill Killburn from the Port of Seattle

The lucky winners of the Essex Air Ambulance auction, Michael Curry and Velda Menown, soaked up some winter sun in Antigua and Barbuda and made the most of what the island had to offer.

Sailing at St James Club

Enjoying Shirley Heights

 The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority announced plans for the new airport terminal at V.C Bird International Airport at this years WTM. To celebrate the important update to the island's tourism infrastructure the Tourist Board held an on stand event, where the Tourism Minister provided a full update on the building and the guests expereinced first hand the best of Antiguan hospitality.

Announcing the New Airport Terminal

 Another FPR tour de force! Celebrity Masterchef winner and all round foodie Lisa Faulkner travelled to Vaucluse Provence on the invitation of First Public Relations. Apart from trying out all the local delicacies, Lisa produced coverage for several national newspapers and a countless numbers of positive tweets to her 20,000 + followers making it a win/win for the destination.

Lisa Faulkner truffle hunting

 FPR set up and escorted a VIP group of tour operators and media to the great city of Chicago.  We did all the sights from the Bean to going out on the Ledge.

When there is a game on in town you have to go to the ballpark �?? Wrigley Field in this case.

When there is a game on in town you have to go to the ballpark �?? Wrigley Field in this case.

The Ledge

the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, 1,353 feet up!

 That’s right, during a proper Canadian summer there is so much going on in Manitoba. FPR Account Manager for the province Guillaume Post took a group of tour operators to Winnipeg and Churchill to experience the Manitoba summer products.

It has been a very active (and VERY sunny) week packed with outdoor activities. Together with Lionel Johnston from Travel Manitoba the group first found themselves in Winnipeg during a heat wave, went snorkelling with Beluga Whales, drove a Tundra Buggy (literally), went canoeing in a marsh, enjoyed amazing views from a float plane and many, many other things…. Oh and did I mention polar bears?

Interested to find out more? Please pay a visit to our Facebook page for photos! 

The group before snorkelling

Before the snorkelling adventure. L-R, Lionel Johnston, Mark Beken, Sam Mullen, Guillaume Post, Fiona Walls, Ally Harmer and Jessica Heystek.

Kayaking with Beluga Whales

Kayaking with Beluga Whales

The delegation from Seattle visited London during the sales mission which FPR has organised. It was an exciting, busy and productive week filled with appointments and dinners with tour operators and media.

Seattle UK Mission

Rupert Parker - Appetite and BJ Stokey - Port of Seattle

Seattle UK Mission

Brad Jones - Seattle CVB, Nick Easen - reporter & producer and Fiona Gordon

FPR has organised a sales mission for Travel Manitoba. A diversity of meetings and dinners were arranged during this week. The tour operator dinner on the final evening took place at Brasa. This dinner happened to be on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day, which was a great excuse to wear these lovely hats!

Celebrating St. Patrick day

A successful UK Sales Mission for Travel Manitoba & First PR

 FPR recently took a group of journalists to experience the Caribbean's largest regatta, Antigua Sailing Week. Although all invovled had never sailed before the regatta's on-shore party schedule insured even those who go green at the gills at the thought of 'Anchors Ahoy' could enjoy themselves at this action packed week.

The highlights of the week, of which there were many, were our group being flung into action onboard a yacht trying to navigate about turns, the Maxi Priest (90's reggae sensation) concert at the stunning Shirley Heights and giving our sea legs a break whilst flying through the rainforest on a zipline canopy tour.

Navigating an about turn with OnDeck yacht charters

Navigating an about turn with OnDeck yacht charters

Enjoying some time out in Antiguas rain forest

Enjoying some time out in Antiguas rain forest - Beth Edmonston - Press Association, Chris Granet - Daily Mirror.

FPR visited Antigua with a group of top media to discover the authentic charms of the tropical paradise island and join in the celebrations for one the Caribbean's biggest parties.  To spice things up a little, the group also enjoyed the rare chance to be part of a MAS band.

Read all about it here http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2010/0828/1224277725363.html

Antigua Carnival

L - R: Louise East-Irish Times, Lynda Daboh, Maria Blackman - Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Shevelle Rhule - Pride

 FPR escaped the cold UK weather and finished 2010 by hosting five tour operators in Sunny Miami.

Themed around areas of the city including Coconut Grove, Sunny Isles and Bal Harbour, So You Think You Know Miami? carved an alternative path through the city. The action packed itinerary featured a high octane speedboat ride, an aligator spotting trip to the Everglades, a swim with dolphins and fabulous food and drink, alongside site visits to some of the best hotels Miami has to offer.

L-R, Denis Ilic, Andrew McKenna, Hayley Giles, Louise Dean, Jane Elliott

Enjoying the sunshine in Coconut Grove! L-R Denis Ilic, Andrew McKenna, Hayley Giles, Louise Dean and Jane Elliott

Major Travel's Andrew McKenna (left) and FPR's Carl Steer (right) get up close and personal with a Miami Local

Major Travel's Andrew McKenna (left) and FPR's Carl Steer (right) get up close and personal with one of the locals 

 First Public Relations Limited (FPR) has been appointed by Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur Tourism to handle its public relations in the UK.   This is the first time the region has had external agency support.

The FPR team will be reporting to Bruno James, director general, PACA.  Mr James commented: “We are relying on First Public Relations’ great expertise to increase the awareness of our destinations and entice even more British visitors.”

As the inspiration of some of the most famous works of art by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin, Renoir and Matisse, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur is widely considered the most scenic part of France.  The region is the second most visited French holiday destination outside Paris for British visitors and is renowned for its glamorous seaside resorts made famous as the 60s playground of Brigitte Bardot, picturesque Provencal villages, gastronomic delights and idyllic, relaxed lifestyle put in the spotlight in Peter Mayle’s best-selling ‘A Year In Provence’.  

The agency’s brief will be to capitalise on the area’s assets and provide an innovative approach to highlight the destination’s key messages with a focus on promoting city breaks, skiing, outdoor activities, arts and culture and food and wine.  Key activity will include the launch of the new 52sunsations.com campaign showcasing the destination’s Mediterranean appeal, aspirational yet affordable offerings and easy access from the UK.  Keira Knightley has recently bought property in the region and opportunities will be sought for celebrity endorsement from names such as Marseille hero and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, First Public Relations is known for its imaginative campaigns and unrivalled client retention with clients that have been on the roster since day one.

-ENDS-

For media queries about the region, please contact:

Edith Meyer or Guillaume Post

Edith@firstpr.co.uk / Guillaume@firstpr.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7978 5233

Cassis M Raynaud

Harbour

FPR took six journalists to WA visiting Seattle, Spokane and the Northern Cascades.  Everyone enjoyed the great outdoors and wonderful scenery the state has to offer and enjoyed wacky activities and indulged in  local foods and wine.

L-R: Chris Peacock, Davin ODwyer, BJ Stokey, Simon Carr, Ben Bovill Char Pravin, Susan Mansfield, Eve Gardiner, Tammy Quill

L-R: Chris Peacock, Davin ODwyer, BJ Stokey, Simon Carr, Ben Bovill Char Pravin, Susan Mansfield, Eve Gardiner, Tammy Quill

Stunning Scenery in Washington State

Stunning Scenery in Washington State

FPR has just returned from Winnipeg and Churchill, Manitoba with six tour operators.  Out on the Tundra we got close to the polar bears and enjoyed dog sledding in the forest.  Temperatures got to minus 38C so lots of hot chocolate and hearty meals kept us warm and in good spirits.

L-R: Samantha Hohol, Canadian Sky, Karen Niven, Bon Voyage, Heidi Blade, Premier Holidays, David Mortimer, Complete North America, Paul Medley

L-R: Samantha Hohol, Canadian Sky, Karen Niven, Bon Voyage, Heidi Blade, Premier Holidays, David Mortimer, Complete North America, Paul Medley

FPR took Travel Manitoba to exhibit at the British Bird Fair in Rutland this year.  The place to meet people passionate about wildlife and taking care of the planet.  The show is very popular and we worked non-stop over three days.

Birding expert Cal Cuthbert and Mark Clarke from Travel Manitoba

Birding expert Cal Cuthbert and Mark Clarke from Travel Manitoba

FPR recently attended the VUSA Media market place for Seattle and Washington State and Miami and collected an award on behalf on Tom Adair who won best regional journalist for his feature on Seattle in the Herald.

FPR collecting the award on behalf of Tom Adair

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!

Image of group wrapped up warm and posing in the snow

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.

Image of the group at dinner

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

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.

Polar Bear

Group of people next to the Tundra Buggy

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.

Kakopetria Village

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

Myloi Resturant

  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.

Image of a couple jumping off a jetty into the sea

Image of an old tree on a beach

 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

Indy 500

Zoo

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.

Image of Eve Gardiner sitting at a desk ready to inform people how lovely a visit to Miami is

 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.

image of a group people standing next to a strange rock formation balanced impossibly on top of other rocks

image of group of people canoeing

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.

Image of a group of people posing with a Maroline Monrow statue

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

Image of a group of people enjoying dinner

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.

image of Samantha, Eve and Denise wearing buddy holly glasses

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

Image of two ladies holding Buddy Holly paraphernalia

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.

Image of 5 people at a bar

Image of people holding tshirts and showing off other travel pamphlets

 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!

Image of two ladies goling film paraphernalia and books while wearing promotional tshirts

 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.

image of people sitting on giant pumpkins outside a Fresh Produce farm

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

Image of a group of happy people posing on a walkway to a marina

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.

Image of a man reading from a Teas Brochure to two other people

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

Image of people smiling whilst holiding the ribbon to be cut

Image of people toasting with champagne glasses

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.

Photo of people at the bowling alley posing with bowling balls and glasses of wine.

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.

Image of people stting at tables talking during the business forum

Image of the buddy holly cast

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

Photo of people enjoying dinner at dusk by what appears to be a small lake surrounded by trees and other buildings and diners.

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.

image of people Kayaking

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.

image of people on a golf course

Image of people on golf course

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.

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.

Image of a group of people wearing Texan outfits

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.

Sunny image of a group of people around a sign with the cyprus tourism logo

Sunny image of people sitting at picnic benches, shared by a large umbrellas

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.

image of an Indian dancer next to a statue with three heads

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.

image of an showing two people at the in-store promotion

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.

image of a group of people on Segways outside a grand building

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.

image of a three people standing in front of a large wine rack

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.

image of a the award winners for the Best Photography category with Lynda Daboh

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

Image of a blue peter representative and Eve Gardiner with the award 

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

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

Image of Fiona and two others smiling

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.

Image of a group of people posing on a marina

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.

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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.

Image of a tour group posing with an old man

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.

Image of Fiona Gordon posing with Anne Chauveau who is holding a copy of the Franche-Comté magazine

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.

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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!

Image of the Miami, Texas and Cyprus Tourist board logos

 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.

A montage of several wine connoisseurs

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.

A montage of ITV Cooks images with the Miami Tourist Board Logo