EXCLUSIVE: Tourism Australia has extended DDB's global creative contract for a further 12 months, as it continues to push its "There's nothing like Australia" position.
DDB'S global creative services contract with the tourist body was for three years, with an option to extend for 12 months. Had DDB's contract not been extended to June 2012, the account would have been out to pitch this year.
DDB developed the "There's nothing like Australia" campaign, unveiled with a big global splash early last year. The national tourism body will continue with the campaign as it capitalises on Oprah Winfrey's much-publicised visit in December, including a focus on digital activity.
The move comes as Tourism Australia's $180 million media account is out for tender. Incumbent media agency, Carat, is repitching for the account.
DDB won the account in 2008, replacing incumbent M&C Saatchi who created the controversial "Where the bloody hell are you?" campaign during its three-year tenure.
A Tourism Australia spokesperson told AdNews: "Tourism Australia's three-year contract with DDB for global creative services included the option to extend for another 12 months and we have chosen to take up this option.
"DDB has been a key partner in the delivery of Tourism Australia's global 'There's nothing like Australia campaign'".
DDB group managing director Chris Brown told AdNews: "We're delighted to have our contract extended. It is a privilege to work on such an iconic brand that is critical to the Australian economy.
"Tourism Australia is a fantastic organisation and a great bunch of people as well. These are important times for Australian tourism, and although we're pleased with the success of the 'There's nothing like Australia' campaign platform to date, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Tourism Australia to deliver even greater results."
According to Nielsen, Tourism Australia spent $4 million on main media spend in the 12 months to November, down from $4.9 million in the prior period.
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