South African Tourism Recognizes PR Success of 2010 FIFA World Cup™
The Vuvuzela is Now a Symbol of Success
NEW YORK, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- At a reception held at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York City, South African Tourism CEO Thandiwe January-McLean paid tribute to their public relations agency of record, the Portfolio Marketing Group, for their work in publicizing the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in the United States.
In keeping with the spirit of South Africa's inimitable mark on the global tournament, CEO January-McLean presented Portfolio Marketing Group's President, Noel Mignott and Vice President, Alison Ross with a hand-made, beaded Vuvuzela in the agency's colors, which was commissioned to commemorate the agency's role in promoting the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in the U.S. market.
The inscription reads, "Presented to the PM Group by the CEO of South African Tourism for their contribution to promoting the 2010 FIFA World Cup."
Addressing the gathering, CEO January-McLean noted that U.S. television viewership for this World Cup was up 41% over 2006, with 25 million viewers tuning in for the final, representing a phenomenal increase in awareness and visibility for the destination and above all, the way the world views South Africa has changed immeasurably, for the better.
The Portfolio Marketing Group's public relations and promotional activities in the U.S. market on behalf of South African Tourism included a 'South Africa Shout Out' campaign on Facebook; endorsements by political and business leaders as well as celebrities from the entertainment industry; media tours for South African Tourism 2010 Goodwill Ambassador Lucas Radebe; and special events and publicity campaigns to promote the Diski Dance, South African Tourism's soccer-inspired dance created specifically for the World Cup™, designed to showcase the fun-loving spirit of the South African people.
Among those in attendance at the reception were the Hon.Fikile Magubane, South Africa's Consul-General; Sthu Zungu, President of South African Tourism, N.A.; Evelyn Mahlaba, South African Tourism's Regional Director for the Americas, Asia and Australasia; several representatives from the trade and consumer media, including CBS travel editor, Peter Greenberg; and key members of the tour operator and retail agent communities serving South Africa.
The Portfolio Marketing Group is headquartered in New York City and their client list includes the countries of Anguilla and Antigua and Barbuda.
SOURCE The Portfolio Marketing Group
