The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recognizes businesses and individuals for their contribution in positioning the Thompson Okanagan region as a premier tourism destination. The Innovative Marketing Campaign Award recognizes a business or organization for its innovative use of various forms of advertising mediums in a campaign that was successful in attracting travelling consumers to their business or organization.

Tourism Kamloops won the award for the Mark Madryga ‘Hometown Boy’ Tourism Ambassador campaign that began in February of 2009. Well-known TV personality and senior meteorologist Mark Madryga was contracted by Tourism Kamloops to lead a new marketing campaign inviting British Columbia residents to visit Kamloops, let loose and just play. “Mark has been great to work with.” says Lee Morris, CEO. “He arrived full of enthusiasm and that synergy is evident in the creative materials featuring him in our advertising.”

Tourism Kamloops incorporated Mark into expanded TV, print, direct mail and online advertising creative and had him in Kamloops for some personal appearances. Using the latest Internet technologies and the studios of GlobalTV in Vancouver, Mark Madryga’s image and voice have been used online extensively to draw attention to Kamloops. As part of a ‘Tank of Gas Strategy’ (TOGS) started in late 2007, Tourism Kamloops continues to target family leisure vacation travel and weekend getaways proactively positioning Kamloops as an easy to get to, fun and affordable place to visit. With the success of the campaign, Tourism Kamloops has secured Mark’s services for another year. Plans for increased personal appearances at consumer shows in the lower mainland as well as expanded TV and Online Digital advertising are in the works.

For More Information:

Ms. Lee Morris CEO, Tourism Kamloops

P: 250.372.8000 C: 250.319.4247

E: lee@tourismkamloops.com

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