Spirit of Tasmania has appointed Leo Burnett
Melbourne as its advertising agency and reappointed Maxus as its media
agency for three-years.
The decisions were made after a comprehensive agency review and a competitive tender process.
Leo
Burnett Melbourne will manage the provision of Spirit of Tasmania's
brand strategy and creative services for television, print, radio,
outdoor and digital advertising.
Maxus will continue to provide
media planning and buying services to Spirit of Tasmania across a
variety of targeted and brand-building media channels.
Spirit of Tasmania chief executive officer Bernard Dwyer said following
the refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels, the introduction of
a new-look website and enhanced online booking platform, the company
enjoyed a successful 2015/16 and was now focused on keeping the momentum
going.
Says Dwyer: "Spirit of Tasmania will introduce a brand refresh and requires a new creative and media strategy for this work.
"We
have identified that we need to re-engage with existing customers and
inspire new consumers to sail with Spirit of Tasmania to drive future
growth and demand.
"We have projected strong passenger growth
for 2016/17 and beyond, and look forward to working with Leo Burnett and
Maxus to help drive the execution of our marketing strategy until
2019."
Dwyer said he was confident Leo Burnett would deliver
impactful campaign outcomes following its "sound, detailed and precise
pitch".
Says Melinda Geertz, CEO, Leo Burnett Melbourne: "We're
excited to be working with the team at Spirit of Tasmania. It's a
totally unique experience in the Australian travel industry and we're
looking forward to more people discovering that the journey itself can
be as memorable as the destination."
Dwyer said Maxus would continue to manage Spirit of Tasmania's media services.
Says
Karly Leach, managing director of Maxus Melbourne: "We are delighted to
have retained the Spirit of Tasmania business and continue our
longstanding relationship with the Spirit of Tasmania team.
"As
partners, we look forward to working collaboratively with Spirit of
Tasmania to unlock growth via innovation and digital thinking, as we
work together to lead change for the business over the next three
years."
Recognised as one of Australia's most iconic travel
experiences, the Spirit of Tasmania vessels provide the only tourism and
transport service across Bass Strait, carrying passengers and passenger
vehicles between Devonport and Melbourne.