San Diego Tourism Authority announces new marketing representation in China

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has retained East West Marketing Corporation as their new marketing representation office in China. Beginning April 2014, East West Marketing is responsible for promoting the San Diego region to the professional travel trade, travel media and individual consumers in China. This is the first time that San Diego has retained representation in this important international market.

"East West Marketing will be instrumental in promoting travel and tourism to our region, generating Chinese press coverage and assisting the travel trade to increase bookings to San Diego," stated Joe Terzi, President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. "It is vital for our region to have representation based in China, which is one of the most important global markets today, as we continue to build our reputation as a leading international destination," Terzi added.

Outbound travel from China is growing exponentially, and Chinese visitors to California reached an estimated 783,000 in 2013 (up 17 percent from 2012) to become the number one source of overseas travelers to the Golden State. With a direct flight between Tokyo and San Diego on Japan Airlines that launched December 2012, the SDTA expects to see a marked increase in visitors from Asia-Pacific countries including China, which now represents the world's fastest growing major economy.

Based in Beijing, with offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Taipei and Los Angeles, East West Marketing is responsible for travel package development, media relations, social media promotions and in-country sales missions. With nearly 18 years of promoting U.S. tourism in the Chinese market, East West Marketing is a leading marketing and public relations firm that specializes in outbound tourism marketing. The company's primary goal is to increase the number of visitors from the China region to its client destinations; its current client list includes the U.S. Travel Association, San Francisco Travel Association, Choose Chicago, Delaware North Companies and others.

San Diego also retains marketing offices in Japan, Korea, Germany and the United Kingdom. International travel to San Diego accounts for approximately 9% of the 32.3 million visitors who annually travel to the region.

The San Diego Tourism Authority is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of more than 1,000 member organizations, businesses, local governments and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. The San Diego Tourism Authority markets and sells the greater San Diego region as a premier meeting and vacation destination.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews