DDB Worldwide wins 85m Tourism Australia account

Tourism Australia has appointed DDB Worldwide to handle its £85m global advertising account. The network pitched against Saatchi & Saatchi for the business, following a review that kicked off in February this year.

The appointment will run for three years. A decision on media planning and buying, which is also being reviewed, is expected within weeks.

The win follows a global tender process that commenced in February this year, with final presentations in Sydney at the end of May. Incumbent M&C Saatchi was involved at an earlier stage, with Publicis Mojo, Singleton, Ogilvy & Mather and Whybin/TBWA.

Tourism Australia managing director Geoff Buckley says the company will focus its marketing and promotional opportunities from the Baz Luhrmann film, Australia, which is scheduled release in November this year.