Communications & Public Relations

Overview

In 2023, Visit Greater Palm Springs expanded its outreach and engagement efforts, strategically growing media and consumer interest through innovative partnerships and initiatives. These endeavors not only elevated awareness of the destination but also underscored our commitment to workforce development and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.  

Collaborating closely with our U.S. agency of record MMGY, and internationally with offices in the UK, Australia, Germany, and France, we bolstered our capacity to engage with media. In addition, the team often worked in tandem with Visit California and regional destination partners. Visit Greater Palm Springs hosted 145 media engagements throughout the year. These collaborations amplified our efforts to showcase the diverse attractions and unique experiences that define Greater Palm Springs as a premier travel destination. 

Scroll to the bottom to see the 2023 media coverage highlights and annual dashboards.

Top 5 Communications/PR Highlights of 2023: 

Global Activation in the UK/Ireland: Visit Greater Palm Springs launched a first-ever destination campaign in the UK/Ireland market with new agency of record Finn Partners. Engaging consumers, trade professionals, and media with immersive events and strategic partnerships, the team completed a fruitful two-week "Road Trip" throughout five locations forging nearly 10,000 engagements that significantly increased awareness and interest in the diverse attractions of Greater Palm Springs. View the recap of the activation below.

Globe-Trotter Partnership Launch: Visit Greater Palm Springs collaborated with luxury British luggage brand Globe-Trotter to launch its first-ever destination-inspired luggage range. This exclusive collection, inspired by the vibrant color palette of the Palm Springs desert, celebrated the region's unique aesthetic and lifestyle. Events were held in London, West Hollywood, Tokyo, and Greater Palm Springs, generating buzz among international travelers and luxury enthusiasts alike. View a recap of the Tokyo launch below.

Meet the Mentors Program: Visit Greater Palm Springs introduced its first-of-its-kind "Meet the Mentors" program, offering aspiring travel writers mentorship from industry leaders. Mentees explored Greater Palm Springs alongside experienced journalists, discovering wellness, outdoor adventures, sustainability, and diversity across its nine cities. Their experiences culminated in articles featured on the VGPS website, enriching their portfolios and spotlighting the destination's unique attractions. This innovative initiative aimed to inspire future storytellers while promoting Greater Palm Springs as a compelling travel destination. 

Wellness Tourism Initiative: Emphasizing Greater Palm Springs as a premier wellness destination, 2023 saw the promotion of diverse wellness activities, including support for the newly opened Spa at Sec-he and hosting the Wellness Tourism Association’s annual conference. Media experiences highlighted activities such as outdoor hikes, meditation, and rejuvenating sound baths, showcasing the destination's commitment to holistic well-being. 

Air Service Collaborations: Visit Greater Palm Springs continued to place a focus on a crucial role in expanding air services, facilitating media influencer trips on new routes like Alaska Airlines' JFK to PSP service. In addition, international media flew directly into PSP, experiencing a "find your oasis" arrival into the destination. These efforts increased accessibility and visibility, reinforcing Greater Palm Springs as a top-tier destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation. 

These highlights exemplify the Visit Greater Palm Springs' PR/Comms team's dedication to innovative communication strategies, strategic partnerships, and inclusive tourism practices, solidifying Greater Palm Springs' position as a top travel destination in 2023 and beyond.