Communications & Film
Throughout September and October, the Communications team worked to actively seek out media opportunities that would ensure Greater Palm Springs remains top-of-mind for potential visitors. Working together with our agencies, the team continued in its commitment to develop pitches to showcase the appeal of the destination.
The Communications team achieved significant media coverage in September and October, generating 216 media touch points, initiating 44 targeted pitches, and supporting 78 media in market. Story support during this period was provided to renowned publications including AAA Westways, TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, Smart Meetings, US News & World Report, Backpacker, The Points Guy, Traveller, and The Sydney Morning Herald.
With the support of our agencies, the team saw more than 103 articles published in September and October. Highlights included:
- The Sydney Morning Herald: “Ten years ago I would have said ‘no way’ to this. Now it feels amazing”
- The Age: “Two for the Road”
- Ôrizon Magazine: “California, a way of life”
- Time Out: “An immersive Barbie Dream House is in London's West End”
- Richesse: “Three key words to enrich your trip to Palm Springs”
- Richesse: “ Refresh your soul with the 12,000-year-old water of Palm Springs”
The LIVE with Kelly & Mark show created a huge buzz in Greater Palm Springs, marking the first time the beloved morning program filmed in our iconic destination! Hosted at the stunning Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, the production captured the essence of our oasis with breathtaking backdrops, vibrant energy, and local charm. Early results of the coverage have exceeded expectations, with millions of impressions across national TV, digital platforms, and social media, shining a spotlight on Greater Palm Springs as a must-visit destination. This incredible exposure showcases the unmatched beauty and unique experiences of our region, creating a lasting impression on viewers across the country featured on a national stage.
The Communication team has played a key role in elevating Greater Palm Springs’ visibility through a series of high-profile industry events. These initiatives have connected the destination with diverse audiences, from media professionals to influencers. Notable events included the UK Installation Pavilions of Wonder, a first-ever partnership with the London Design Festival and Barbie, which amplified the destination's presence in the UK. At SXSW Sydney, the team showcased Greater Palm Springs as a wellness destination through a sound bath experience in the Brand USA House, collaborating with Visit California.
The team also executed a successful Emily Kaufman Travel Mom activation, promoting the Escape Your Ordinary campaign to key fly markets, and hosted the SATW Editors Council Meeting, connecting with top editors to strengthen editorial relationships. IMEX connected the team with media focused on the meetings and events industry, while the Modernism Week FAM brought three domestic journalists focused on highlighting the upcoming 20th anniversary of the event. The IGLTA Convention in Osaka laid the groundwork for future media connections, while a wellness-focused sound bath event in Tokyo engaged media and content creators, expanding the brand’s appeal in the Asian market.
As part of the Visit California Mission, the team successfully re-engaged with key Asian markets during a week-long media mission to China and Korea. This marked the first return to these markets in several years. The team connected with more than 50 journalists and content creators to foster relationships, promote Greater Palm Springs, and explore new collaboration opportunities.
ABOVE, FROM TOP: The Communications team brought the Greater Palm Springs wellness vibe to Tokyo when they met with Travel writers and Influencers to experience a sound bath; VGPS VP of Communications Todd Burke and his Korean interpreter discussed their plan for meetings with more than 30 key South Korean journalists and content creators during a Visit California Mission to China and South Korea; Todd and VGPS Director of Communications Joyce Kiehl enjoyed a farewell dinner at Mister Parker’s after a 5-day FAM with key UK and Irish journalists; Joyce with Location Scout FAM attendees at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Looking Ahead
In December 2024 and beyond, the Communications team has a busy slate of events designed to further elevate Greater Palm Springs. They will head to ILTM in Paris as part of the Visit California Media Mission, meeting with luxury media to position the destination for high-net-worth travelers. The team will also host the second Film Location Scout familiarization tour in partnership with Riverside County Economic Development and Location Manager Guild International (LMGI), focusing on the west valley, with 11 scouts attending. Additionally, the team will travel to Washington, DC, to celebrate the inaugural United IAD-PSP flight, strengthening the region’s connection to East Coast travelers.
In January, the team will host media for the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the AMEX Golf Tournament, providing opportunities to highlight the region's diverse offerings. Additionally, the team will co-host a Greater Palm Springs James Beard Dinner with Palm Desert Food + Wine and local chefs, showcasing the region’s exceptional culinary scene. This will be followed by participation in the Travel Media International Media Marketplace (IMM) in New York City. These strategic events will drive brand awareness, strengthen industry relationships, and reinforce Greater Palm Springs as a premier destination for luxury, film, and culinary tourism.
