Visit Oakland Announces Launch of First Advertising Campaign For Multicultural Tourist to Oakland, CA

Visit Oakland is pleased to announce the launch of its first advertising campaign for tourism to Oakland. Well-known local representatives such as Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora, Goapele, soul/R&B artist, and James Syhabout, Michelin Star chef, participated in the campaign, highlighting their favorite activities, restaurants, neighborhoods and things to do while in Oakland. The representatives come from all different backgrounds and diversities, including Japanese, African American, and Thai. “This is an important time to advertise what Oakland has to offer, as the city was just named the top five destination to visit in the world in 2012 by The New York Times,” said Sima Patel, Chair of the Board for Visit Oakland. “It’s a great opportunity to talk about the positive changes and revitalization of the city, and there’s no better way to learn about this than from locals who know it best.” The intention of the campaign is to provide an overarching identity for outgoing tour and travel communications, which will be implemented across a variety of media including print, online, video, radio and direct marketing initiatives. The slogan, “Oakland. To Know it is to Love it,” captures the pride that locals have for the city and the importance of getting to know Oakland beyond its misconceptions. The campaign is focused on four initiatives: Arts & Culture, Music & Entertainment, Food & Nightlife, and Meetings & Groups, four significant audiences for travel to the city. Visitors can plan their trips to Oakland based on the insider itineraries from these local representatives, found on the campaign micro site. The site also includes discounted hotel and meeting promotions. The campaign is behaviorally targeting those interested in the arts, culture, entertainment and culinary offerings of Oakland, focusing heavily on the cultural festivals happening this summer. It aims to reach a diverse audience interested in Oakland’s cultural attractions. The Oakland Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization marketing the City of Oakland as a travel destination under the brand name Visit Oakland. For more information, please visit oaklandloveit.org.