Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body and Big Wave PR, a leading lifestyle and B2B PR agency, have been shortlisted for a prestigious PRCA Dare Award (South East) for their campaign to promote the Essex Coast.
This is the second year in a row they have made the shortlist and last year went on to win the national prize for #ThisisEssex, a campaign that challenged the Essex stereotype. This year their campaign, ‘The Essex Coast: Experience the Unexpected’ showcased ‘off the beaten track’ coastal destinations along the county’s 350-mile coastline and estuaries.
Highlights of the campaign included a launch in Brightlingsea Harbour with paddleboarders, kayakers, boats and a shanty crew marking the start of the summer season. As well as press visits from The Sun newspaper to Coast magazine. A new film was also produced to entice visitors to enjoy a short break or staycation along Essex’s sunny shores.
Cllr Mark Durham, Chairman, Visit Essex, is proud of what Essex has to offer. He says: “Post pandemic we needed to put Essex back on the map and ensure we boosted our local economy with the rise of staycations. Essex has so much to offer from glamping adventures to luxury hotel stays, plus the freshest and finest seafood! This campaign showed-off the county’s hidden gems and helped businesses get back on their feet.”
The campaign was launched by award-winning Essex-based PR and marketing agency, Big Wave PR. Hilary Collins, Founder and Managing Director, Big Wave PR, adds: “We’re delighted with another award shortlist, it’s always an honour promoting our home county of Essex!”
The campaign was funded by the Coastal Community Fund.
Visit Essex and Big Wave PR, are the only finalists representing organisations from Essex and the Eastern region at the awards. The winners of the PRCA Dare Awards 2022 will be announced at a gala awards event on 30 June at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, London.
