Revealed – Tourism Australia shortlist down to 3: Incumbent DDB to defend against Clemenger BBDO and Droga5 (with Ogilvy’s global network)

CB Exclusive – After calling a pitch in early November, Campaign Brief can reveal that Tourism Australia has whittled the long list pitching for its $250m global account down to three, with incumbent DDB Worldwide in a shoot-out against Clemenger BBDO (with BBDO worldwide network) and Droga5 –  teamed with the Ogilvy worldwide network.

CB understands that each agency will be submitting documents in just over a week’s time, followed by a roving tour by TA execs of the key regional offices of each network, before receiving final creative presentations.

DDB’s original three-year contract was due to run until July 2011, and was initially extended until June 30, 2012 and extended again for a further 12 months to 30 June 2013.

The new arrangements run for three years from July 1, with an option to extend the contract for two further periods of 12 months. Services covered by the contract include both traditional and digital advertising.

At the time the pitch was called Tourism Australia managing director Andrew McEvoy said effective creative advertising services are a key part of Tourism Australia’s marketing effort to encourage travellers to travel to and through Australia.

Says McEvoy: “Tourism marketing is constantly evolving and the expiry of our existing global creative services contract provided us with an opportunity to test the market again, in line with Tourism Australia’s long-term strategy and goals.”