Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Marketing Solutions
For over six decades, Development Counsellors International (DCI) has pioneered innovative marketing strategies for destinations worldwide. Founded in 1960, our agency combines deep expertise in economic development, tourism, and talent attraction to create impactful campaigns that drive growth. Our team of 75+ professionals operates from offices across North America, leveraging a research-driven approach and creative placemaking to elevate communities globally. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring our work reflects the authentic stories of the places we serve.With a legacy of award-winning projects, DCI remains committed to delivering measurable results through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge digital solutions. Our leadership in place branding is rooted in a passion for travel and a dedication to fostering sustainable development. By aligning client goals with market demands, we help destinations attract investment, talent, and visitors, ensuring long-term success in a competitive global landscape.
Services
Economic Development Marketing
Tourism PR
Talent Attraction Campaigns
Digital Marketing
Public Relations
Website Design
Influencer Partnerships
Crisis Communication
Media Relations
Place Branding
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of specialized expertise in place marketing.
- Our team includes 75+ professionals across North America.
- We implement research-driven strategies tailored to client needs.
- We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all projects.
- We deliver measurable results through award-winning digital solutions.
Services
Economic Development Marketing
DCI's economic development marketing focuses on attracting corporate investment through tailored branding and lead generation. By understanding site selection processes, we enhance community visibility and generate business opportunities. Our strategies leverage data-driven insights to position destinations as competitive hubs for global investors.
Tourism Public Relations
Our tourism PR campaigns secure media coverage to boost visitor numbers. Through influencer partnerships and media outreach, we highlight unique destination features, dispersing tourists and increasing local spending. This approach strengthens a destination's appeal to leisure and business travelers alike.
Talent Attraction Campaigns
DCI's talent attraction initiatives position regions as ideal living and working environments. By integrating economic and tourism marketing, we target skilled professionals, emphasizing quality of life and career opportunities to address labor market challenges effectively.
Digital Marketing
We craft data-driven digital campaigns to enhance online presence and engagement. From SEO to social media management, our strategies drive bookings and brand awareness for hospitality clients. Custom analytics tools ensure measurable outcomes aligned with business goals.
Place Branding
DCI develops authentic brand identities rooted in community strengths. Through research and storytelling, we create cohesive narratives that resonate with target audiences, fostering emotional connections and long-term loyalty to destinations.
People
Andy Levine
Chairman
Andy Levine leads DCI with a focus on economic development and travel marketing. With over 30 years of experience, he has driven global campaigns, including initiatives for South Africa and New Orleans. His leadership emphasizes innovation and strategic storytelling.
Julie Curtin
President, Economic Development Practice
Julie Curtin specializes in economic development marketing, connecting communities with investment opportunities. She founded DCI's Marketing Summit and advocates for diversity in the field. Her work emphasizes data-driven strategies and collaborative partnerships.
Karyl Leigh Barnes
President, Tourism Practice
Karyl Leigh Barnes leads DCI's tourism strategy with a focus on global destination marketing. With expertise in PR and digital campaigns, she has elevated tourism boards worldwide. Her approach combines storytelling with market research to drive visitor engagement.
Daniella Middleton
Partner
Daniella Middleton specializes in digital marketing and travel trade partnerships. She has executed over 60 roadshows and developed strategies for clients like the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her work bridges technology and creative storytelling to enhance destination visibility.
Susan Brake
Partner
Susan Brake leads DCI's digital practice, focusing on website innovation and SEO strategies. She has developed tools like interactive maps for economic development. Her leadership emphasizes scalable solutions and measurable digital marketing outcomes.
Questions
What industries does DCI specialize in?
DCI specializes in economic development, tourism, and talent attraction marketing for destinations worldwide.
How does DCI approach place branding?
We use research-driven strategies to create authentic brand identities that reflect a destination's unique culture and strengths.
Can DCI help with crisis communication for destinations?
Yes, we develop tailored crisis communication plans to manage reputational challenges and maintain stakeholder trust.
What digital marketing services does DCI offer?
We provide SEO, social media management, paid advertising, and website design to enhance online visibility for clients.
How does DCI measure campaign success?
We use analytics tools to track KPIs like visitor growth, investment inquiries, and media impressions for measurable outcomes.
Does DCI work with international clients?
Yes, we collaborate with destinations across six continents, adapting strategies to local and global market demands.
