Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Global Place Marketing Solutions for Economic Development
Development Counsellors International (DCI) has been a global leader in place marketing for over 60 years, specializing in economic development, tourism, and talent attraction. Our team of creative placemakers partners with clients to craft data-driven campaigns that attract visitors, businesses, and skilled talent to destinations worldwide. With expertise in brand strategy, public relations, digital marketing, and research, we deliver tailored solutions that reflect each community's unique identity. Founded in 1960, our work is rooted in a commitment to equity, inclusion, and sustainable growth. We combine deep industry knowledge with innovative storytelling to elevate destinations through earned media, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising.Our global presence across North America and collaborations with over 500 cities underscore our authority in place marketing. By prioritizing transparency and measurable outcomes, we empower clients to compete effectively in dynamic markets. Our team's decades of experience ensure strategies that align with evolving industry trends while maintaining authenticity. Through crisis communication support and proactive media relations, we help destinations navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This combination of heritage, expertise, and forward-thinking approaches establishes DCI as a trusted partner in shaping the future of places.
Services
Economic Development Marketing
Tourism PR
Digital Marketing
Brand Strategy
Crisis Communication
Influencer Partnerships
Media Relations
Website Development
Talent Attraction Campaigns
Research & Analytics
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of specialized expertise in destination marketing.
- Our team includes 75+ place marketing professionals globally.
- We implement research-driven strategies with measurable outcomes.
- Our DEI initiatives prioritize inclusive and sustainable growth.
- We maintain proven partnerships with media and influencers worldwide.
What people say
Proven results
Creative storytelling
Global network
Research-backed strategies
Sustainable focus
Services
Economic Development Marketing
Our economic development marketing combines tailored branding with lead generation strategies to attract corporate investment. We analyze target audiences, including site selectors and executives, to create campaigns that highlight regional strengths. Through media relations and digital outreach, we position destinations as competitive business hubs while emphasizing workforce development and infrastructure advantages.
Tourism PR
We craft compelling narratives that position destinations as must-visit locations through strategic media placements. Our team secures earned media coverage in top-tier outlets while developing influencer partnerships to amplify reach. Crisis communication plans ensure destinations maintain positive visibility during challenges, while tailored press trips showcase unique cultural and recreational offerings to key influencers.
Digital Marketing
Our digital marketing services include SEO, paid advertising, and social media management tailored for destination marketing. We create data-driven campaigns that improve online visibility and engagement across platforms. From website development to influencer collaborations, our strategies drive direct bookings and enhance digital presence for tourism and economic development clients.
Brand Strategy
We develop authentic brand identities that reflect each destination's unique cultural, economic, and environmental attributes. Through community engagement and market research, we create positioning strategies that resonate with target audiences. Our branding extends across all touchpoints, from visual identity systems to messaging frameworks that guide marketing communications.
Talent Attraction Campaigns
Our talent attraction campaigns position destinations as ideal locations for skilled professionals. We create integrated marketing strategies that highlight job opportunities, quality of life, and community benefits. Through digital outreach and employer branding initiatives, we connect destinations with potential residents while addressing workforce development challenges through public-private partnerships.
People
Andy Levine
Chairman
Andy Levine leads DCI with over 30 years of experience in economic development marketing. He has driven global campaigns for destinations including South Africa and New Orleans while advancing industry research initiatives. His strategic vision focuses on authentic storytelling and data-driven results.
Julie Curtin
President, Economic Development Practice
Julie Curtin directs economic development strategy with two decades of experience connecting destinations with investment opportunities. She founded DCI's Marketing Summit and champions diversity initiatives in economic development. Her expertise spans brand positioning and media relations.
Karyl Leigh Barnes
President, Tourism Practice
Karyl Leigh Barnes leads tourism marketing with expertise in destination branding and media relations. She has implemented campaigns across six continents and specializes in leveraging travel narratives to drive visitor engagement through strategic partnerships and influencer collaborations.
Daniella Middleton
Partner
Daniella Middleton specializes in digital marketing and international tourism campaigns. With experience managing global client portfolios, she develops innovative strategies that combine data analytics with creative storytelling to enhance destination visibility across digital platforms.
Susan Brake
Partner
Susan Brake leads DCI's digital practice, driving website development and search marketing strategies. She has created interactive tools for economic development clients and focuses on measurable digital campaigns that combine technical innovation with place marketing expertise.
Questions
What industries does DCI specialize in?
DCI specializes in economic development, tourism marketing, and talent attraction for destinations worldwide.
How long has DCI been in business?
DCI has been a leader in place marketing since 1960, with over six decades of experience.
What services does DCI offer?
We provide brand strategy, public relations, digital marketing, research, and crisis communication services for destinations.
Does DCI work with international clients?
Yes, we serve clients across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
How does DCI measure campaign success?
We use data analytics, media impressions, and ROI metrics to evaluate and optimize our marketing strategies.
What makes DCI different from other agencies?
Our exclusive focus on place marketing, 75+ dedicated professionals, and proven DEI initiatives set us apart.
