A new agency has been appointed to provide public relations and marketing support for the Florida Keys & Key West tourism product in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Based in East Sussex, England, KBC Public Relations & Marketing Ltd., takes over the contract from McCluskey International, the firm that has represented the Keys in the U.K. and Europe for more than 16 years.

"McCluskey has done an excellent job for us in the Keys," said Andy Newman, president of Stuart Newman Associates, the Miami-based public relations firm that has coordinated media relations for the Florida Keys tourism council for almost 25 years. "However, it is time for a fresh approach and we're delighted with our choice in KBC."

KBC will begin efforts 1st October 2005, handling media relations in the UK, France and Scandinavia in-house, and using network agency Mikulla Goldmann PR of Munich for German-speaking markets.

KBC was chosen after being short-listed with one other finalist.

"KBC's understanding of Florida and the Keys coupled with their passion for the product, made them the perfect choice to work with us," said Newman.

KBC also directs UK public relations for Visit Florida, Florida's private-public tourism promotional agency.

"We are delighted to have been selected," said KBC Managing Director Kate Burgess-Craddy. "Having worked with Florida tourism for more than 10 years, I have a real affinity for the product. I believe our selection is a recognition of the abilities and reputation of my great team here at KBC."

The Florida Keys account is to be directed by Burgess-Craddy, with Senior Account Manager Lisa Cooper handling day-to-day activities. German Account Director Katja Driess will also report to Burgess-Craddy. Other KBC clients include Travel Alberta, Travel City Direct and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.

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For further information please contact: Andy Newman, President, Stuart Newman Associates* Email: anewman@newmanpr.com Tel: 001 305 461 3300

Kate Burgess-Craddy, Managing Director, KBC PR & Marketing, Email: Kate.Burgess@kbc-pr.com Tel: 44 1825 76 36 36