News

Following a competitive, multi-month procurement process, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) is announcing the hiring of Grey to serve as its global Creative Agency of Record as well as Praytell to serve as its U.S. Public Relations and Influencer Agency of Record.

Founded in 1917, Grey is a longtime industry leader whose Famously Effective work drives substantial business performance for their blue-chip roster of clients including P&G, GlaxoSmithKline, The Coca-Cola Company, and now CIDOT, as their global creative agency partner. The agency is tasked with developing CIDOT’s first-ever global marketing effort for the luxury vacation destination. Grey’s understanding of Cayman Islands’ elegance, matched with the studio’s extensive knowledge of travel culture, helped win the new client.

Director of Tourism for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Rosa Harris, shared, “Grey’s formidable proposal as part of an intensive procurement search emerged as the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism’ top choice for Global Creative Agency of Record. I am confident our tourism partners and the country will be proud of the impending Cayman Islands global brand that will be unveiled in 2025. The agency’s strategic thinking has mined an ownable, breakthrough idea and their creative prowess will undoubtedly elevate and captivate audiences across our global markets. We had an instant connection, a natural camaraderie, and we can’t wait to get started.”

“There's stiff competition across the Caribbean, but the Cayman Islands provides an unparalleled experience given their many unique treasures, inviting culture, and incredibly warm hospitality,” said Global Chief Client Officer, Jason Kahner. "We felt instant chemistry with the CIDOT team and are so proud to be partnering with them on reaching new audiences across North America, Europe, and Latin America to position them as the warm weather luxury destination."

Chief Creative Officer, Grey NY, Thiago Cruz shared, “The strategy, creativity, and craft of the work we will be doing for the destination is what captivated the clients. It will be a great example of Famously Effective work that has an equal impact on culture and the client's business.”

Headquartered in New York City and with offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Melbourne, Praytell was founded a decade ago with a single mission: to break the mold of “traditional PR” and deliver modern, creative communications services. Praytell is one of the most recognized, fastest-growing global creative communications agencies in the world, having been named PRWeeek’s Agency of the Year and earned spots on PRovoke's Global 250 Watch List, Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies List and perhaps most importantly, PRWeek’s Best Places to Work list eight of the last 10 years—including 2023.

Praytell is tasked with overseeing media relations, CIDOT’s visiting journalist program, influencer relations, thought leadership, issues and crisis consultation, travel trade and consumer publicity, and events for the U.S., the Cayman Islands’ largest source market.

"In a landscape where breakthrough creativity and industry expertise are paramount, Praytell emerged as the clear choice for our partnership,” said Director Harris. “Their proven track record and deep understanding of the tourism industry made them the perfect fit to amplify the unique offerings of the Cayman Islands to the American market."

Praytell’s travel practice is one of its fastest-growing divisions with key clients spanning airlines, hotels and accommodations, and destinations at the national, state, and city level, and is co-led by Jamie Simpson, Senior Vice President and Maria Opatz, Vice President.

"The Praytell team is completely captivated by the allure of the Cayman Islands—not just its stunning beauty, but the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people, which was put on full display during our team’s recent visits to the island,” said Opatz. “We are eager to embark on this journey and spread the spirit of Caymankind across the U.S., with creative, earned-first programming that showcases the unparalleled experiences this Caribbean gem has to offer."