The National City Tourism Marketing District has tapped two public relations and marketing companies, with the goal of attracting more visitors to the South Bay city.
Receiving a joint contract were San Diego-based Focuscom Inc. and DEIPI.com of Baltimore. A Focuscom spokeswoman said the total contract award for both companies was $63,000.
The companies’ contract with the tourism district was effective May 10. Officials said the joint bid by the two companies was among five proposals evaluated by the tourism district.
According to the companies’ websites, Focuscom and DEIPI.com both specialize in marketing outreach to ethnic communities, including Asian and Hispanic consumers.
Officials said the two firms were chosen to promote National City’s hotels, restaurants and attractions to new audiences. Transient occupancy tax collections from the city’s 12 hotels rose 9.8 percent from 2012 to 2013.
