Israel’s Ministry of Tourism Hires Democratic PR Firm for U.S. Outreach
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has selected a PR firm linked to the Obama administration, the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, to handle its North American public relations, according to a report by Holmes Report.
According to the report, MWWPR will develop and execute a strategic communications program designed to proactively promote Israel as a top tourist destination for North American travelers. The firm will also seek to reach out to the LGBT community.
MWW is headed by Michael Kempner, a top fundraiser for Hillary Clinton, President Obama and the Democratic Party. Kempner is listed as a “Hillblazer,” having raised more than $100,000 for Clinton’s presidential campaign last year, and served as deputy finance director for President Obama’s campaign.
The crisis management public relations firm also hired and abruptly fired former Congressman Anthony Weiner to its board of advisors last year after his presence “has created noise and distraction that just isn’t helpful,” according to an internal memo.
“MWWPR has deep expertise in the travel sector and a proven record of successfully executing large-scale tourism efforts, which makes it the perfect strategic communications partner as we work to increase awareness of Israel’s offerings through a multifaceted media campaign,” Uri Steinberg, Israel’s Tourism Commissioner for North America, said in a statement.
In 2004, MWW was selected as one of the agencies along with 5W Public Relations to handle Israel’s North American public relations and marketing for a three-year contract. Since 2006, Geoffrey Weill Associates handled the Tourism Ministry’s PR and social media outreach.