Kansas City, Mo. -- Jan. 30, 2009) - Following a four-month competitive review, MMG Worldwide has been awarded a three-year advertising agency of record contract with The Barbados Tourism Authority. Several other agencies competed for the account, considered by many to be amongst the most prestigious in the travel industry. MMG Worldwide will service the account from the agency's offices in Kansas City, New York and Miami.

In spring 2009, MMG Worldwide will launch an $8 million advertising campaign for Barbados. The fully integrated campaign will include print, broadcast and online marketing and promotion to raise awareness of the Barbados brand and increase travel to the country.

"We are pleased to partner with MMG Worldwide, a leading travel specialists advertising agency. MMG was selected as our agency of record due to the agency's aggressive commitment to build U.S. and Canada visitor arrivals over the ensuing 24 months," said Richard Williams, Vice President, Barbados Tourism Authority, the Americas.

An independent island-nation in the western Atlantic Ocean, Barbados is part of the Lesser Antilles and is geographically situated outside the Caribbean's principal hurricane strike zone. Year-round, tourists are attracted to the island's authentic experience with rich culture and history and beautiful scenery, including calm waters off its southern and western shores and fine white and pink sandy beaches.

"Barbados is one of the finest destinations in the world," said Clayton Reid, MMG president and managing partner. "Not only is it the quintessential luxury experience, but it also offers culture and history that rivals other world-class destinations. We are honored to have been selected as the island's advertising agency of record and look forward to working in partnership with the Barbados Tourism Authority leadership and industry partners to build awareness and arrivals for this fantastic vacation destination."

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world's sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. The Barbados Tourism Authority has provided excellent service for 50 years and is a proud member of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association and Bridgetown, Barbados was voted #8 in the World by Trip Advisor's '2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards' in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org or contact the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1.800.221.9831.