Sling & Stone wins JW Marriott brief following competitive pitch

AUCKLAND, Today: Freeman’s Bay-based PR Sling & Stone has been selected via a competitive pitch (there was no incumbent) to launch the first JW Marriott hotel in New Zealand.

As strategic communications partner for the NZ$ 25 million refurbishment, the challenger agency will be sharing the hotel’s transformation journey across a long-term integrated PR, events, social media and creator campaign that will reach consumer and travel industry audiences in the Asia Pacific region.

The campaign leads up to a “stunning” full public launch moment in 2024. 

The unveiling of JW Marriott’s first hotel in New Zealand will be a landmark moment, bringing the distinctive JW experience to Auckland which encourages guests to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit at the property with its full suite of amenities. 

Laurean Sahilices, director of marketing for JW Marriott Auckland said: We chose Sling & Stone as our partner for their ability to tell exceptional brand stories.

“Their creativity and strategy was stand-out compared to other agencies and they showed a deep understanding of what makes JW Marriott unique in the hotel landscape.

“This isn’t your ordinary hotel launch story –it plays to our strengths of re-writing industry playbooks in the same way JW Marriott rewrote the playbook for mindful luxury.”

“In an industry that can be quite formulaic, we chose Sling & Stone because they are anything but that.”

Sian Church, Sling & Stone NZ head said: “This is an exciting addition to the growing portfolio of travel and tourism brands coming to Sling & Stone looking for a fresh take on the  sector.

“Travel and hospitality is booming but it’s also changing. Traveller expectations have shifted in a post-COVID environment and they expect and want more mindful, connected experiences.

“What we love about JW Marriott is that it’s not just another hospitality brand jumping on a trend: JW Marriott pioneered mindful travel decades ago and has remained true to this identity since.

“This isn’t your ordinary hotel launch story, which absolutely plays to our strengths of re-writing industry playbooks in the same way JW Marriott rewrote the playbook for mindful luxury.

“We are excited to launch this iconic property and make it the one of the most in-demand, must-stay hotels in New Zealand.”

• slingstone.com