United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Travel PR firm banned from trade body after controversial campaign
A public relations company that represents several major UK and international travel brands has been expelled by a UK trade body.
Bell Pottinger, whose portfolio of travel clients includes London City Airport, Boeing, Qatar Airways and Air Transat, was given a five-year ban by the Public Relations Communications Association for bringing the PR industry into disrepute.
The firm, which is one of the UK’s leading PR companies, was found to have run a secret campaign to cause racial tension in South Africa. The PRCA said Bell Pottinger was ‘unethical and unprofessional’ after it investigated allegations made by South Africa’s opposition party that the firm was paid £100,000 a month by client Oakbay Capital to stir up anger about ‘white monopoly capital’ and ‘economic apartheid’.
Bell Pottinger was founded almost 30 years ago by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s spin doctor Lord Bell, who left the business last year.
Chief executive James Henderson resigned from the company on Sunday, saying that although he was not involved with Oakbay, he accepted responsibility for Bell Pottinger.
The firm said it intended to continue in business by abiding with the PRCA code of ethical conduct on a voluntary basis and that many of its staff would apply to join the trade body as individuals.
"The overwhelming majority of our partners and employees played no part in the Oakbay Capital account and have not been accused of breaching the PRCA code," it said. "Many of them will now consider applying for individual membership."
Related News Stories:
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship