The Republic of the Marshall Islands has selected New Zealand-based agency RUN Aotearoa to develop a new global tourism identity and brand platform.
RUN brings a strong track record of working with destinations, combining a strategic-led focus with storytelling that reflects the cultural depth, traditions, and unique character of each place.
The project marks a significant step forward in positioning the country as a tourism destination on the world stage. The partnership aims to ensure the Marshall Islands’ identity remains authentically grounded while resonating with international audiences.
An in-market visit is planned to support research, photography and film production, with community engagement playing a central role in shaping the tourism brand and platform.
“It’s a dream to have the opportunity to build a brand for a country. We feel privileged to be able to spend time with the Marshallese people and to hear their stories. We hope to share the Marshall Islands narrative in a way that honours its people, culture and environment”, said Laura Cibilich and Raymond Otene McKay, RUN Aotearoa co-founders.
The initiative is supported by funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), helping to advance the development of the Marshall Islands’ tourism sector and strengthen its global positioning.
This appointment builds on the recent selection of RUN Aotearoa to lead a major Pacific-wide campaign to phase out single-use plastics in tourism, working with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The partnership signals a shared ambition to create an authentic, enduring brand that invites the world to experience the Marshall Islands.
