The Chickasaw Nation Signs Wanderlust

Destination advertising agency Wanderlust recently announced that they are partnering with the Chickasaw Nation to create a campaign to promote southern Oklahoma as a tourist destination. The project will include conducting market and consumer research, as well as the development of an ongoing marketing communications strategy.

Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, said the project should benefit tourists, the tribe and the state.

“Helping more people understand the wide range of tourism possibilities in the Chickasaw Nation will produce numerous opportunities for the people of Oklahoma,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Tourism is an important part of Oklahoma’s economy and we believe this campaign will provide tremendous economic benefits for the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma.”

Mark Shipley, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Wanderlust, said “the Chickasaw Nation is a thriving, vibrant culture that’s deeply rooted in its heritage and rich history. It is a progressive society, benefitting from rapid economic growth to provide education, healthcare and employment opportunities for its citizen.“

"As part of its continued progress, the tribe’s leadership wants to brand their destination to attract more tourism and international travelers. That’s where Wanderlust comes in,” Shipley added.

Paige Williams, Director of Tourism for the Chickasaw Nation said the tribe is “very pleased” to work with the Wanderlust team. “We believe this partnership will be a vital component of our efforts to help people learn more about what we have to offer,” said Williams.

About The Chickasaw Nation

The Chickasaw Nation is the thirteenth largest federally-recognized tribe in the United States. Their jurisdictional territory includes more than 7,600 square miles of south-central Oklahoma and features many recreational and tourism attractions. A highlight for cultural tourism is the new Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Okla. This state-of-the-art facility offers interpretive exhibits and displays of Chickasaw art, culture and history on 110 acres of rolling hills and woodlands adjacent to the cool, clear mineral waters of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Other attractions include the fifth largest casino in the world (along with 17 other casinos and gaming centers), theaters, golf courses, campgrounds and RV parks.

Prior to European contact, the Chickasaw people occupied a large area east of the Mississippi River in what is now Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee. They purchased land and moved to their new homeland in south-central Oklahoma in the 1830's.

Chickasaw culture and heritage remains firmly rooted in nature and the elements. Their people possess a proud history as fierce warriors, known as the "Unconquered and Unconquerable" Chickasaw Nation.

About Wanderlust

Wanderlust provides marketing expertise to destinations, resorts and tourism attractions. We uncover what drives people to choose where they go and build integrated marketing programs to attract them — using the internet, social networks, direct marketing and mass media.

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