Irvine Partners, the leading independent creative communications agency in Africa, has announced the opening of its second European office in Stuttgart, Germany. This expansion also marks the launch of a dedicated travel and tourism division within the agency.
Established in South Africa in 2010, Irvine Partners has significantly expanded its pan-African network, with wholly owned offices in Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
In late 2020, the agency broadened its international reach by opening an office in London, which now serves as the group’s headquarters.
Rachel Irvine, CEO and founder of Irvine Partners, highlighted the strategic importance of the new office.
“Germany and the UK are two of the biggest source markets for tourism into Africa. Given our deep understanding of the continent, its cultures, and its people, Irvine Partners is perfectly positioned to showcase the best of African hospitality, lifestyle, and tourism products to these key markets.”
Monika Scheel-Kassai, a seasoned communications professional with over a decade of experience in the German media and PR sectors, will lead the Irvine Partners team in Germany.
“Driving Irvine Partners’ expansion into Germany is a career highlight and a challenge I can’t wait to take up,” Scheel-Kassai remarked.
“Africa is a continent with a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. I am excited to leverage Irvine Partners’ vast African expertise and creative storytelling to showcase some of the continent’s best hotels, lodges, vineyards, and attractions to the German media and public.”
Irvine Partners Germany has already secured partnerships with key travel and tourism clients, including the iconic Kruger Gate Hotel, situated minutes from South Africa’s world-renowned Kruger National Park.
Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, praised the longstanding partnership, saying, “Irvine Partners has been our communications partner across Africa and the United Kingdom for many years. It made perfect sense to appoint them as our partner for the German market. The economies of scale and unparalleled reach this team offers are invaluable to a business like mine.”
The expansion into Germany will be undertaken as a joint venture with thepublic, an established German communications, influencer, and social media agency. Both Irvine Partners and thepublic are members of PRWA, the global network for independent agencies.
“thepublic has been on the ground for more than 19 years and knows the local market inside out,” Irvine noted. “This partnership means we can offer our clients exceptional value and market insight from day one, leveraging thepublic’s established relationships and expertise, combined with Irvine Partners’ Africa-specific specialist insights.”
Christian Josephi, CEO of thepublic, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“We are delighted to be going into partnership with Irvine Partners. Our values are aligned, and the potential for Irvine Partners to introduce German clients to the African media landscape is equally compelling. Together, we can create truly unique and impactful campaigns that bridge the gap between Africa and Europe.”
With a presence in both the UK and Germany, Irvine Partners is well-placed to bridge the gap between African tourism entities and European travelers.
The agency’s deep understanding of African travel destinations and its proven creative communication expertise will allow Irvine Partners to develop and execute targeted campaigns that resonate with European audiences.
