The Curious County

Suffolk: Curious County marketing campaign that was branded ‘idiotic’ launches today

By Elliot Furniss Tuesday, February 12, 2013
12:49 PM

A CAMPAIGN aimed at promoting Suffolk by branding it “The Curious County” will be officially launched today.

When the initiative was announced last year there were questions raised about the marketing exercise - with one Suffolk MP calling the slogan “idiotic and meaningless”.

But as the dust settled the quirky monicker was deemed appropriate and now the campaign, led by Visit Suffolk, will be formally unveiled today.

Visit Suffolk says the meaning of “The Curious County” is two-fold - it reflects the “natural urge to be curious about Suffolk” while suggesting there is something intriguing and different about what it has to offer.

Amanda Bond, brand manager for Visit Suffolk, said: “Suffolk is intrinsically curious because it presents visitors with a unique journey, bespoke to their needs and interests.

“Our offering is so vast that we can cater for all; the discovery of this and the wonderful array of attractions, restaurants, accommodation providers, cafes, delis, shops, heritage sites and landscapes makes a visit so unique.”

Sponsors of the campaign include a prestigious list of Suffolk businesses big and small, including Adnams, Gough Hotels, National Trust, Suffolk Secrets, TA Hotel Collection, Africa Alive, Bruisyard Hall, RSPB Minsmere, Landguard, Aldeburgh Music, Elveden, DanceEast, the National Horseracing Museum, Latitude Festival and the Ickworth Hotel.

“The Curious County” campaign is being led through a digital marketing campaign via the www.thecuriouscounty.com microsite.

There will also be a high-profile presence on social media through Facebook and Twitter and all activity will go live after the launch today.

The campaign is divided into seven themes; history and heritage, arts and culture, outdoors, family, coast, indulge and food and drink.

Ms Bond added: “With so much to offer, it’s been fantastic to compile a compendium of curious experiences. Where possible we’ve tried to reflect the entire length and breadth of the county from the dragon lore of Bures to the Victorian seaside gardens of Lowestoft.”

Latest News See all

5 comments

Just by the fact that Mrs. Bond has to justify the ‘curious’ message and why it heads up the campaign say’s it all for me. A good Marketing campaign should be self explanatory! Where do we get these people?

Report this comment

David White

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
You say "as the dust settled ... the slogan was deemed appropriate" - by whom? Criticisms were simply ignored as the project was rolled out regardless. And I cannot agree more with Steve Blake about the innate nonsense of the PR statement. "it reflects the natural urge to be curious about Suffolk" ??? Is this a parody?...

Report this comment

Baron Samedi

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
"“Suffolk is intrinsically curious because it presents visitors with a unique journey, bespoke to their needs and interests." Great marketing speak but no idea what it means in plain English.

Report this comment

Steve Blake

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
I'm curious to know how much this daft branding cost the tax payer?

Report this comment

dinosaur detective

Tuesday, February 12, 2013
For me, the irony of the title "Curious Suffolk" is that Suffolk people are some of the least inquisitive I have ever met. At best I would say the county is mind-numbingly parochial.

Report this comment

Origami Penguin

Tuesday, February 12, 2013