Description
In an age of global competition, where cities, regions, and countries vie for investment, talent, tourism, and influence, this textbook offers a comprehensive roadmap to building strong, credible, and resilient place brands. Moving far beyond logos and slogans, it introduces a practical, policy-driven approach grounded in strategy, governance, and authenticity.
Drawing on over two decades of real-world experience with place branding clients across continents, the authors present a rich mix of theory, frameworks, and case studies from Stockholm to Tulsa to Australia making this book an indispensable guide for students and professionals alike. Through the lens of the proven 14 Steps to Nation and Place Branding framework, readers are guided through every stage of building a place brand from laying the foundations and engaging stakeholders to shaping digital identity and managing reputational risk.
The book delves into essential marketing principles like segmentation, positioning, and integrated communication, while also addressing complex political realities, governance challenges, and the growing role of digital platforms, AI, and user-generated content in shaping perceptions.
Whether you're a university student studying destination branding, placemaking, or event management or a professional working in tourism, economic development, public diplomacy, or destination marketing this textbook provides the tools to build impactful brands rooted in place, powered by people, and aligned with long-term national goals. Written with both academic and practitioner audiences in mind, it is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate courses as well as a must-have guide for instructors and professionals seeking to shape how the world sees and experiences their place.
Chapter 1 - Definition of Nation, Country, Region and City Branding.- Chapter 2 - The Importance of Nation, Region and City Branding.- Chapter 3 - Understanding Competitive Advantage in Nation and City Branding, -What makes a great Nation or City Brand?.- Chapter 4 - The role of Marketing in Nation Branding and City Branding.- Chapter 5 - The importance of Digital Identity and Digital Footprint in Nation and City Branding.- Chapter 6 - The role of special events in Nation and City Branding.- Chapter 7 - The role of sustainability in Nation and City Branding.- Chapter 8 - Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Nation and City Branding.- Chapter 9 - Crisis management & nation and city communications.- Chapter 10 - How to develop a Nation or City Brand and sustain its success. 14 Steps to Nation and City Branding The roadmap based on Bloom Consulting s proven methodology.
Jose Filipe Torres is Founder and CEO of Bloom Consulting. Since 2001 Mr. Torres has been advising countries in the field of Nation Branding and City Branding. He works directly with heads-of-states and senior policy-makers in Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Oman, Poland, Sweden, and city and regional projects in Riyadh, Stockholm, Cleveland among others. He also collaborates with the World Economic Forum on topics related to country branding and city branding.
Richie Karaburun is Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality and Tourism at the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Centre for Hospitality and Tourism. With more than two decades of experience in the travel industry, Dr. Karaburun is recognized as an industry expert in helping travel companies start and develop a growth strategy and business.
