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Articles about Place Branding
and Strategic Communication
I share analyses, lessons learned, and reflections on place branding, strategic communication, tourism, investment promotion, and territorial development, based on my work with destinations and organizations in the region.
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Trust: the New Currency in the World of Brands and Places
In an environment where algorithms shape visibility, channels fragment, and messages lose credibility, trust emerges as the most valuable strategic asset a brand—and, by extension, a place—can hold. Recent studies and marketing analyses confirm that for place brands (cities, regions, countries), trust is no longer a supporting variable but the primary currency through which loyalty, reputation, and competitive value are exchanged. The role of trust in attraction A study on de
Leonardo Nieto
Jan 64 min read


The Invisible Challenge for Destinations: Rethinking Tourism and Place Branding in the Digital Era
Enrolling in the Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program at Cornell University , supported by UN Tourism , has been an opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture of how tourism works—and how destinations can regain control of their future. One of the readings that left me thinking deeply was Chapter Two of Megan Epler Wood’s Sustainable Tourism on a Finite Planet , a text that dissects the spider web of global tourism supply chains and exposes th
Leonardo Nieto
Nov 18, 20253 min read


🇮🇳 India’s Place Branding Breakthrough. What Latin America Can Learn
When we think of global examples of successful place branding, India inevitably comes to mind. Campaigns like “Incredible India” did more than just put the country on the map; they shifted global perceptions, attracted millions of travelers, and created a powerful emotional connection with audiences.
Leonardo Nieto
Jun 17, 20252 min read


Place Branding and Territorial Marketing: Building a Destination’s Identity
When we think about branding, we usually picture logos, advertising campaigns, and catchy slogans. But what happens when the product isn’t a coffee or a smartphone, but a city, a region, or even a country?
That’s where place branding comes into play—the strategy that shapes how the world perceives a destination.
Leonardo Nieto
Apr 1, 20253 min read


Place Branding for Small Cities: Building Global Appeal through Authentic Identity and Sustainable Growth
In Place Branding, small and medium-sized cities have unique opportunities to project themselves internationally, attracting tourism, talent
Leonardo Nieto
Nov 25, 20244 min read


Evaluating the Effectiveness of City Brand Strategies: A Comprehensive Analysis
Evaluating the effectiveness of city brand strategies is crucial in modern place branding. The article "City Brand Strategy Evaluation:...
Leonardo Nieto
Oct 21, 20242 min read


Visit Oslo's Bold New Campaign: A Risky Yet Fascinating Approach to Tourism
Oslo has done it again! The Norwegian capital is turning heads with its latest tourism campaign, one that’s as bold as it is brilliant.
Leonardo Nieto
Jul 31, 20242 min read


Integrating Global Insights into Local Contexts: The Next Step in Place Branding for Latin America
After 40+ editions of this newsletter, I return with a central theme that shows the academic support for the study of Place Branding and...
Leonardo Nieto
Mar 14, 20244 min read


5 Key Strategies for Internationalizing Destinations
Promoting a destination on the international stage entails more than just tourism. It involves attracting investments, increasing...
Leonardo Nieto
Mar 6, 20242 min read


The 5 bad practices of Place Branding
Have you ever wondered why some destinations draw your attention like a magnet while others just... don't? Well, behind that magnetism...
Leonardo Nieto
Feb 7, 20243 min read
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