- Andrew McMains

NEW YORK Interpublic Group's Lowe here has been selected to handle creative and media duties by the Aruba Tourism Authority after a review, the client has confirmed.

The other finalists were Havas' Euro RSCG in Baltimore, Cossette Communications in New York, Omnicom Group's Zimmerman Advertising in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the incumbent, IPG's Fitzgerald + Co. in Atlanta.

"ATA is very much looking forward to the excitement of a fresh start and new beginning working with our new partners at Lowe New York," said Myrna Jansen-Feliciano, client managing director. "The decision was a difficult one and all of the finalists were strong and creative firms vying for the business. We are confident that our detailed review process has brought us to the ideal candidate to handle our advertising in the U.S. and we are looking forward to a partnership with Lowe that will be successful and productive."

Account billings are estimated at $10 million. The creative is expected to include traditional and interactive ads as well as direct marketing.

Past major media spending on Aruba ranged from more than $9 million in the first 11 months of 2007 to nearly $6 million in 2006, according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus.

AAR Partners in New York managed the review process.