Development Counsellors International: Place Marketing

Originally published May 2021. Updated October 14, 2026.

What is Development Counsellors International?

Development Counsellors International, or DCI, is a New York place-marketing agency founded in 1960 by Ted Levine. It says it has worked with more than 500 cities, regions, states, provinces and countries on tourism, economic development and talent attraction, and has nearly 100 staff across North America.

Who founded and leads DCI?

Ted Levine founded DCI after directing U.S. public relations for Puerto Rico's Operation Bootstrap, according to a company profile. His son Andy Levine joined in 1991, became president and is now chairman. A 2018 report said Julie Curtin became president of economic development and Karyl Leigh Barnes president of tourism, and a later trade page lists Barnes as DCI's president. Curtin founded the DCI Marketing Summit in 2013, per the same report.

What does DCI do?

DCI works in tourism marketing, including consumer, trade and meetings and events marketing and PR, and in economic development marketing, including investment attraction and talent attraction. A profile says its services include destination branding, digital and social media, research, perception studies and brand audits. EPR's travel PR and public affairs sections cover related disciplines.

Which clients has DCI worked with?

A 2018 report names the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, the Houston Partnership, the San Diego Regional EDC, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Wyoming Business Council, and a profile says state tourism offices for California and North Carolina and city offices like Seattle have used it. EPR's earlier profile also named Barbados, Barcelona and Site Selectors Guild, which were not confirmed here.

What recognition has DCI received?

No awards could be verified, so none are listed. The firm describes itself as the largest assembly of place marketing professionals in the world.

How does DCI compare with other travel and public affairs firms?

DCI is a specialist in marketing places, so compare it with travel firms such as Laura Davidson Public Relations and Brandman and see the PR agency profiles directory.

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Related: PR agency profiles, Travel PR, Hospitality PR, Public affairs