Destination Marketing Organization Services

The City of Newport, Oregon is seeking a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to provide comprehensive tourism promotion services through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). The procurement aims to secure a qualified profit or non-profit organization to develop and implement strategic destination marketing initiatives that increase overnight visitation and enhance the local economy while maintaining Newport's environmental and cultural integrity. Key deliverables include developing a strategic destination marketing plan, managing brand communications, engaging stakeholders, creating promotional events, producing marketing content, and executing digital and targeted advertising campaigns. The RFP evaluation will be weighted across four categories: proposer qualifications and experience (30 points), quality and responsiveness to goals and objectives (35 points), cost reasonableness (30 points), and geographic preference (5 points), with a preference for vendors located in Lincoln County, Oregon, the State of Oregon, or the Northwest Coastal area. Proposals are due by 2:00 PM PDT on May 19, 2025, with an anticipated contract start date of July 1, 2025, and a two-year contract term with an option to extend for an additional two-year period.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but requires proposers to demonstrate ability to leverage additional revenue sources and drive economic impact while prioritizing sustainable and inclusive tourism development. Funding for these services will be drawn from the City's Transient Room Tax Fund, with the budget subject to annual appropriations. While no incumbent vendor is mentioned, proposers must provide an itemized list of annual projected costs and demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in tourism marketing and economic development. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract will be structured to support comprehensive destination marketing services with potential for performance-based considerations. Proposers will need to showcase their capacity to enhance Newport's tourism landscape through strategic marketing approaches that balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation.