I LOVE NEW YORK Tourism Representation in Germany

The New York State Department of Economic Development, Empire State Development Division of Tourism is requesting proposals for tourism representation services in the Germany marketplace under an RFP due November 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, with an anticipated contract start of February 1, 2027 and award in January 2027.

The scope encompasses travel trade representation, consumer marketing, strategic counsel on the German travel industry, and operational support including trade shows, sales missions, tour operator familiarization tours, trade media public relations, in-market management of partner marketing promotions, consumer-facing advertising, and collaboration with the Department's foreign direct investment and trade promotion offices over a period of up to five years.

Mandatory qualifications include demonstrated knowledge of the German tourism industry; at least five years' experience working with German travel trade and press; proven consumer marketing experience; demonstrated destination marketing accomplishments; qualified staff assignments; physical presence in Germany; three letters of reference; and economic resources to pay expenses in advance of state reimbursement. The contractor must establish an independent contractor relationship and may not contract with competing U.S. tourism businesses or destinations without prior Department approval.

The annual budget is approximately $250,000, including both administrative and marketing activities, with an additional discretionary fund of up to $50,000 for tourism activations and marketing campaigns. Proposals exceeding the annual cap are subject to rejection without review. Bidders must submit detailed cost projections across all five contract years, itemized by activity type and line-item expense.

The incumbent is Weichman Tourism Service. MWBE and DBE goals are set at 0.00%; this contract is exempt from minority and women-owned business enterprise targets. Questions must be submitted in writing by October 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Department anticipates conducting oral presentations with finalists, and key personnel directly responsible for the project must participate.