RFP 27-03 Hawaii Tourism Destination Brand Marketing Japan MMA

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is requesting proposals for comprehensive destination brand marketing services for the Hawaiian Islands targeting the Japan major market area under RFP 27-03, with proposals due August 17, 2026. Services are limited strictly to leisure travel marketing; all Meetings, Conventions & Incentives (MCI) market segment activities are expressly excluded from scope.

Offerors must demonstrate prior experience as a prime contractor on comparable destination marketing initiatives and must submit at least three references documenting leisure travel marketing experience. Proposals must include a Brand Marketing Plan, organizational capacity statement, professional experience documentation, budget worksheets covering labor, materials, supplies, and applicable taxes, and activity measures. Offerors must complete the Hawaii Standard Qualifications Questionnaire, including detailed financial statements with balance sheet, accounts receivable and payable schedules, long-term debt, and retained earnings; all statements must be sworn before a notary public. A corporate resolution authorizing the signatory to bind the organization and conflict-of-interest disclosures and attestations are required. Offerors must disclose any conflicts including primary employment in tourism, travel, transportation, or hospitality industries outside Hawaii; existing relationships with entities outside HTA affecting performance; work for competing destination marketing services; or contractual restrictions affecting independent judgment. Affirmative responses require detailed written explanations and mitigation measures. Certificate of Vendor Compliance or proof of application and Certification of Non-Debarment (or statement that none applies) must accompany proposals. Proposals must be submitted as two PDF files through the HIePRO system with a proposal transmittal letter on official business letterhead, including company identification, business and payment addresses, Hawaii General Excise Tax License number, Federal I.D. number, and acknowledgment of any addenda. Offerors may propose partnership opportunities across travel services, trade shows, familiarization trips, training programs, public relations, consumer promotions, and events. Pricing is not considered confidential and will not be withheld from disclosure; however, actual costs or information enabling competitors to estimate profit margins may be designated confidential if clearly listed by document title, description, page number, and section number. No contract value, term length, or renewal options are specified in the available materials.