RFP 27-18 Hawaii Tourism Destination Brand Marketing Taiwan MMA

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is requesting proposals for comprehensive destination brand marketing services for the Hawaiian Islands within the Taiwan major market area under RFP 27-18, with proposals due August 17, 2026. The scope is limited expressly to leisure travel marketing; all services and activities pertaining to the Meetings, Conventions & Incentives (MCI) market segment are excluded.

The contractor will provide marketing services organized across Consumer Travel, Trade, Public Relations, Cooperative Program, and Account Administration program categories over a three-year contract period spanning 2027 through 2029. Offerors must submit at least three professional references demonstrating prior experience as a prime contractor on comparable destination brand marketing work. Subcontractor references, if applicable, require signed letters from legally authorized representatives detailing the scope of services, competitive selection rationale, qualifications, and arrangements for protecting HTA confidential information and intellectual property. The RFP includes a partnership opportunities matrix through which offerors structure partnership arrangements with trade shows, familiarization trips, trade training, public relations, consumer promotions, and consumer events.

Offerors must submit proposals on official business letterhead with a Proposal Transmittal Letter acknowledging receipt of any addenda, certifying independent pricing without collusion, providing detailed company information including state of incorporation, Hawaii General Excise Tax License ID, Federal ID Number, and authorized signatory documentation with corporate resolution or authorization evidence, and declaring non-debarment status. Offerors may document exceptions to RFP requirements by referencing specific sections and proposing alternatives. The budget plan worksheet covers staffing allocations, travel costs, and retainer fees across fiscal years 2027–2029, with offerors required to populate detailed staffing positions, hourly rates, and full-time equivalent allocations. Standard conditions are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 103D, including tax clearance certificate submission before commencing work, three-year record retention, state audit rights, ten-day subcontractor payment pass-through, indemnification obligations, and Hawaii law venue in Honolulu.