Tourism International Representation - UK and Ireland Markets

Collier County's Procurement Services Division has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Tourism International Representation services specifically targeting the UK and Ireland markets. The solicitation (No. 25-8419) seeks a full-time representation firm to promote the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades destination, with a contract term of three years and potential for two optional one-year renewals. The selected vendor will be responsible for developing annual marketing plans, coordinating public relations, managing social media communications, maintaining trade and media databases, conducting familiarization trips, and supporting tourism promotion activities in the specified markets. Proposals will be evaluated using a 100-point scoring system across seven criteria: cover letter, business enterprise certification, business plan, cost of services, firm experience, team expertise, and local vendor preference. The proposal submission deadline is November 28, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, with an anticipated evaluation process involving a selection committee that will score and rank proposals to ultimately recommend a vendor for Board of County Commissioners' approval.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though it does include a local vendor preference certification process that allows Collier County-based businesses potential scoring advantages. Vendors must be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation, including proof of E-Verify enrollment, business licenses, and various certifications such as immigration and conflict of interest forms. The county intends to pay a flat annual fee plus reimbursable expenses for travel, registration, miscellaneous costs, and events, with historical department spending around $200,000, though this may not indicate future expenditure levels. Proposers must meet specific insurance requirements, including Commercial General Liability, Business Auto Liability, Workers' Compensation, and potentially Professional Liability and Cyber Liability coverage. The contract will require comprehensive documentation and compliance with local procurement ordinances, with potential for performance evaluations and the possibility of contract extensions to other governmental entities.