Tourism Marketing and Promotion

Collier County's Board of County Commissioners is seeking a comprehensive tourism marketing and promotion services contractor through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for its Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The selected vendor will develop annual and strategic marketing plans, create advertising campaigns, manage digital content, conduct industry research, and promote Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades as a luxury tourist destination to domestic and international markets. Key deliverables include multi-platform digital and social media campaigns, engaging content development, and targeted marketing strategies focusing on affluent travelers aged 25-64 with household incomes over $175,000. The evaluation criteria will be points-based, totaling 100 points, with emphasis on business plan (20 points), specialized team expertise (30 points), experience and firm capacity (20 points), and cost of services (10 points). The RFP (Solicitation No. 25-8341) was posted on July 1, 2025, with proposals due on July 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, and the contract term is intended to be three years with two potential one-year renewal options.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must demonstrate compliance with multiple requirements, including E-Verify enrollment, Florida Department of State corporate status, current business tax receipts, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Local vendor preference will be considered, with requirements including a current Collier County Business Tax Receipt and a permanent physical business address within county limits. The historical annual budget for these services ranges between $5,000,000 and $6,200,000, funded by a 5% tourist development tax collected from overnight accommodations. The county will pay an annual fixed service fee in monthly installments, with no markup allowed on vendor services. Successful vendors must provide proof of insurability within five days of award, with insurance coverage required for a minimum of six months, and must comply with extensive documentation and certification requirements across multiple forms.