North Carolina Tourism Marketing RFP Issued

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) is requesting proposals for an advertising and marketing agency of record.  Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire make up Western North Carolina’s Jackson County, a place of lofty peaks, rushing water and spectacular scenery. Each of these Blue Ridge Mountain towns provide rich natural beauty that invites visitors to experience the idyllic North Carolina Mountains. Explore miles of hiking trails surrounded by unspoiled forests or discover the area’s shopping, dining, culture, and hometown atmosphere. Experience the thrill of river rafting and tubing or the more laid back adventures of fly fishing, boating, golf, or a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For more information, visit www.MountainLoversNC.com.

The scope of work is designed to outline the responsibility for effectively authoring and managing the Jackson County Tourism Development’s Advertising and Marketing strategy.

It will include but not be limited to the following:

1. Creation of research-based strategies and recommendations
2. Development of an annual Marketing Plan to encompass all forms of advertising
3. Facilitate media planning and buying
4. Manage media leads program and facilitate delivery of leads to Chambers for fulfillment
5. Integration of appropriate research programs and analytical tools to measure and report on the impact of executed media strategies and tactics
6. Frequent and regular communication with TDA Director, Chairman, Marketing Chair and other partner agencies (social media, public relations and Chambers)
7. Client management with in-person meetings, regular conference calls and face-to-face presentations at quarterly sessions
8. Conduct ongoing evaluations of current programs and new media opportunities
9. Determine an efficient and effective media mix of online and print advertising and recommend appropriate media to pursue
10. Provide monthly analytics, current trends, market developments and optimization recommendations

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s annual budget for FY 15-16 is $828,000 of which approximately $300,000 is appropriated for media planning and placement. The budget includes all campaign elements, including planning, agency fees, production, events, technology, paid media, etc. The media budget for FY 16-17 is still in development but should be in line with the previous fiscal year.

Proposals are due by April 1, 2016 to:

Nick Breedlove, Director

Jackson County Tourism Development Authority

PO Box 990

Dillsboro, NC 28725