TIMELINE
• Proposals will be due by 5:00pm CST on Friday, November 8, 2024.
• A committee of staff and commissioners will review the proposals and may request a
presentation either in person or via video conference with agencies prior to making a final
decision by November 15, 2024.
• The committee will submit a recommendation to the NCPC Board of Commissioners
by November 20, 2024.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the NCPC and Visit Natchez as the city’s official destination marketing organization is to increase the economic impact of tourism in Natchez by developing and promoting the city to individual and group visitors.
ABOUT VISIT NATCHEZ
The Natchez Convention Promotion Commission and Visit Natchez (hereinafter referred to as NCPC) was established by authority of the Mississippi Legislature for the purpose of encouraging and promoting tourism for the Natchez/Adams County area. This commission is appointed by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Natchez.
The NCPC is Natchez’s liaison between potential visitors to the area and the businesses that will host them when they come. It acts as a marketing organization, as an information clearing house, and as a promotional agency for the City and its attractions. It also has fiduciary responsibility for how the tourism taxes funding the NCPC’s activities are spent.
OBJECTIVE & SCOPE OF WORK
This RFP has been issued to seek qualified public relations agencies with experience working in the
tourism industry and can demonstrate the necessary experience and creativity to attract new global
media partners that will strengthen our marketing efforts. As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, it is an important time to reintroduce Natchez, Mississippi and Visit Natchez and recapture prospective visitors. The NCPC launched a new brand in January 2023 including logo, tagline and brand guidance.
Our marketing plan reflects the essence of the new brand and the chosen PR agency will assist with the messaging we want to convey to visitors within Mississippi but to a greater degree, visitors from neighboring states as well as national and foreign independent travelers. We are looking for a public relations firm that will work with us and our other marketing partners to develop new media strategies that will result in positive domestic and international coverage.
The scope of work includes but is not limited to:
1. Create relationships and facilitate contractual obligations with social media influencers who can:
a. Increase brand awareness with Millennials and Gen Z
b. Build trust with consumers who are like minded
c. Improve positive connection with consumers who are knowledgeable about Natchez
2. Relationship building and in-person meetings with media, executive speaking opportunities and thought-leadership positioning.
3. Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters, editors and bookers at key media publications, outlets, programs, etc.
4. Develop and maintain a targeted media list
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Until an agency is selected, the Executive Director will be designated as your contact and will coordinate any materials needed or questions answered. The Executive Director will be available to conduct a Q&A call should you have any questions. Once the agency is selected, the agency will collaborate with the full staff as well as with our other marketing partners.
• Final decision will be made by November 20, 2024 and the selected company will
subsequently be notified as well as notices to all submitting companies
• Work should begin by or before January 6, 2025.