RFP ISSUED BY MERIDIAN TOURISM ADVERTISING AGENCY SERVICES TOURISM
DUE DATE: April 7th, 2023 at 5pm CDT
OBJECTIVE
This RFP has been issued to seek qualified firms who have a working knowledge of the tourism industry
and can demonstrate the necessary experience to produce messaging and ad design and provide
placement strategy for our leisure travel market. Although it is our intent to contract with the
person/company that best meets the qualifications to complete the scope of work, ‘Visit Meridian’
(Lauderdale County Tourism a department of Lauderdale County, doing business as Visit Meridian) may
terminate the negotiations if they are unsuccessful in reaching an agreement on all matters including
the scope of work and cost.
VISIT MERIDIAN TOURISM intends to contract with a qualified agency to support its continued recovery
efforts, stemming from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. This contract will be funded through federal ARPA dollars for Mississippi Tourism Recovery, II.
This RFP in no way commits VISIT MERIDIAN TOURISM to award a contract, to pay any costs in
preparation of a proposal, or to contract for the goods and/or services offered. Although it is VISIT
MERIDIAN TOURISM’s intent to contract with the person/company that best meets the qualifications to
complete the scope of work, VISIT MERIDIAN TOURISM may terminate the negotiations if they are
unsuccessful in reaching an agreement on all matters including the scope of work and cost.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
VISIT MERIDIAN TOURISM wishes to employ an outside agency to produce an overall creative strategy
spanning at least 24 months, including destination marketing and messaging; design and creation of
various collateral pieces, both for use as print and digital; and integrated marketing activities, including
digital marketing, social media strategies, traditional print, broadcast media and others relevant
components.
The agency should recommend an overall media creation and placement strategy to clearly position Visit Meridian to visitors as an affordable and attractive open destination for those who enjoy traveling,
specifically in its top drive markets. It will be imperative to ensure this scope of services adheres to any
changing public health guidelines and is conveyed in an informed manner.
The selected agency’s responsibilities will include the below:
• Update, digitally publish, and print destination guides, brochures, sales kits, and other relevant
Meridian marketing materials.
• Create a portfolio of new marketing assets, including photos, videos, and testimonials, for use
in promotional materials and sustainable travel campaign.
• Create campaigns for niche visitor segments based on behavior and travel trends (road trips,
girlfriend getaways, pet-friendly, etc.).
• Develop campaign to attract visitors to each of VISIT MERIDIAN TOURISM’s defined markets.
• Execute digital, print, broadcast, and social media marketing campaigns through location and behavioral targeting.
