Scope: 1. The primary requirements for work performed under a contract or contracts awarded through this solicitation are:
a. General Tourism Marketing: Contractor will operate as the City’s local Destination Management Organization and provide the services and personnel needed to deploy industry-proven practices to market The Dalles. Contractor will also maintain a robust social media presence and a curated and web-based entertainment and events calendar. B
b. . Visitor Hospitality Services: Contractor will utilize a broad array of tools that will allow visitors to receive information and assistance, including a Visitor Information Center, as follows:
(1) managing and administering (including providing all staff, materials, and services for the functioning of) the Visitor Information Center within The Dalles;
(2) keeping the Visitor Information Center open to provide information and materials for walk-in visitors with business hours established subject to demand and seasonal adjustments;
(3) responding to requests for tourism information sent by mail or electronic means; and
(4) developing informational programs and coordinating with other agencies and entities to develop and provide tourism information regarding The Dalles.
c. Major Events: Contractor will develop and implement a strategy to recruit and support various conventions and major events to The Dalles and partner with local agencies to support and benefit from those events.
d. Cruise Ship Industry: Contractor will promote and market the community to various cruise ship lines, be responsive to urgent cruise ship visitor needs, and develop excursion and other related opportunities in partnership with local businesses and nonprofits. Contractor will coordinate with the City (who manages the operation of a marine terminal near the Union Street Underpass).
e. Media Campaigns: Contractor will negotiate and purchase various advertisements and promotion materials, including the provision of information and media needed to create such content, to promote The Dalles nationally and regionally, including hosting media journalists, magazines, radio, social media, etc. and ad buys on all local media.
f. Content Marketing: Contractor will write, design, illustrate, or otherwise produce materials, ads, displays, stories, photography, and/or facilitate the creation of such materials to support the overall contract. Contractor will actively use the established brand “Explore The Dalles” in creating such content.
g. Market Analysis and Data Reporting: At a minimum, Contractor will produce an annual report with activities completed to date, traffic and/or level of impact, return on investment, and other data or analyses to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Contractor will share with the City all data and subsequent analysis gathered under the contract. The City retains the right to require additional reports or updates no more than monthly at its sole discretion.
B. Duties and Expectations for Performance
1. The successful contractor(s) under this RFP shall be required to meet the highest standards prevalent in the industry or business most closely involved in providing the solicited and awarded services.
C. Non-Performance
2. As required by ORS 279B.060(2)(h), any contract awarded under this solicitation may be terminated for non-performance of its terms and conditions, including failure to perform the scope of work or failure to meet performance standards established in the contract. The consequences resulting from non-performance may include, but are not limited to:
a. the City’s reduction or withholding payment under the resulting contract;
b. the City’s right to require the awarded contractor to perform, at the awarded contractor’s expense, any additional work necessary to perform the scope of work or to meet the performance standards established by the resulting contract; and
c. the City’s rights, which the City may assert individuals or in combination, to declare a default of the resulting contract, to terminate the resulting contract, and to seek damages and other relief available under the resulting contract or applicable law.
Contact: Matthew B. Klebes mklebes@ci.the-dalles.or.us
Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to thedallesbids@ci.the-dalles.or.us with the subject line Tourism Promotion Services RFP Response directed to: Amie Ell, City Clerk 313 Court Street The Dalles, OR 97058
Due Date: March 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. PPT