PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY SERVICES
Proposals due on or before 5:00 p.m. CDT on November 13, 2024
Electronic submissions should be provided in PDF format and sent to frances@visitcolumbusms.org and sharon@visitcolumbusms.org with the subject line: “RFQ: Public Relations Agency Services”
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this Request for Qualification (RFQ) is to seek qualified public relations agencies to support Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (Visit Columbus) strategic communications, media relations, and public relations priorities. Qualified agencies will have a working knowledge of the tourism industry.
Visit Columbus’ desired partner will have the capacity to provide strategic counsel and direction, actively share and promote the destination’s message, amplify successes, and position Columbus as a premier destination in the South for leisure travel at the national, regional, and local levels. As the DMO’s agency, the selected firm will be responsible for assisting in the development and support of Visit Columbus’ public relations and media efforts to maximize communications efforts aimed at key domestic reporters and media outlets. The agency must be able to provide strong media and public relations strategic insight and message development to assist Visit Columbus with proactive campaigns and reactive approaches related to topics including but not limited to travel news, travel trends, marketing initiatives, issues impacting travel, and more.
Visit Columbus 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 available funds for Mississippi Tourism Recovery, Ill.
This RFQ in no way commits Visit Columbus 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 Columbus’ intent to contract with the person/company that best meets the qualifications to complete the scope of work, Visit Columbus 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 Columbus wishes to employ an outside agency to evaluate Mississippi Tourism Recovery Ill campaign messages and execute complementary strategies spanning for at least 24 months.
The selected agency’s responsibilities will include the following:
• Generate national press coverage for Columbus by leveraging media relationships and integrated content strategies
• Tell the story of Visit Columbus’ marketing and strategies, programs, successes and opportunities to media across the region
- Ensure awareness, understanding, and support of Columbus tourism economy
• Build engagement, trust, and advocacy through strategic communications
• Develop and maintain a targeted media list
• Proactively pursue positive stories and respond to inquiries – targeting all forms of media: broadcast, digital, podcasts, print, etc. (consumer lifestyle and travel, travel/meetings trade outlets) as appropriate for each opportunity
• Elevate Visit Columbus executives as leaders in the tourism industry
• Identify industry trends to help shape messaging
• Enhance the organization’s credibility as a source for visitors
• Strengthen domestic public relations efforts
• Vet Visit Columbus media inquiries, as needed
• Draft news releases, messaging documents, talking points, FAQs, media Q&As, etc.
• Crisis & Issues Support
• Provide media training for executives, as needed
• Establish working relationships with influential media, including bloggers, travel writers, and influencers
• Host press room for high resolution images and videos through Visit Columbus website
ABOUT VISIT COLUMBUS
The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau was formed by the Mississippi Legislature on December 9, 1986. Prior to July 31, 2018, Visit Columbus was funded by a 2% Restaurant Tax; as of April 1, 2019, the 2% Restaurant Tax is divided: $250,00 to the Golden Triangle Development LINK, $460,000 to the City of Columbus, $330,000 to Lowndes County: whatever additional sums are collected are to fund Visit Columbus. In 2023, the 2% Restaurant Tax was renewed for ten years. Visit Columbus operates on its own budget and is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. Four members are appointed by the City of Columbus and four members are appointed by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. The ninth member is jointly appointed. The 2% Restaurant Tax revenue is at an all-time high with over $2.3 million collected last year.
DESTINATION WEBSITE
DESTINATION BACKGROUND & STATE OF ECONOMY
Columbus’s main tourism draw is its historical sites. With over 650 historic properties in three Historic Districts, Columbus sits on the banks of the Tombigbee River. It is the birthplace of Tennessee Williams, America’s most prolific playwright. The nation’s Memorial Day originated in Columbus when, after the Civil War, women of the town decorated both Confederate and Union soldiers’ graves. Columbus boasts many outdoor activities. Columbus Lake, a 9,000 acre freshwater lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream offering fishing, boating, camping and hiking. The Roger Short Soccer Complex is in the heart of downtown and is linked to the Columbus Riverwalk. The newly constructed Lowndes County Sportsplex features eight turf baseball fields, a walking track, and playground. Columbus continues to be a destination for consumer events such as conferences, weddings, and family reunions. In March of 2023, Aluminum Dynamics broke ground on a $2 billion aluminum mill creating 850 new jobs. Industry in our county includes PACCAR, Steel Dynamics, Airbus, and FedEx. As we look to the future, a fifth mega site is being marketed in Lowndes County. As industry expands, investors are looking at housing and retail development. Columbus and Lowndes County need to be prepared to complement all that is happening in our community.