VISIT RIPLEY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY SERVICES

Proposals  due  on  or  before  5:00  p.m.  CDT  on SEPTEMBER 20, 2024. Electronic submissions should be provided in PDF format and sent to ripleymainstreet@gmail.com  with the subject line: “RFP: Advertising and Public Relations Agency”. Proposals may not be faxed.

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 we intend to contract with the person/company that best meets the qualifications to complete the scope of work, VISITRIPLEY may  terminate the negotiations if they are unsuccessful in reaching an agreement on all matters including the scope of work and cost.

VISIT RIPLEY intends to contract with a qualified agency to support its continued recovery efforts, stemmed from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. This contract will be funded through federal ARPA dollars for Mississippi Tourism Recovery, II (ARPA II).

This RFP in no way commits VISIT RIPLEY to award a contract, to pay any costs in preparation of a  proposal, or to contract for the goods and/or services offered.  Although  VISIT  RIPLEY  intends   to  contract  with  the person/company that best meets the qualifications to complete the scope of  work, VISIT RIPLEY 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 RIPLEY wishes to employ an outside agency to produce an overall creative  strategy  spanning   at  least  18  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 RIPLEY 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 that 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 following:

•  Develop marketing strategy, public relations strategy, tactics and performance metrics.

•  Oversee the development of all marketing materials to execute the marketing strategy.

•  Create, Update, digitally publish, and print destination guides, brochures, sales kits, and other relevant Ripley 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 (Faulkner enthusiasts, the blues, road trips, shopping getaways.).

Work with VISIT RIPLEY to develop new tourism product, as determined.

Create and promote “Stay & Play” packages.

•  Develop a campaign to attract visitors to each of VISIT RIPLEY’S defined markets.

•  Execute digital, print, broadcast, and social media marketing campaigns through location and behavioral targeting.

•  Target potential visitors searching for VISIT RIPLEY or a competing market through programmatic

buys.

•  Secure contracts with an Online Travel Agency (OTA)

•  Create printed direct mailing pieces.

•  Update and/or add in-market signage/kiosks at main attractions and hotels.

•  Create and place billboard ads in key visitor markets.

ABOUT VISIT RIPLEY

VISIT RIPLEY is a research-driven destination management and marketing organization with annual collections of approximately $350,000, derived from the collection of a 2% lodging tax on the gross proceeds from hotel overnight room rental.

DESTINATION WEBSITE: www.ripleymsmainstreet.com

DESTINATION BACKGROUND & STATE OF ECONOMY

VISIT RIPLEY is geographically located in the Northeast section of Mississippi. Its population is approximately 5400.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.  Additionally, many tourism attractions experienced sharp declines in revenue and visitation.