Visit Williamsburg issues $500K PR RFP

The Williamsburg Tourism Council (WTC) seeks a PR firm to promote its "Visit Williamsburg" destination marketing program for Williamsburg, York County and James City County in Virginia by developing a PR strategy for consumer, trade and business media.

One-year contract budgeted at $500K would begin 1 July 2024, with 4 1-year options.

Goals of this PR effort are to:

• Increase overnight visitation
• Increase destination awareness
• Improve impressions of the destination
• Establish Williamsburg as a premier travel destination
• Increase tax revenue
• Unify the region under the Visit Williamsburg brand
• Improve reporting, analytics and optimization of marketing
• Support international marketing initiatives

Scope of work:

• Execute PR campaigns for consumer, trade and business
• Maintain media lists
• Develop releases, pitches, press kits, media library
• Respond to media requests and inquiries
• Plan and execute media events including annual event in NYC
• Arrange and manage media appointments for WTC staff and industry partners
• Provide in-market PR support
• Work with WTC staff and partners on media plans and goals
• Develop monthly and annual reports
• Attend industry meetings and events

Other fine print of interest:

• In some cases the contractor may choose subcontractors and in other cases the WTC may request the hiring of certain subcontractors.
• Contract will be non-exclusive: WTC reserves the right to contract out to others any of the services included in this contract.

Questions deadline has passed.

Invitations to present will be issued 5 April 2024.

Presentations will be scheduled for 15-19 April 2024.

Proposals are due - mailed or delivered to front desk lobby - by 4 PM EDST 27 March 2024 to:

Lori Ottarson or Designee

Accountant and Procurement Specialist

Williamsburg Tourism Council

421 North Boundary Street

Williamsburg, VA 23185

who is at RFPQuestions@visitwilliamsburg.com and can presumably also provide a copy of the full RFP.

Proposal submissions must include:

• One original hard copy, so marked, signed by an authorized representative of the Offeror on a cover sheet to be provided by WTC per RFP
• One working copy, so marked
• One electronic copy on flash drive in PDF format, labeled on the outside with Offeror's company name
• Everything contained in an envelope or package sealed and identified as specified in the RFP

Question for potential offerors: Is all that doable for a year for $500K?