Downloadable Request for Proposal (PDF)
San Diego Tourism Authority
750 B Street, Suite 1500
San Diego, CA 92101
RFP Released |
October 23, 2023 |
Proposals Due |
December 1, 2023 |
Vendor Finalist Selection |
December 8, 2023 |
Vendor Finalist Oral Interviews if Needed (can be virtual or in-person) |
December 15, 2023 |
Contract Awarded |
December 19, 2023 |
The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to seek and retain a qualified, innovative U.S. based marketing agency to provide media strategy, planning, management and buying services.
In 2023, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) identified the need to launch a National U.S. digital advertising campaign to raise awareness and perception of San Diego as a preferred vacation destination. The SDTA has an approved campaign concept and was recently awarded a multi-million-dollar EDA subgrant by Visit California as part of the state’s economic recovery. The $3.5MM grant awarded to the SDTA will support domestic marketing campaigns, DEI initiatives and an updated destination master plan. The digital advertising campaign is budgeted at a total of $1.845MM targeting a National U.S. audience with media running April through June 2024 to increase Spring and Summer travel into the destination. The project must be billed in full by July 15, 2024. Once selected, the agency must be prepared to begin work with SDTA immediately.
The project partner will be expected to take the lead during all phases of the project, working with direction from the SDTA Brand Management Team.
The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is San Diego’s umbrella destination marketing organization, charged with driving visitor demand and monitoring the health of the tourism industry. SDTA develops sales and marketing programs that promoted San Diego as a preferred leisure and meetings destination. In collaboration with San Diego’s tourism industry partners, SDTA serves as the collective voice of the destination and aims to keep San Diego top-of-mind.
Incorporated in 1954, SDTA is a private nonprofit 501c6 corporation that is governed by a 19-member board of directors composed of industry and non-industry representative. Funding comes from the City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District, City of Coronado Tourism Improvement District and private source revenues (membership dues, advertising and events).
Investment by SDTA in sales and marketing of San Diego brand has resulted in San Diego becoming one of the nation’s top travel destinations.
Leading San Diego to be the most desirable destination.
To drive visitor demand to economically benefit the San Diego Region.
In San Diego, all are welcome, and differences are celebrated. The San Diego Tourism Authority is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to promote unique San Diego experiences and elevate voices in the community that speak to travelers from around the world. We aim to be a thought leader in our industry, city, and community.
In a maximum of 15 pages, please provide the following information:
Please include the following items:
Please list all tourism-related clients for whom you have acted during the past 12 months. Please include a brief description of the type of activity and services you provide.
Please include the following items:
For all individuals assigned to this account, please provide:
Showcase studies (minimum of three) with demonstrated results relevant to San Diego Tourism Authority (scale, industry, and/or similarity).
The current budget for this project is $1,845,000 inclusive of fees.
The SDTA Review Committee will evaluate the written proposals. The criteria for the scoring of the proposals is included as Attachment A. The committee may at any time during the evaluation process seek clarification from Proposers regarding any information contained within their proposal. Final scores for each Proposer will reflect a consensus of the evaluation committee. Any attempt by an agency to contact a member of the evaluation committee outside the RFP process, in an attempt to gain knowledge or an advantage may result in disqualification of Proposer.
The Review Committee may choose to do oral interviews (via in-person or virtual) if needed. Should oral interviews be deemed necessary, the SDTA will provide at least 7 working days notice before scheduling the meetings.
Please note: Upon completing the selection process under this RFP, San Diego Tourism Authority will notify the winning Proposer and all other Proposers who were not selected. San Diego Tourism Authority’s deliberations are confidential. Accordingly, while we understand that non-selected proposers may wish to ascertain reasons for their non-selection, San Diego Tourism Authority cannot respond to any subsequent questions and/or requests for information as to why a company was not selected.
All proposals submitted shall become the property of San Diego Tourism Authority and shall not be returned to the Proposer. San Diego Tourism Authority also reserves the right to:
Preferred Delivery: Electronic (PDF); however, if hard copies are sent, please include four copies.
Deliver to: kvkapich@sandiego.org, or if sending by mail:
Kerri Kapich
Chief Operating Officer
San Diego Tourism Authority
750 B Street, Suite 1500
San Diego, CA 92101
NOTE: If an extension to the response deadline is needed, please send an email to the contact above with a brief statement on why the extension is needed.
All inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed via email to:
Kerri Kapich
Chief Operating Officer
San Diego Tourism Authority
750 B Street, Suite 1500
San Diego, CA 92101
e: kvkapich@sandiego.org