HTA Seeks Marketing Proposals by June

File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Sonia Isotov

The Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, announced that it will be issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for external tourism marketing management services on April 5, 2011.

The HTA is looking for fixed-price proposals to provide pre-visit destination marketing services and activities in major markets around the world.

Separate RFPs are being issued for various Major Market Areas (MMA). In particular, proposals must be able to drive incremental visitation and revenue for Hawaii from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North America, and Japan. The Asia RFP includes China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. The Oceania RFP includes Australia and New Zealand. The Europe RFP includes Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Switzerland. And, the North America RFP includes meetings, conventions and incentives.

The RFPs will be available beginning April 5, 2011 at the HTA office or online. Written RFP proposals must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on June 1, 2011.  Selected applicants will be awarded a contract ending on Dec. 31, 2013, with an optional renewal for a three year contract for the period of Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31. 2016.