The City of Benicia ("City") is requesting proposals from qualified professionals/firms to provide tourism marketing services as part of the ongoing implementation of its adopted Strategic Tourism Marketing Plan ("Plan"). Tourism is a main component of the City's 2007 Economic Development Strategy, as well as the General Plan; it is an important topic and customer source for many businesses, organizations, and stakeholders in Benicia.

The Plan, which was completed in 2008, states that Benicia is "a focal point for dining, shopping, California history and art, set in a beautiful waterfront location". Per the Plan, our primary target audience is Northern Californians on a day trip, particularly women over age 35, families, and households with above-average incomes. A new website, www.VisitBenicia.org, reinforces that brand and is intended to provide all necessary information for visitors to plan their trips to Benicia. Some advertising is currently placed with Diablo magazine and other local magazines, and there are three regional billboards (one in Benicia, one that rotates in the Sacramento market, and one that rotates in the Bay Area market). New visitor-oriented signage has been placed downtown and on major arteries in town. Expanded marketing activity will reinforce the brand and carry the message to more target households outside Benicia.

Read the full RFP for all the details and submittal instructions. Proposals are due on September 8, 2009.
http://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={59BD36D2-75A3-4B6B-97A2-C824480286F6}&DE={B8836A2F-B434-48CD-BEF2-15EE39C09138}