DACH Region International Representation

Location:	Florida
Posted:	May 14, 2026
Due:	Jun 9, 2026
Agency:	Charlotte County
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	A - Research and development
Solicitation No:	26-406
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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PURCHASING DIVISION

Charlotte County Administration Center

18500 Murdock Circle, Suite 344

Port Charlotte, Florida 33948-1094

Phone 941.743.1378

Fax 941.743.1384

TO: PROSPECTIVE PROPOSERS

DATE: MAY 14, 2026

RE: ADDENDUM #1, RFP NO. 20260406, DACH REGION INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION –

ANNUAL CONTRACT

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: 3:00 p.m. (EST), JUNE 9, 2026

Firms are hereby notified that this addendum shall be made a part of the above-named proposal and contract

documents. The following are issued to revise/clarify the proposal and contract documents, and these items shall

have the same force and effect as the original proposal and contract documents. Proposals to be submitted on the

above-specified date at Purchasing shall conform to the revisions and clarifications as listed herein.

ITEM #1 QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

Q1: Could the County please confirm whether the current DACH and UK market representation firms are operating

under active agreements related to this scope? Additionally, is the County seeking continuation of existing

services, expansion into additional markets, modernization of current efforts, or a substantially new

representation strategy?

A1: Yes, the County currently has active agreements for representation in both the DACH and UK markets. As we

enter the new procurement cycle, we are seeking a combination of continuity and strategic expansion.

Specifically, we are looking to maintain core services, modernize and strengthen efforts where appropriate,

and expand into additional markets including Switzerland (to complete full DACH coverage) and potentially

the Benelux region and the Republic of Ireland.

Q2: Does the County currently maintain historical tourism performance data related specifically to the DACH and/or

Benelux markets?

A2: The County maintains historical tourism performance data for international markets. This includes visitation

trends, seasonal patterns, visitor spend, length of stay, lodging performance, and gateway airport usage. We

currently track broader European visitation indicators and travel trade activity.

Q3: What are the County’s primary growth goals for these international markets during the upcoming contract

term?

A3: Our primary goals for the upcoming contract term include increasing overall visitation, strengthening overnight

stays, expanding shoulder-season occupancy, enhancing destination awareness, and deepening travel trade

partnerships. Growth in eco-tourism and increased media exposure are also priorities.

Q4: Within the DACH Region, are there specific countries or feeder cities currently viewed as higher strategic

priorities for the VCB (for example Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, etc.)?

A4: Within the DACH region, Germany remains the highest priority, with key feeder cities including Frankfurt,

Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin. Switzerland and Austria are also important, with Zurich and Vienna serving as

notable hubs.

Q5: The RFP references an optional Benelux expansion component. Is the County currently planning to award the

DACH-only scope initially, evaluate Benelux as a phased expansion, or anticipate immediate integrated

DACH+Benelux representation?

A5: The Benelux component is structured as an optional expansion. The County anticipates awarding the DACH

scope initially, with Benelux evaluated as a potential phased addition depending on budget, performance, and

strategic alignment. This region is currently served by nonstop flights from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Tampa,

Florida.

Q6: Could the County provide additional detail regarding the current level of coordination expected with VISIT

FLORIDA, Brand USA, Visit USA Committees, airline partners, tour operators, and existing tourism vendors

or PR agencies?

A6: The selected Contractor will be expected to coordinate closely with VISIT FLORIDA (UK and German reps),

Brand USA, Visit USA Committees, airline partners, tour operators for Co-ops, FAMS, sales missions and

trade shows. Collaboration and alignment with statewide and national initiatives are important to maximizing

impact.

Q7: Are there specific travel trade shows, tourism events, roadshows, or Visit USA Committee activities that the

County considers mandatory or highly preferred for participation?

A7: Participation in key travel trade shows and events is highly preferred. These include ITB Berlin, IPW, IMM

events, Unite, Visit USA roadshows, Brand USA Travel Week, WTM and other relevant trade or media

activations in the Contractor’s assigned markets.

Q8: In regard to creative and digital strategy, is the County seeking primarily traditional travel trade representation,

PR/media relations, or a broader integrated strategy that includes digital activations, influencer engagement,

social campaigns, and destination storytelling initiatives?

A8: The County is seeking a well-rounded approach that includes traditional travel trade representation, PR/media

relations, and modern digital strategies. This may include influencer engagement, social media activations,

and destination storytelling.

Q9: Will the selected Contractor have access to existing campaign assets, historical international campaign

reports, photography/video libraries, CRM analytics through Simpleview, website traffic analytics, and/or prior

market research related to DACH/Benelux travelers?

A9: The selected Contractor will have access to existing campaign assets, photography and video libraries,

historical reports, Simpleview CRM analytics, website traffic data, and any available market research relevant

to the assigned regions.

Q10:Beyond the reporting requirements listed in the RFP, does the County currently use specific KPI benchmarks

or target metrics to evaluate the success of international representation efforts?

A10: In addition to the reporting requirements outlined in the RFP, the County uses KPIs such as trade partner

engagement, media value, campaign performance, and measurable increases in destination awareness and

travel trade activity. KPI's will also include metrics related to direct bookings and overall visitation from the

represented regions, ensuring clear visibility into the effectiveness of trade partner initiatives and consumer-

facing efforts.

Q11:Does the County currently track attribution or conversion metrics from travel trade activations, PR placements,

FAM tours, cooperative campaigns, or online travel platform partnerships?

A11: The County measures conversion and attribution through travel trade activations, PR placements, FAM tour

attendance, travel agent training, cooperative marketing programs, and partnerships with online travel

platforms. The County also tracks the number of individuals educated and exposed to the destination through

training sessions, presentations, outreach events, and trade-facing brand awareness efforts. While

methodologies vary by program, both conversion tracking and audience education remain essential

components of overall evaluation.

Q12:Has the County identified any particular competitive destinations or Florida markets that Punta

Gorda/Englewood Beach seeks to differentiate itself from within the DACH and Benelux travel markets?

A12: Within the European markets, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach seeks to differentiate itself from other Florida

destinations by emphasizing its authentic, uncrowded, nature-forward coastal experience. We monitor

competitive positioning relative to other Gulf Coast destinations and similar secondary Florida markets.

Q13:Does the County envision this contract primarily as a tourism awareness initiative, a travel trade development

effort, a long-term market expansion strategy, or a combination of these objectives?

A13:The County views this contract as a combination of tourism awareness, travel trade development, and long-

term market expansion. The goal is to build sustainable growth and strengthen our presence in key

international markets over time.

This addendum is binding and is to be considered as if contained within the original proposal documents of RFP

No. 20260406. Firms are required to acknowledge receipt of this addendum on their proposal forms.

Kimberly A. Corbett, C.P.M., CPPB

Senior Division Manager - Purchasing

KC/kch

cc: Clerk

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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

DACH Region International Representation - Annual Contract

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