Tourism Research Services

As requested by the Tourism Division (hereinafter, the “Division or Department”), the Collier County Board of County Commissioners Procurement Services Division (hereinafter, “County”) has issued this Request for Proposals (hereinafter, “RFP”) with the intent of obtaining proposals from interested and qualified Proposers in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications stated herein, in the Solicitation and/or attachments. The Proposers, at a minimum, must achieve the requirements of the Specifications, Scope of Services, or Scope of Work stated herein.

All references to “Proposer” are also referred to as “Consultant,” “Firm,” “Offeror,” “Contractor,” and “Vendor.”

The Tourism Division is searching for a firm that can perform research to determine various data and analytics resulting from the tourism advertising and promotional efforts of the County. Historically, County departments have spent approximately $120,000 annually; however, this may not be indicative of future buying patterns.

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a part of Collier County Government and serves as the marketing arm of the Collier County Tourist Development Council (TDC). The Collier County Tourism Division administers the work of both the TDC and the CVB.

Collier County is located in Southwest Florida. Naples, the seat of Collier County, is about twenty-five (25) miles south of Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The full-time population of Collier County is about four hundred thousand (400,000), although a seasonal peak of about four hundred fifty thousand (450,000) occurs between November and April. The structure of the Collier County Government is based on the standard constitutional form of county governments in Florida.

Visitors have much to discover along Florida's Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island & the western portion of the Everglades. Visitors will find an escape, serenity, and relaxing beachside fun along the Gulf of Mexico in beautiful Southwest Florida. Visitors will also enjoy pristine natural wilderness, perfect for bird watching or outdoor adventure in the world-famous Everglades. The area is most known for its over 30 miles of soft white sand beaches, exceptional accommodations, family attractions, outdoor eco-adventures, golf, a dynamic culinary scene, arts and cultural performance centers and activities, and exceptional shopping.

It is also home to FC Naples (a United Soccer League franchise), Paradise Coast Sports Complex, the U.S. Open Pickleball Championship, and is host to three major PGA / LPGA, nationally televised, championship tournaments.

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a part of the County Manager's Agency in Collier County Government. The CVB, with oversight by the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Advisory Board, markets and promotes the entire County as a worldwide leisure travel, group meetings, and sports event destination.

The CVB promotes the destination to high-end, luxury consumers with discretionary travel dollars, to travel industry professionals such as meeting planners, travel agents, and tour operators, to golfers, sports enthusiasts, and fishermen, arts and culture, heritage seekers, and nature and adventure enthusiasts.

The annual budget can fluctuate as it is based on the Tourist Development Tax (“TDT”) collections from the previous year is the 5% bed tax that is collected from overnight accommodations with Collier County, including resorts, hotels, and short-term rentals). The funds are allocated per Florida State statutes to cover pre-determined, approved uses that include beach renourishment, beach park facility maintenance, sports facility programming and maintenance, programming for County-owned museums, and tourism marketing and promotion.

The budget for the CVB is determined from the five percent (5%) tourist development tax collections on short-term lodging (six months or less) within Collier County. A predetermined allocation of the tax collected directs funds to various uses, including promotion and advertising, beach renourishment and inlet management, beach park facilities, and County owned museum operation.

As part of promoting the destination, research of various data and analytics on tourism is needed for department decision making and improved spending of the budget.