Sri Lanka Tourism begins search for global marcom firms
Sri Lanka Tourism has begun its search for eight Destination Representative Companies (DRCs) and Public Relations (PR) firms each, to handle a planned five-year global promotion in 16 countries and woo more visitors in the face of mounting COVID-related challenges.
As such the Tourism Ministry Standing Cabinet-appointed Procurement Committee Chairman has called for bids from agencies for eight DRCs and eight PR companies to facilitate communication and PR activities on behalf of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Global Communication Campaign 2021-2025 for Sri Lanka Tourism.
Each DRC will have a maximum total contract value of US$ 5.25 million over the commissioned five-year period, while each PR firm will be given US$ 750,000 for the same period. The required funds will be allocated through SLTPB.
The eight DRCs will be appointed covering Sri Lanka’s prime markets including the UK, Germany, France, India, China, Australia, Russia and the Middle East, whilst the eight PR agencies will be appointed in emerging markets such as the US, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherland, Poland and Scandinavia.
As per Sri Lanka Tourism sources, pre-bid meetings in this regard are being conducted online, with physical meetings on request, at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (SLITHM). The Board Room will be open for interested bidders.
The bidding process for both units will be conducted adopting National Competitive Bidding Methods as per the National Procurement Guideline 2006.
Prospective bidders must have a minimum 10 years’ experience in DRC or PR, be registered as a legal entity and have an operational office in their specific country. They must also have a proven track record in handling a minimum of three accounts on DRC and PR of a value over $ 250,000 on each project, for local or international clients, between 2015 and 2019.
The duly completed bids must be delivered to the respective Sri Lanka Mission on or before 5 October, and late bids will be rejected. (Source: Daily FT)
OSL take:
The news report in the Daily FT indicates a new business/investment opportunity opening up in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country’s tourism industry is once again on the path to recovery after facing the Covid 19 pandemic challenges. Sri Lankan authorities are engaged in a multi pronged promotional campaign to boost the tourism industry. Meanwhile, tourist arrivals to the country have also seen a steady growth since Sri Lanka reopened its borders earlier this year. Sri Lanka has become a preferred destination in post Covid travel with the country’s airports receiving the internationally recognised safety and hygiene certifications. Foreign businesses could therefore explore the growing business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/2508/2021/Z_3 |