California's large tourism promotion agency is dangling a six-figure pact to woo tourism from India.
Visit California has released an RFP on Oct. 4 for an India market rep to guide PR and foster ties with the travel trade in a bid to build on the 194K visitors from the country in 2011, good for 30% of Indians visiting the U.S. that year.
The Golden State has allocated $200K for the year-long contract, which includes communications and PR, travel trade and product development with tour operators, airlines and similar vendors.
The state has invested in the India market since 2009 through co-operative programs and events. But Visit California notes increased competition from other destinations via the Brand USA program. The state also faces the hurdle of air travel between California and India, which can be challenging.
Firms are asked to submit a non-binding notice of intent to bid by Oct. 14.
Proposals are due Nov. 12. View the RFP (link, PDF).
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