Maryland has kicked off a review of its tourism PR account with an open RFP process for a five-year pact.
The state's Office of Tourism and Maryland State Arts Council, under the Maryland Dept. of Commerce, recently wrapped up a five-year stretch of marketing via Baltimore agency Siquis and wants to shift its travel pitch.
New areas of focus include culinary tourism, the 2017 opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, as well ongoing attractions like scenic bywas, outdoor recreation and events like Fleet Week.
The state has high expectations. It wants a PR firm to increase media placements by 40% over the course of the contract, including a 70% increase in new regional markets like Ohio, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Boston.
Proposals are due Aug. 29. View the RFP (PDF).
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