Request for Expression of Interest

Tourism Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport Agency of Record Competition

The Government of Saskatchewan is seeking one or more experienced advertising suppliers to provide comprehensive and strategic communications and marketing services for Tourism Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport (PCS).

Tourism Saskatchewan has the broadest mandate of any provincial marketing organization (PMO) in Canada. In addition to marketing, the organization is responsible for destination development, visitor services, and tourism education and training. The essential marketing elements of Tourism Saskatchewan’s mandate are: are:
a) To market Saskatchewan as a tourism destination in domestic, national and international markets, and
b) To assist Saskatchewan’s tourism industry operators to market their products.

The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport (PCS)’s mission is to contribute to Saskatchewan’s high quality of life, instil pride and enhance economic growth through management of the provincial parks system, the provision of arts, culture, recreation, sport and tourism opportunities and through stewardship of provincial heritage resources.
PCS has significant marketing needs because it operates the provincial parks, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM), T.rex Discovery Centre and the Saskatchewanderer program.

The ministry is focusing on increasing visitation to these tourism destinations in order to help achieve the Government’s Plan for Growth.

Interested suppliers must demonstrate professional experience in:

• Creative and Strategic Services –creative strategy development with a digital-first, content marketing focus, creative ideation, strategic communications and campaign planning, full-service creative support and production, including content creation (supplier-led and third-party), media planning/buying and analytics (digital media)
• Brand Strategy – brand stewardship, brand building and articulation in established and developmental markets
• Marketing to national and international markets – using primarily digital platforms.

Relevant experience in working with third-party influencers and in recommending creative tactics for a client in the tourism industry, or for a small competitor in a highly competitive sector, must be proven.

The account is for one year with the opportunity to renew for 5 additional one-year terms. Any renewal will be subject to yearly client/Supplier evaluations and mutual agreement. Renewals are authorized by Communications Services, Executive Council.

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like more information about the account, please email commtenders@gov.sk.ca and you will receive a copy of the RFP.
Companies interested in pursuing this account should submit a brief letter of intent (not exceeding two pages). The letter should specifically articulate why your experience and capabilities relative to the criteria above make your firm the best choice for this account. Please include two client references who can speak to your ability in the criteria above. Also, bidding firms must identify any intent to use subcontractors, and include a description of the scope of services. From the responses, a shortlist of firms will be developed. These firms will be aske