Public Relations Services

The Vendor is required to provide a dedicated domestic public relations firm to strategically generate publicity and shape a positive public perception across the two countries.
- A specialized PR partner will bring established media relationships, regional market insight, and the ability to secure high-impact earned coverage as well as social media coverage that promotes the destination, inspires travel consideration, drives bookings, and supports our local tourism economy.
- From pitching seasonal story angles and trend-driven features to managing reputation and crisis communications, an experienced agency ensures consistent messaging and social media ambassadorship that reflects our brand positioning and community values. By leveraging data-driven insights and measurable outcomes, a PR partner will extend our reach, strengthen our competitive edge, and maximize return on investment in key domestic markets and among key demographics.
- Tourism is a primary economic driver for our community, generating significant bed tax revenue, supporting thousands of local jobs, and sustaining small businesses across the destination.
- Planning should be inclusive of all available media channels (both travel focused and non-travel focused), including, but not limited to, content creation, social media and marketing adjacent opportunities to elevate messaging, drive awareness of key areas of focus and promote experiences within the destination.
- Continuously develop targeted pitches, press releases, social media influencer strategy, newsworthy trend stories, creative angles and attention-grabbing initiatives to gain media attention and place the St. Pete-Clearwater brand in the spotlight.
- Proactively develop and identify storytelling opportunities and spokespersons to carry forth key messages to promote visitation to county and highlight services provided within VisitSPC Business Development verticals.
- Spearhead communications efforts and provide necessary support to VisitSPC in the event of a crisis.
- Secure no less than 12 media member or content creator visits each fiscal year to the destination through themed group visits and/or targeted individual media visits tailored to each journalist's interest.
- Develop at least two (2) media mission opportunities in targeted markets each fiscal year – separate from any arranged Visit Florida mission or existing media marketplace – during which VisitSPC will meet with top-tier media in-person or have on-screen, on-air or in-social media feed media opportunities.
- Arrange one-on-one media/content creator appointments each fiscal year for VisitSPC staff when they are traveling to key markets.
- In coordination with VisitSPC Communications department, identify and plan for elevating messaging efforts for other VisitSPC marketing activities including, but not limited to, trade show participation, special events and other marketing efforts at the request of VisitSPC, or as appropriate.
- Explore and coordinate alongside VisitSPC partner agencies creative and non-traditional partnerships that elevate the destination, drive business, expand consumer reach and stretch marketing dollars.
- Collaborate with VisitSPC’s partner agencies to enhance and promote existing initiatives and develop multi-tiered programs that incorporate marketing, public relations, content, social media, advertising and digital strategies.
- Host regularly scheduled weekly conference calls with VisitSPC and participate in monthly all-agency PR calls as well as monthly combined calls with Marketing and Digital agencies
- Input all required information into VisitSPC Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) as it relates to media contacts, media interactions, and coverage generated.
- Provide monthly and annual performance reports that outline actions taken and return on investment, as directed by VisitSPC Director of Public Relations.