The selected firm’s responsibilities will include the following: • Identify and assess gaps in the area’s tourism infrastructure which, if filled, would position Meridian as a competitive, top-tier attraction, meeting, and leisure destination market. • Review and assess the current branding and existing marketing & communications strategy. • Create key performance indicators to measure and track goal achievement. • Identify potential new or enhanced tourism demand generators. • Strategize to enhance attractions, events or assets to drive demand. • Identify how tourism impacts the workforce and drives population growth. In order to achieve these responsibilities, the selected firm will: • Review the economic impact of Meridian’s tourism industry and supporting data. • Identify target markets, services areas and organizational strategies to enhance Meridian’s tourism industry. • Research various destinations that Visit Meridian can compare and benchmark itself against. DELIVERABLES: • A comprehensive written report presented to Visit Meridian and the Meridian Tourism Commission upon completion of the project. • An assessment of the existing tourism product in Meridian with an analysis of strengths and future opportunities. • An overall evaluation of Visit Meridian’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Emphasis should be placed on how the area’s assets can be used to attract increased visitors. • An assessment of the effectiveness and adequacy of the current destination marketing program and recommended strategies to improve these initiatives. Emphasis should be provided on how Visit Meridian should include recommended operating guidelines for the programs to achieve the desired communication results.
