Project Overview
Destination Northern Ontario (RTO 13) is seeking a qualified branding agency to lead a comprehensive destination and organizational brand refresh. The project has two connected objectives: redefining Northern Ontario’s tourism brand to better position the region as a vibrant, authentic destination, and refining Destination Northern Ontario’s corporate brand by strengthening its messaging and positioning while retaining its existing name and visual identity. The refreshed brand will support tourism marketing, stakeholder engagement, and long-term regional growth, while aligning with the branding frameworks of Destination Ontario and Destination Canada.
Scope of Work (Requirements)
The selected agency will deliver a complete brand strategy and implementation plan through the following phases:
Phase 1 – Research & Discovery
- Review current destination positioning and market perception
- Assess Destination Northern Ontario’s corporate brand
- Conduct stakeholder interviews and surveys
- Engage tourism operators, Indigenous partners, residents, and industry representatives
- Analyze visitor trends, tourism data, and market research
- Review the existing brand toolkit
- Attend board meetings and provide project updates
Phase 2 – Brand Strategy Development
- Develop a refreshed destination brand strategy
- Refine corporate messaging, positioning, and tone
- Create messaging frameworks for visitors, residents, and industry partners
- Align destination and corporate brand narratives
- Ensure consistency with Destination Ontario and Destination Canada
Phase 3 – Creative Concepting & Design
- Develop creative brand concepts
- Apply existing logos, typography, and colour palettes
- Create templates, style guides, and marketing toolkits
- Collaborate with Destination Northern Ontario’s Visual Communications Designer
- Produce materials for digital, tourism, and marketing channels
Phase 4 – Implementation Planning
- Develop a phased rollout strategy
- Recommend stakeholder engagement and activation activities
- Support long-term brand adoption
Phase 5 – Project Management
- Regular project meetings and progress reporting
- Budget and milestone management
- Collaboration with internal project teams
- Deliver all materials in English and French
Key Dates
- RFP Issued: June 29, 2026
- Notice of Intent to Bid: July 7, 2026
- Questions Due: July 7, 2026
- Proposal Deadline: July 21, 2026 (4:00 PM local time)
- Finalist Interviews: July 23, 2026
- Project Kickoff: July/August 2026
- Initial Contract Term: One year, with potential renewals for up to five years
Budget
CAD $50,000
Why This Is a Great Opportunity, and for Whom
This is an excellent opportunity for branding agencies, destination marketing specialists, tourism consultants, and creative strategy firms with experience in place branding and public-sector marketing. The project combines research, stakeholder engagement, brand strategy, messaging, creative development, and implementation planning, making it especially attractive for agencies that have worked with tourism organizations, economic development agencies, or government clients. With a defined budget, bilingual deliverables, and the possibility of contract renewals for up to five years, this engagement offers both immediate project work and the potential for a long-term partnership.
Want inbound opportunities like this every day?
This opportunity is part of our Global RFPs (Free) series, where we post interesting digital and technology bids from around the world.
If you are looking specifically for digital, website, software, marketing, and technology RFPs from the U.S. federal agencies, states, counties, cities, and municipalities, you can get them delivered directly to your inbox through The Bid Daily.
