TDC issues RFP for Small Tourism Enterprises Needs Assessment

The Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), through the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP), is requesting proposals from suitably qualified Consultants/Firms to conduct a Non-Financial Needs Assessment of Small Tourism Enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago.

The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities facing Small Tourism Enterprises (STEs) in Trinidad and Tobago, specifically identifying those challenges and opportunities that may be mitigated or enhanced through strategic intervention by the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP).

In particular, the study will identify:
• Training and skills development needs
• Business advisory needs
• Information resource needs

Award Criteria:
• General experience
• Consultant’s qualification
• Work plan and methodology
• Financial capacity

This study should be conducted during an eight (8) week period.

International Consultants/Firms are advised to wire a non-refundable fee of Fifty United States dollars ($50.00 USD) to the WACHOVIA BANK N.A, International Operations, P.O Box 13860, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19101 – 3866, USA.
Swift Code PNBTUS33PHL
ABA 026005092
For Credit A/C 20000906000010 into First Citizens Bank Limited
For further credit to (beneficiary) TDC
Beneficiary Account Number: 1486887

Bidders must e-mail or fax their payment receipts to Ms. Belinda Charles at bcharles@tdc.co.tt or 1-868-675-7377, to be allowed access to receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) document electronically.

Deadline for Submission of Proposal

Monday 12th April 2010, no later than 3:00 pm and clearly addressed:
Pre-Qualification for Consultant Service (please specify the service(s) offered)
Manager, Product Development
Tourism Development Company Limited
Level 1, Maritime Centre

About STEP
A regionally recognised project implemented in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999, the Small Tourism Enterprises Project (STEP) was re-launched under the TDC in 2007. Providing relevant and cutting edge industry training and technical support, while enhancing the skills of persons employed in the tourism industry, STEP targets the owners, managers and staff of approved accommodation properties - of 75 rooms or less - and tourism associations, such as tour operators, tour guides and tourist transport providers.

About the Tourism Development Company Limited
The Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC) is a state enterprise of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, mandated to develop and market Trinidad and Tobago's tourism product and improve the local tourism sector.
The implementation arm of the Ministry of Tourism, the TDC is dedicated to realising the vision for tourism in Trinidad and Tobago. This vision is guided by several long-term goals and the intention is for tourism to contribute to Trinidad and Tobago's attainment of developed nation status by the year 2020.