CALL FOR PROPOSAL

  On the realization of the creative project by the National Tourism Agency with the subject: “Wanderlust in Albania: photos & reels & 3D Animation International Competition 2”

The National Tourism Agency will hold the competition "Wanderlust in Albania: photos & reels & 3D Animation International Competition 2", with the aim of creating a strong identity for Albanian tourism, offering a rich and diversified image of Albania as a unique tourist destination, offering everything from culture, history, nature and adventure, Albania in all its senses (Albania All Senses) and above all from the perspectives of foreign and domestic tourists.

In order to carry out this activity, the National Tourism Agency presents you with an invitation for a proposal for your participation in the project.  "Wanderlust in Albania: photos & reels & 3D Animation International Competition 2", for the performance of the service according to the terms of reference and estimate, presented as follows:

Terms of reference for project creation  "Wanderlust in Albania: photos & video reels & 3D Animation International Competition 2", have been designed taking into account the needs of the institution, in accordance with tourism development policies.

Organizing a project in which all individuals, Albanian and foreign, professional or not, passionate about photographing Tourist Albania with all the elements that identify it, will have the opportunity to participate. Photographs and video reels should focus on the following categories:

a) Landscapes (natural, mountainous, coastal, etc.);

b) Panoramic photos (Albanian cities, tourist villages, etc.);

c) Monuments & Archaeological Sites (Cultural Monuments, Castles, Amphitheaters, Museums and UNESCO sites);

d) Folklore (ethnography, dance, ritual, tradition, etc.);

e) Crafts & Handicrafts;

f) Agrotourism & Culinary (traditional foods, guesthouses, agrotourism);

g) TEA application events (festivals, local parties, concerts, artistic events, exhibitions, etc.);

h) Ecotourism & Sports Tourism (flora & fauna, trails, hiking parks, diving, mountaineering, kayaking, parachuting, etc.);

i) Architecture (mosques, churches, medieval and new urban architecture);

j) Photo-reportage (photo news, which narrates events from life);

k) Video 3D animation (CGI- Computer generated imagery). 3D creations must adhere to the themes from the letter «a» to the letter «j».

The project will be organized in steps as follows:

1. Web design, Regeneration and Maintenance of the existing interface for the project 

a) New Web-design creation 

The entity must undertake the following:

• Branding with a new look for the competition platform, adapted to the trends and new spirit of the times
• Reflection in the new design of all competition data and categories.
• Visual representation of the additional category (CGI- Computer generated imagery) on the platform.

b) Regeneration and Maintenance of the project interface which is existing from the first edition and must be maintained by the entity and will be hosted on a new server with a capacity of 1 TB to which all photos and videos of the participants will be uploaded. The entity must undertake the maintenance of the interface for a period of two months from the moment of signing the contract. Regarding the interface, the entity must undertake the following:

1. Storage, (storage) in Amazon S3 cloud object minimum 1TB, serverless / or equivalent.
2. The materials will be provided on a 1 TB hard drive.
3. The interface must be connected through a link to the websites (akt.gov.al and albania.al).
4. The interface will be maintained for maximum functionality.
5. Adding the Video 3D animation (CGI- Computer generated imagery) category

*If the need arises from the AKT to add new elements to the interface, equivalent to 20% of the above elements from points 1-5, changes to the interface will be made.

2.Creating promotional and informational spots;

a. The main promotional spot, no less than 60 seconds long, will contain the presentation of the competition with images and graphic elements. This spot should be very special, in order to attract as many participants as possible to the competition.

For the spot, the subject must undertake the following:

a) Ideation and creation of the main spot and 1 shortened version of it;

b) Professional voice recording in WAV format;

c) Accompanying the sound with accompanying music and other copyrighted audio effects;

d) The spots must be in MPEG 2 format with CBR 35 and H 264 with CBR 35, with resolutions 16 * 9 (1920 x 1080 px) and 9 x 16 (1080 x 1920);

e) The duration of the main spot is not less than 60 seconds;

f) Duration of the shortened version, not less than 20 seconds;

g) Submission of the main spot and the shortened version on hard disk, in the original unconverted format;

h) The spot must contain the main slogan, the official logo of the National Tourism Agency and the official tourism website Albania.al.

b.Informative spot of no less than 30 seconds on the rules and how the competition works.

For the informational spot, the subject must undertake the following:

a) Ideation and creation of the spot;

b) Explain the rules of the competition;

c) Professional voice recording in WAV format;

d) Accompanying the sound with accompanying music and other copyrighted audio effects;

e) The spots must be in MPEG 2 format with CBR 35 and H 264 with CBR 35, with resolutions 16 * 9 (1920 x 1080 px) and 9 x 16 (1080 x 1920);

f) The duration of the information spot is not less than 30 seconds;

g) Submission of the information spot on hard disk, in the original unconverted format;

h) The spot must contain the main slogan, the official logo of the National Tourism Agency and the official tourism website Albania.al.

c. 20-second spot for the results of the Competition and the launch of the Prize Distribution Event.

This spot will present the main data achieved in this competition as well as data for the final closing event of the awards ceremony.

For the spot, the subject must undertake the following:

a) To provide the results of participation in this competition;

b) To announce the day of the Final Event of the awards ceremony;

c) The duration of the main spot is not less than 20 seconds;

d) The spot must be submitted on a hard disk, in its original, unconverted format;

e) The spot must be in MPEG 2 format with CBR 35 and H 264 with CBR 35, with resolutions 16 * 9 (1920 x 1080 px) and 9 x 16 (1080 x 1920);

f) Accompanying the sound with accompanying music and other copyrighted audio effects;

g) Professional voice recording in WAV format;                                                

h) The spot must contain the main slogan, the official logo of the National Tourism Agency and the official tourism website Albania.al.

3.Organizing a kick-off event for the project. For this step of the procedure, the winning entity must ensure the proper functioning of the event from a logistical perspective with a ledwall and audio and lighting system. For the organization of the opening event, the entity must undertake the following:

a) Providing a 5×3 sized Ledwall.

b) Provision of an Audio System with two conference table microphones, gooseneck model.

c) Providing sound and frontal lighting for two speakers.

4. Digital Marketing Strategy and Campaign and promotion in META with organic and sponsored posts.

Promotion through digital platforms, which consists of advertising on META, inside and outside the territory of Albania.

The entity must submit to AKT a content management strategy for promoting the competition over a 2-month period. This strategy must include:

– Dividing 50 organic posts into 3 phases of the competition;

– Visual typology of posts (brand awareness posts, call to action, etc.);

– The selected language of communication in posts;

– Target audience for sponsored posts;

– Goals set for sponsored posts (brand awareness, engagement, traffic, etc.);

-Realization of a video about the online voting method. Duration no less than 30 seconds. The spots must be in MPEG2 format with resolutions 16*9 (1920x1080px) and 9×16 (1080 x1920).

-The best 300 photos and 100 video reels will be posted on the AKT Facebook page.

The subject must make no less than 50 posts to promote the competition on social media (Instagram and Facebook). These posts will be shared between the official pages of AKT.

The topic and division of posts will be sent by the subject in the presentation of the posting plan and will be agreed with the AKT. Posts will be distributed in feed and story according to the plan mentioned above.

The posts will be made in different formats: static posts, videos and gifs. 12 of the 50 organic posts will be sponsored on the META platform, targeting interested audiences inside and outside Albania.

A sponsorship plan will be submitted by the entity in this case and agreed upon with the AKT.

The entity must formulate and send 1,000 personalized messages and emails to potential individuals with interest in the fields of the competition.

Each of the posts must be adapted to the formats required by AKT (story, feed). Each of the posts must be in English and the visuals must also be in English. Promotion through digital platforms, which consists of paid sponsorship on META, inside and outside the territory of Albania.

5.Organization of the closing event in which the winners will be announced. For this step of the project, the winning entity must provide all the necessary technical, logistical and organizational elements to develop a high-attendance event according to the following specifications. For the closing event, the entity must undertake the following:

a) Rental space (Brigade Palace) suitable for promoting events of this size with a capacity of 130 people;

b) Cocktail for a capacity of 130 participants;

c) Stage for 6×4 performances;

d) Securing the Pulpit;

e) Ledwall 6×3 insurance;

f) Artistic performance with an orchestral group accompanied by three vocalists;

g) Provision of Audio System and microphones for the orchestral group, vocalists and speakers;

h) Stage lighting system for stage and indoor and outdoor perimeter lighting;

i) Branding the event with the logo or image of the photography and video reels competition;

j) Ledwall for displaying winning photographs according to competition categories;

k) Recording the event with a 2-camera directing system by the subject, where it must be broadcast live on AKT's Facebook and will ultimately submit the final edited video of the event;

l) Preparation of the script and stage for the gala evening;

m) Presenter for the moderation of the Gala evening;

n) Duration of the activity, 1 hour and 30 minutes;

o) Making an introductory video of the activity. Duration no less than 20 seconds.

p) Production of 11 videos/jingles for each category entry. Duration no less than 10 seconds for each.

q) Production of 18 videos/jingles for the presentation of the winners for each category, the public awards and the tourism ambassadors. Duration no less than 60 seconds for each.

r) All event videos must be in MPEG2 format with 16*9 resolutions (1920×1080 px).

s) Special prizes for the winners, certificates and rewards for the 5 jury members, as follows:

The jury for selecting the winners will consist of 5 members and each of the jury members will be rewarded for their selection and evaluation work, with a value of no less than 100.000 lek (one hundred thousand).

• According to 11 categories of photos and video reels, 33 people will be announced as winners, who will be rewarded with a prize of no less than 20,000 (twenty thousand) lek
• 4 winners who will be awarded the title "Ambassador of Albanian tourism"will each be rewarded with 50,000 (fifty thousand) lek.
• Also, from online voting, 3 winners will be selected who will be awarded a prize of no less than 30,000 (thirty thousand) Lekë

Online voting will be monitored by the entity, which will also announce the winners.

I QUALIFICATION CRITERIA 

In accordance with point 1, Chapter II of the Instruction of the Minister of Tourism and Environment no. 2, dated 28.5.2024 "On the criteria and deadlines regarding requests and proposals for financial support for projects in the field of tourism", which defines the criteria that the entity must meet to benefit from financial support in the field of tourism, are presented as follows:

 1.   be registered in accordance with applicable legislation;

To meet criterion 1, the entity must present:

• The request containing the expression of interest in participating in the procedure;
• Registration certificate, registered with the competent authorities according to the legislation in force;
• Extract from the commercial register, if the subject is a natural or legal person;

2. have similar experiences in the field of culture, tourism, entertainment, promotion;

To meet criterion 2, the entity must present:

• Portfolio of activities and similar activities such as event organization, content and promotion on social media, etc., carried out over the years (the last three years are preferred);

3. not to have any enforcement obligations;

To meet criterion 3, the entity must present:

• Certification that there are no enforcement obligations;

4. not have been convicted by a final court decision;

To meet criterion 4, the entity must present:

• Certification that he/she has not been convicted by a final court decision;

5. to have fulfilled the obligations for the payment of taxes and duties in accordance with Albanian legislation or with the provisions applicable in the country of origin;

To meet criterion 5, the entity must present:

• Certification that he has fulfilled the obligations for the payment of taxes and duties, in accordance with Albanian legislation or with the provisions applicable in the country of origin;

6. have fulfilled the obligations for the payment of social contributions in accordance with Albanian legislation or with the provisions applicable in the country of origin.

To meet criterion 6, the entity must present:

• Certification that he/she has fulfilled the obligations for the payment of social and health insurance contributions, in accordance with Albanian legislation or with the provisions applicable in the country of origin.

Additional criteria to prove technical and economic capacity according to the Instruction of the Minister of Tourism and Environment no. 2, dated 28.5.2024 "On the criteria and deadlines regarding requests and proposals for financial support for projects in the field of tourism" is as follows: 

• The content of the competition promotion conception strategy should have the following elements:

1. Visual concept: Another important criterion is the visual concept that will accompany the entire competition campaign. The subject must present a clear, innovative and attractive concept that conveys the message of the event and creates a strong connection with the audience. This concept must be in line with the characteristics of the “Wanderlust in Albania” brand and be adaptable to different social platforms and for use in promotional materials such as gifs, photos, and video reels.
2. Promotion strategy and geographic reach:The entity must present a detailed promotion strategy that ensures the widest possible participation, both in terms of number of participants and geographical reach. This will include an audience targeting strategy and the use of the most appropriate channels to reach the desired audience.
3. Strategy implementation: The presentation of the methodology and implementation plan of the strategy is also a key element. The entity should explain how the concrete implementation of the campaign will be carried out, including the calendar of activities, social media engagement, the use of influencers, and the organization of possible events that support the goals of the competition.

The collegium's evaluation will be based on the following specifications:

• Innovative creation and originality in the visual concept and content of the materials to create a lasting impact on social media and digital platforms.

Compatibility with brand identity of "Wanderlust in Albania" and the opportunity to influence the target audience.

• Incorporating audience targeting elements and geographic reach that help increase engagement and participation.
• Campaign implementation and monitoring, ensuring that the entity provides a clear plan for measuring the success of the campaign and ways to optimize it during the competition period.

In addition to the above, it is important to include the possibility of participation of all individuals, Albanian and foreign, professional or not, passionate about photographing Tourist Albania with all the elements that identify it. Photographs and video reels should focus on the categories given above.

The materials that will be created through this competition such as photos, videos and 3D animations will enrich the AKT's archival fund with the diversity of its gallery. These materials will be used for tourism promotional activities, domestic and international fairs, as well as on our social networks and the web, Albanian nature and cultural heritage, giving AKT the opportunity to reach new audiences and reflect Albania in an attractive and versatile way on digital platforms. 

All documents must be originals or notarized copies. Cases of failure to submit a document, or false and inaccurate documents, are considered conditions for disqualification.

Fund Limit: is worth 9,416,667 lek excluding VAT, (nine million four hundred sixteen thousand six hundred six ten seven) or 11,300,000 lek including VAT (eleven million three hundred thousand).

Service Provision Period: two months from the date of signing the contract.

As presented above, You are kindly requested to submit:

1. the economic offer according to the estimate, along with the respective prices for each item, as well as the total price of the service in Lek, identifying the total price excluding VAT and the total price including VAT;
2. documentation proving compliance with the criteria

Place of performance of the service: Tirana Brigades Palace

The evaluation of this project will be done through a vote that will be carried out by the members of the collegium with "for" or "against".

The proposal should be submitted to the following address:  National Tourism Agency, “Gjergj Fishta” Boulevard, Shallvare Palaces No. 12, Tirana.

Deadline for proposal acceptance: date 21/02/2025, time 14:00.

Form of communication: Written form.

Language used for documentation: Albanian language

Currency for economic supply: LEK.