Marketplace Development Program Selection Requirements

Entries will be selected and scored by a panel on the following:

• Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of their target market and its alignment with Explore Edmonton's target markets.
• Applicants must show that they meet Travel Alberta’s Export-Ready requirements.
• Applicants must be listed on ATIS and Trip Advisor.
• Applicants must understand the Travel Trade distribution channel.
• Applicants must show alignment with one of Destination Development's key areas of focus. The experience must meet international demand.
• Applicant must have an online presence (i.e., active social media accounts).
• Applicant must be in good standing with Explore Edmonton (actively attend workshops, town halls, open houses, etc.).

• The supplier must be in business for at least one year, with a proven track record for safe and professional operation.
• The supplier must carry adequate insurance.
• The supplier’s business and required operating licenses must be current.
• The supplier must be able to accept reservations and deal with inquiries on a year-round basis.
• The supplier must be able to provide confirmation of booking arrangements within 24 hours.
• If working with receptive tour operators the supplier must be willing to provide contracted wholesale net rates. As a general guideline, requirements are:
• § 15% off the retail price for day activities and transportation.
• The supplier must honour contracted net rates and conditions and refrain from raising prices and changing conditions before the expiry of the contracted agreement. The supplier should have a solid understanding of the laws that affect/impact their clients in each market.
• The supplier must be able to demonstrate an adequate budget and marketing plan that includes international travel trade activities. Travel trade includes but is not limited to tour operators, wholesalers, receptive tour operators, retail travel agents and retail consortia.
• The supplier must be able to demonstrate an adequate knowledge and understanding of the roles played by receptive tour operators (RTOs), tour operators/travel wholesalers, and retail travel agents. This includes an understanding of rack and/or retail pricing, agent commissions and wholesale net rates; and client relationships at each level.
• The supplier must provide detailed pricing and program information at least one year to 18 months in advance of selling season, i.e., December 2019 for the summer/fall 2020 season.
• It is the responsibility of the supplier to set up billing arrangements with the operator, agency or receptive tour operator.
• The supplier must accept client vouchers as confirmation of payment for reservations.
• Invoicing operator for payment to be remitted within 30 days is the standard. It is not feasible for an international operator to provide separate deposits and/or payment for each booking.