Several years ago, Visit Bakersfield developed a printed driving tour. This driving tour was loosely based upon a route that was used to tour prospective business prospects considering moving to Bakersfield and, later, for tour bus operators who requested a step-on guide.
With the increased use of Global Positioning System (GPS)-based technology, and the continuing requests from visitors for our existing Bakersfield driving tour, staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 23, 2023 for a provider that could collaboratively develop, design and produce new GPS-enabled Bakersfield driving tour content for use by visitors and residents.
The RFP was sent to four firms and posted on the Visit Bakersfield blog and the Visit Bakersfield Facebook page. Two proposals were received by the April 10, 2023 deadline.
Visit Bakersfield staff reviewed the proposals received and recommends contracting with Wayfarer Journey for producing driving tour content and maintaining technical operations of the application. The company has experience in developing similar tours for Las Vegas, Malibu, Hollywood, Space Quest (Los Angeles’ role in humankind’s quest for space), and three tours for Modesto – Almond Blossom Cruise Tour, Street Art, and Fruits and Roots.
The proposed cost for this three-year agreement includes tour production costs and licensing fees for Years 2 and 3. In addition, Visit Bakersfield will receive fifteen percent (15%) of the net revenues attributable to user purchases of the tour.
Funding for this agreement would be paid from Visit Bakersfield’s operating budget which is funded solely from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenues. No General Fund revenues are used for Visit Bakersfield’s operations. There are sufficient funds in the operating budget for the cost of this agreement. Because the amount of this agreement exceeds $40,000, it must first have prior approval by the Visit Bakersfield board of directors, as required in Section 2.1 of Agreement 16-251 between the City of Bakersfield and the Greater Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. That prior approval occurred on April 19, 2023.