How are tenders in tourism?

Public tenders in tourism ... well, they are a roll, but they make sense. Basically, the government cannot be giving contracts by finger, so riding a process so that everyone has the same chance (or at least that is supposed to). The scheme is almost always the same: first, the entity decides what it needs (transport, guides, hotels, whatever), then publish the requirements, then review what comes to them and, in the end, they give the contract to whom you best block. Simple, but not so much.

The first part is that "preparation" roll, where the public entity sits to think, "what noses do we need?" They make a list, they put together a document (the famous sheet ... that usually has more print than cheap insurance), and there they put up to the last detail. If you jump it, forget about winning.

Then comes the part of the "publication." That is, they release it everywhere: official websites, newsletters, sometimes even in a newspaper that nobody reads. The idea is that everyone finds out. Works? Depends. But well, it's what there is.

When the proposals finally arrive, the evaluation phase begins. That's where you have to put the batteries. They look at everything: experience, prices, if the company seems serious or a fudge… if you are lucky and all block, they can choose you. If not, to keep trying.

The last twist is the award. Basically, they tell you "you earn" and take the contract. Or another one takes it and cry home. So are things.

Of course, if you want to get in this world, you better soak up the rules and law, because each country has its stories and if you skip a step, they don't look at you. And be careful, this is not just sending papers: you have to have a strategy, know where to get, prepare proposals that grind and, above all, not to despair. It can be the bomb to grow and catch good contracts, but it is also a tremendous mess. So patience, cold head and, above all, do not forget to read the small print.