Hunterdon County awards tourism marketing contract that prioritizes AI search optimization

The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners on April 21 approved awarding the 2025 Explore Hunterdon comprehensive tourism‑marketing contract to Perception Incorporated, with county staff emphasizing AI search‑optimization and governance as a central part of the scope.

Mister Salas, who presented the recommendation, told the board the RFP’s top requirement is improving the county’s visibility in AI-driven searches and chat responses as well as in traditional search-engine rankings. "The number one action in it is AI search optimization and recognition," Salas said, arguing that the county must appear at the top of AI results that many users now consult.

Salas said an independent search committee, which included local technology‑industry participants, unanimously recommended Perception because of the firm’s deep familiarity with Hunterdon County and its AI tools and dashboards. He noted the vendor previously partnered with the county to help create the Explore Hunterdon brand and has tourism experience at multiple scales, from local destinations to national and international clients.

Commissioners expressed support for combining environmental stewardship and tourism promotion. The director said the county’s natural and scenic character is both the product and the asset of local business, and that a stronger online presence could help local restaurants, farms and Main Street merchants.

The board moved and approved the contract award by roll call. The procurement will proceed under the county’s contracting rules; the exact contract value was not specified in the meeting record.