AN ACT TO CREATE THE "MISSISSIPPI TOURISM REORGANIZATION ACT"; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT, WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO PRESCRIBE THE GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO BE MATCHED BY TOURISM ENTITIES IN THE STATE; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM TO SELL ADVERTISING AND OTHER TOURISM PROMOTIONAL INFORMATION AND TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND; TO CREATE THE MISSISSIPPI TOURISM ASSOCIATION MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND THE STATE PERSONNEL BOARD SHALL HAVE THE POWERS NECESSARY IN CARRYING OUT THE CREATION OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REQUIRED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 27-65-75, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO DIVERT A PORTION OF SALES TAX REVENUE COLLECTED FROM RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS INTO THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND INSTEAD OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TOURISM FUND; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO TOURISM; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-60, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM OF GRANTS TO FINANCE, PROMOTE AND ADVERTISE LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-61, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS OF THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM DIVISION OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL BOARD TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-63, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSFER OF POWERS AND DUTIES OF STATE AGENCIES RELATING TO TOURISM TO THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO SELL ADVERTISING AND OTHER TOURISM INFORMATION AND CREATES THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TOURISM ADVERTISING FUND; TO REPEAL SECTION 57-1-64.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATES THE MISSISSIPPI TOURISM ASSOCIATION MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST THE MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
The passage of SB2016 significantly alters Mississippi's tourism management structure by replacing existing frameworks with a centralized department specifically dedicated to tourism. It dissolves previous entities and reallocates their functions, emphasizing a streamlined approach to promoting tourism in the state. The diversion of sales tax revenue into the new advertising fund is intended to provide a sustainable financial resource for ongoing and future promotional activities. By redirecting these funds, the legislation seeks to enhance the impact of tourism promotions on the state’s economy, thereby fostering economic growth.
Senate Bill 2016, known as the Mississippi Tourism Reorganization Act, aims to create the Mississippi Department of Tourism. This legislation mandates the appointment of an Executive Director by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to oversee the department's operations. The bill outlines the department’s powers, including establishing a program for grants that tourism entities can match with their funding and the authority to sell tourism-related advertising. Furthermore, it introduces a dedicated advertising fund for tourism, which will be replenished through a portion of sales tax revenue from restaurants and hotels.
The general sentiment surrounding SB2016 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Proponents argue that establishing a dedicated tourism agency could lead to more effective marketing strategies and improved tourism infrastructure, which are crucial for revitalizing the state's tourist attractions and thereby benefiting local economies. However, critics express concerns regarding the potential for reduced local agency control and the effectiveness of centralization in meeting the diverse needs of Mississippi's varied tourist markets.
Notable points of contention include concerns about the transition period and the potential for inefficiencies caused by consolidating multiple tourism-related functions into a single department. Additionally, the funding structure, which inflows into the advertising fund is based on sales tax revenue, raises questions about the bill's long-term sustainability and impact on local tourism organizations. The bill's implementation is also expected to face scrutiny as stakeholders evaluate how well it serves the various communities across the state that depend on tourism for economic stability.