MS SB2930

Creates the Mississippi Travel and Tourism Council to develop a ten-year strategic plan for tourism growth through public and private partnerships with an economic development focus.

Council consists of 11 voting members appointed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor: three convention and visitors bureau directors, three restaurant owners, three hoteliers/gaming representatives, and two tourism attraction representatives, with initial terms ranging from one to three years.

Includes four nonvoting advisory members: the Director of Visit Mississippi, Executive Directors of the Mississippi Tourism Association, Restaurant Association, and Gaming Association.

Council duties include formulating a ten-year tourism development strategy, reviewing state tourism laws and policies, identifying growth opportunities, establishing public-private partnerships and funding models, and developing economic impact measurement systems.

Council meetings are open to the public with required notice under the Open Meetings Act; members serve without compensation and the council may accept donations and legislative appropriations to support its work; becomes effective July 1, 2018.