MS SB2820

Creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism as a standalone agency, separating tourism functions from the Mississippi Development Authority effective July 1, 2021

Requires the Governor to appoint an Executive Director of the Department of Tourism, with Senate confirmation, who serves at the Governor's pleasure and whose salary is set by the Governor with State Personnel Board approval

Authorizes the department to develop marketing strategies for five tourism regions (Hills, Delta, Capital/River, Pines, and Coastal), coordinate with local destination marketing organizations, and establish matching grant programs for local tourist attractions

Creates the Department of Tourism Advertising Fund, funded by diversion of sales tax revenue from restaurants and hotels (1% in 2019-2020, 2% in 2020-2021, and 3% thereafter) for tourism advertising, marketing, and promotional materials

Establishes the Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board, composed of the Tourism Association Executive Director, regional board members, three Governor appointees, one Lieutenant Governor appointee, and one Speaker of the House appointee to advise on marketing initiatives