Senate Bill 2164 - Mississippi Tourism Reorganization Act

• Creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism, effective July 1, 2022, to assume all powers, duties, property, and contractual rights of the Tourism Division of the Mississippi Development Authority.

• Governor appoints an Executive Director of the Department of Tourism (subject to Senate confirmation) responsible for tourism promotion, development, and support services, with authority to establish administrative units and hire staff.

• Department authorized to establish grant programs matched by tourism entities, develop regional marketing strategies for five state regions, coordinate with local tourism organizations, and sell advertising through the Department of Tourism Advertising Fund.

• Diverts sales tax revenue from restaurants and hotels to the Department of Tourism Advertising Fund: 1% through July 2020, 2% through July 2021, and 3% thereafter (beginning August 2021).

• Creates Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board composed of tourism industry representatives and gubernatorial appointees to advise on marketing initiatives; repeals five prior code sections authorizing Mississippi Development Authority tourism functions.