MS SB2709

Adds a new category (ix) to the definition of "tourism project" to include hotels in historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, hotels in entertainment districts, hotels within 1,000 feet of a convention center, and hotels on state or federal parks and recreational lands

Allows restoration or renovation of existing hotel facilities with at least 75 rooms and project costs exceeding $5,000,000 to qualify as a tourism project

Allows construction, restoration or renovation of new hotels with project costs exceeding $10,000,000 and guest amenities (restaurants, golf courses, spas, fitness facilities, entertainment, retail) to qualify as a tourism project

Clarifies that not more than 40% of project costs for certain tourism projects may be spent on retail activity facilities

Takes effect July 1, 2023