TN HB1628

Establishes standardized definitions for tourism-related terms including "destination marketing organization," "tourism," "tourism event," and "tourist" (defined as someone traveling more than 50 miles from their primary residence or from out-of-state)

Requires the Department of Tourist Development to annually confirm regional tourism organizations for each of Tennessee's nine development districts, with confirmation requiring letters from county mayors, tourism organizations, or membership registries

Provides state matching funds to confirmed regional tourism organizations at a 2:1 ratio ($2 state for each $1 budgeted locally), with a minimum award of $35,000 per organization

Limits administrative expenses to 40% of distributed funds (or 50% for organizations employing at least one full-time tourism position funded independently)

Mandates regional tourism organizations operate under department supervision, submit progress reports with key performance indicators, and attend two tourism marketing conferences annually