TN SB1887

Establishes statutory definitions for tourism-related terms including "tourist" (someone traveling more than 50 miles from their primary residence or from out-of-state), "destination marketing organization," "tourism event," and "tourism promotion" for use across multiple sections of Tennessee Code.

Requires the Department of Tourist Development to annually confirm regional tourism organizations for each of Tennessee's nine development districts, with organizations demonstrating district-wide representation through county mayor letters, tourism organization letters, or paid membership registries.

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

Limits administrative expense spending to 40% of distributed funds, with an option to increase to 50% for organizations that employ at least one full-time tourism position funded independently of the state grant.

Mandates that regional tourism organizations operate under Department of Tourist Development supervision, including submitting progress reports with key performance indicators and attending two annual tourism marketing or organizational development conferences.