§5B-2I-1. Short Title
This article shall be known and cited as the West Virginia Tourism Act of 2017.
§5B-2I-2. West Virginia Department of Tourism
The West Virginia Tourism Office, previously continued from the Division of Tourism, is continued but is hereafter raised to a separate and distinct department of the executive branch of state government and is designated and shall be known as the West Virginia Department of Tourism. All references in this code to the Division of Tourism […]
§5B-2I-3. Office of Secretary of Department of Tourism
(a) The Secretary of the Department of Tourism is the chief executive officer of the department. The Governor shall appoint the secretary, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for the term for which the Governor is elected, and the secretary shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. Any […]
§5B-2I-4. Powers and Duties of the Department of Tourism
(a) The Department of Tourism, under the direction and charge of the secretary, shall develop and implement a comprehensive tourism advertising, promotion, and development strategy for West Virginia. “Comprehensive tourism advertising, promotion and development strategy” means a plan that outlines strategies and activities designed to continue, diversify and expand the tourism base of the state […]
§5B-2I-5. Public-Private Partnerships
(a) The Department of Tourism may enter into contractual or joint venture agreements with one or more nonprofit corporations organized pursuant to the corporate laws of the state, organized to permit qualification pursuant to Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and organized for purposes of the promotion and development of tourism in West Virginia, […]
§5B-2I-6. Tourism Promotion Fund; Use of Funds
(a) There is continued in the State Treasury the special revenue fund known as the Tourism Promotion Fund created under prior enactment of 5B-1-9 of this code. (b) Moneys deposited in the fund each year shall be used solely for marketing, direct advertising, business development and public relations promoting travel and tourism within the state […]
§5B-2I-7. Tourism Advisory Council; Members, Appointment, and Expenses
(a) There is continued within the Department of Tourism an independent Tourism Advisory Council. (b) The Tourism Advisory Council consists of the following 16 members: (1) The Secretary of Commerce or his or her designee, ex officio;
§5B-2I-8. Confidentiality
Any documentary material, data or other writing made or received by the Department of Tourism, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, or the Tourism Advisory Council, for the purpose of furnishing assistance to a new or existing business, or of developing or implementing a comprehensive tourism advertising, promotion, and development strategy pursuant to 5B-2I-4 […]