Nevada’s tourism department is responsible for promoting and marketing Nevada as a tourism and travel destination. This includes editing, publishing and distributing publications that promote the state of Nevada. A director appointed by the governor directs and supervises all tourism department operations. An 11-member commission advises the tourism department.
The Nevada Commission on Tourism is composed of the lieutenant governor, who serves as chair, eight members appointed by the governor, and the chief administrative officers of the Las Vega Convention & Visitors Authority and the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. The governor-appointed members must possess experience and professional background in the tourism, travel or hospitality industries, including gaming. The governor must appoint at least one member who resides in each of the three following locations: Clark County, Washoe County and at least two members who are residents of counties whose whose population is 100,000 or less. The tourism operation is funded entirely by the hotel and motel room tax paid by visitors to Nevada, not by resident taxpayers. It receives three-eighths of 1 percent of the room tax as its operating budget. The publication operation is self-funded through the sale of advertising and subscriptions. Duties of the tourism department include, but are not limited to:
Coordinating, assisting and encouraging cooperation among public and private entities in tourism-promoting activities Promoting special events and attractions that draw visitors Developing and operating a marketing and advertising program for all domestic and international markets to attract more visitors and lengthen their stay Developing local programs that are consistent with the state plan for advertising and marketing Providing and administering grants or matching grants to local entities and community organizations to promote tourism Preparing and distributing tourism brochures, guides and other promotional materials Compiling and disseminating statistics and other marketing information Preparing and publishing Nevada Magazine to educate and promote Providing grants to develop publicly owned property, facilities and infrastructure that support and attract visitors