Notice of Public Meeting

Nevada Commission on Tourism

Regular Meeting – First Quarter, Fiscal Year 2027
September 9, 2026
1:00 P.M.

Meeting Locations:

NORTHERN NEVADA
RSCVA Office
Board Room
4065 S Virginia St, Ste 100
Reno, NV 89502

SOUTHERN NEVADA
LVCVA Office
Board Room
40 University Center Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89169

Audio Call-in: (775) 321-6111 
Access Code: 650 961 746# 

Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 253 455 914 333 165
Passcode: WN3gF6ii

Agenda & Supporting Materials

Agenda for September 9, 2026, Commission on Tourism Meeting

NCOT Master Presentation (September 9, 2026)

A. Opening
Lt. Governor Anthony, Chair

Call to Order and Confirmation of Proper Posting; Roll Call and Determination of Quorum

B. Public Comment  

Public comment pertaining to Commission Meeting Agenda items is welcomed by the Commission. A period of public comment will be allowed at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. Because of time considerations, the period for public comment by each speaker may be limited to three (3) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, and speakers are urged to avoid repetition of comments made by previous speakers.

C. For Possible Action – Approval of Minutes

Approval of June 10, 2026, Commission on Tourism Meeting Minutes

Supporting Material:

• Draft Minutes of the June 10, 2026, Commission on Tourism Meeting

D. For Discussion Only – Welcome and Opening Remarks
Lt. Governor Anthony, Chair

E. For Discussion Only – Travel Nevada Quarterly Report
Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer; Nicole Orsua, Chief Industry Development Officer; Tracie Barnthouse, Chief Communications Officer; Keelie Cox, Chief Marketing Officer

Supporting Material:

• Quarterly Report-Q4

F. For Discussion Only – Finance Report and FY2027 Budget 
Stewart Terry, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Stewart Terry will present the current budget updates.

Supporting Material:

• FY26 & FY27 Budget Update

G. For Possible Action – Mesquite Grants
Nicole Orsua, Chief Industry Development Officer, Travel Nevada; Rafael Villanueva, CEO, Travel Nevada 

• FY2027 Rural Marketing Grant Recommendation
  Nicole Orsua will present Travel Nevada’s recommendations for the FY2027 Rural Marketing Grant for Mesquite, Nevada, tabled at the June 10, 2026, Commission meeting, for a total amount of $34,000.
• MORF FY27 Rural Marketing Grant Award
• 3D Destination Development Cohort 4 Grant Funding Recommendation
  Travel Nevada will present for approval the proposed awards total $351,000 intended to support destination development and enhance tourism capacity for Mesquite, Nevada.
• Mesquite 3D Working Group Budget

H. For Discussion Only – Key Tourism Indicators and Research Overview
Kyle Shulz, Research Director, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Travel Nevada will provide an overview of key tourism and research indicators used to monitor industry trends and evaluate marketing performance, including findings from the Integrated Marketing Effectiveness Study.

I. For Possible Action – Integrated Marketing Effectiveness Study Request for Proposals
Kyle Shulz, Research Director, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Travel Nevada will request approval to proceed with an RFP for an Integrated Marketing Effectiveness Study to measure the impact of paid, owned, and earned marketing efforts on consumer perceptions, travel interest, visitation, and spending. The proposed four-year contract would begin July 1, 2027, at an anticipated annual amount of $225,000.

Supporting Material:

• Integrated Marketing Effectiveness Study RFP Summary

J. For Possible Action – Economic Impact Study Request for Proposals
Kyle Shulz, Research Director, Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Travel Nevada will request approval to proceed with an RFP for a Nevada Economic Impact Study measuring tourism’s impact on visitor spending, employment, income, GDP, and tax generation statewide and by region, county, and legislative district. The proposed four-year contract would begin July 1, 2027, at an anticipated annual amount of $110,000.

Supporting Material:

• Economic Impact RFP Summary

K. For Possible Action – FY2027 Q2–Q4 Marketing Plan and Media Budget 
Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Nevada; B.C. LeDoux, CCO/Managing Partner, Noble Studios; Chrystie Reep, EVP, Media Director, The Shipyard; Amy Bagner, Associate VP, Fahlgren Mortine 

Travel Nevada and partners will present the FY 2027 Marketing Plan and Budget recommendation for the remainder of the fiscal year (Q2 through Q4).

Supporting Material:

• FY27 Integrated Marketing Recommendation Presentation

L. For Discussion Only – Governor’s Conference on Tourism (GovCon) 
Tracie Barnthouse, Chief Communications Officer, Travel Nevada

Tracie Barnthouse will provide an update of 2026 Governor’s Conference including dates and location.

M. For Discussion Only – International Update: Preparation for Qantas flight launch
Nicole Orsua, Chief Industry Development Officer, and Elsa Gomez, Global Market Manager, Travel Nevada

Travel Nevada will present Travel Nevada’s FY27 Q1 & Q2 integrative programming strategy for the Australian (and NZ markets) in connection with the new direct Syndey to Las Vegas flight.

N. For Possible Action – Agricultural Tourism Next Steps
Nicole Orsua, Chief Industry Development Officer, Travel Nevada

Travel Nevada will present phase one of their Agricultural Tourism Plan.

O. For Discussion Only – Adventure Centers Update
Carrie Roussel, Facilities Coordinator, Travel Nevada Adventure Centers

Carrie Roussel will update the Commission on the latest progress of the Adventure Centers in Boulder City and Carson City.

P. For Discussion Only – Future NCOT Meeting Dates
December 8, 2026, March 10, 2027, June 9, 2027, and September 8, 2027

Q. For Discussion Only – Reno-Tahoe Territory
Kaitie Demuth, Chair, and Juraj Sojka, Vice Chair, Reno-Tahoe Territory

The Reno-Tahoe Territory is a diverse Northern Nevada region encompassing Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Carson Valley, Virginia City, and surrounding communities, offering a mix of urban excitement, historic charm, and outdoor adventure. Ms. Katie Demuth and Mr. Juraj Sojka will conduct a presentation showcasing the Territory’s commitment to market and promote tourism across their region.

R. Public Comment

Public comment pertaining to Commission Meeting Agenda items is welcomed by the Commission. A period of public comment will be allowed at the beginning and at the end of the meeting. Because of time considerations, the period for public comment by each speaker may be limited to three (3) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, and speakers are urged to avoid repetition of comments made by previous speakers.

S. For Possible Action – Adjournment 

To Submit Public Comment in Writing:
Email: [email protected]

For Accessibility and Materials:
Maysha Watson
Administrative Assistant, Travel Nevada
Direct: (775) 323-9395
Email: [email protected]