Welcome to the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature!

We are the Division of Tourism (Travel Nevada), and we operate within the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to help achieve the priority of a vibrant and sustainable economy. In addition to managing the state’s tourism efforts, Travel Nevada provides communities and businesses with development resources, training, and grant assistance that help bolster local economic bases and diversify regional economies. We also produce Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide, a publication that provides travel inspiration through its articles and photography.

With a presence statewide, Travel Nevada is focused on creating a fulfilling quality of life for all Nevadans. As our research shows, travelers who visit Nevada leave with a deeper understanding of our western heritage, knowledge of the state’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and a renewed appreciation for wide open landscapes. And while those travelers leave with a promise to return, the state benefits with increased tax generation, job creation and retention, infrastructure investment, and more opportunity for residents.

Rafael Villanueva
Rafael Villanueva
CEO, Travel Nevada
Print Statewide Information
Discover the Facts
Total Washoe County Impacts
$5.2B
Spending
43,463
Employment
$1.9B
Income
Direct Washoe County Impacts
$3.3B
Spending
27,776
Employment
$1.2B
Income
Partner Testimonials
"Tourism directly impacts thousands of families in Northern Nevada, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Washoe County and infusing $5.2 billion into the local economy. The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is grateful to our statewide partners, stakeholders and legislators for their recognition and focus on maintaining and improving tourism [...]"
"Tourism directly impacts thousands of families in Northern Nevada, supporting more than 40,000 jobs in Washoe County and infusing $5.2 billion into the local economy. The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is grateful to our statewide partners, stakeholders and legislators for their recognition and focus on maintaining and improving tourism infrastructure throughout Nevada."
Mike Larragueta
Mike Larragueta
President/CEO, Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA), Reno Tahoe
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"In 2023, visitors to Carson City invested $245 million into the local economy, improving the quality of life for our residents, and allowing 2,500 people to go to work each day! As the executive director of Visit Carson City, my team and I have the privilege of positioning our community [...]"
"In 2023, visitors to Carson City invested $245 million into the local economy, improving the quality of life for our residents, and allowing 2,500 people to go to work each day!

As the executive director of Visit Carson City, my team and I have the privilege of positioning our community as a desirable destination for leisure and group travelers. When we showcase our local businesses and attractions to visitors, they invest their dollars in our community - engaging in outdoor recreation activities, visiting local museums and galleries, eating at local restaurants, and staying overnight in our area accommodations. These investments improve the quality of life for Carson City residents.

As a small DMO, we would not be able to accomplish this without the support of the Nevada Division of Tourism.
"
David Peterson
David Peterson
Chair, Reno-Tahoe Territory, Reno Tahoe
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"Tourism plays a vital role in supporting Lake Tahoe's local economy, providing jobs and opportunities for businesses that serve visitors year-round. Additionally, it helps fund environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that the lake's stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed for generations to come."
Sue Barton
Sue Barton
Chief Operating Officer, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority/Visit Lake Tahoe, Reno Tahoe
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"In 2023, visitors to Carson City invested $245 million into the local economy, improving the quality of life for our residents, and allowing 2,500 people to go to work each day! As the executive director of Visit Carson City, my team and I have the privilege of positioning our community [...]"
"In 2023, visitors to Carson City invested $245 million into the local economy, improving the quality of life for our residents, and allowing 2,500 people to go to work each day!

As the executive director of Visit Carson City, my team and I have the privilege of positioning our community as a desirable destination for leisure and group travelers. When we showcase our local businesses and attractions to visitors, they invest their dollars in our community - engaging in outdoor recreation activities, visiting local museums and galleries, eating at local restaurants, and staying overnight in our area accommodations. These investments improve the quality of life for Carson City residents.

As a small DMO, we would not be able to accomplish this without the support of the Nevada Division of Tourism.
"
David Peterson
David Peterson
Executive Director, Visit Carson City, Reno Tahoe
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"Tourism is essential to Carson Valley’s economy, culture, and environment. In 2022, tourism and hospitality jobs accounted for 21.1% of all employment in Douglas County and contributed 13.7% to the County’s GDP (UNR Center for Economic Development). Visitor spending also generated an estimated $4,600 in state and local tax savings [...]"
"Tourism is essential to Carson Valley’s economy, culture, and environment. In 2022, tourism and hospitality jobs accounted for 21.1% of all employment in Douglas County and contributed 13.7% to the County’s GDP (UNR Center for Economic Development). Visitor spending also generated an estimated $4,600 in state and local tax savings per household (Travel Nevada). Beyond these economic benefits, tourism sustains local businesses, preserves our rich heritage through events like the Genoa Candy Dance, and invites visitors to explore museums that share the Valley’s history. From Genoa—Nevada’s oldest settlement—to the traditions of Native American, pioneer, and ranching cultures, Carson Valley offers a connection to the past alongside stunning Sierra Nevada landscapes. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, as well as outstanding dining, gaming, and lodging accommodations. Tourism strengthens community pride, connects people with our traditions, and ensures a thriving future for Carson Valley. It’s where history meets adventure."
Keith Lewis
Keith Lewis
Executive Director, Visit Carson Valley
"The travel sector is an integral part of the Reno Tahoe regional economy. Visitors generate significant economic benefits to households, businesses, and government alike and represent a critical driver of Washoe County’s future. In 2023, tourism-supported jobs accounted for 13% of all jobs in the county. TMCC offers a Hospitality [...]"
"The travel sector is an integral part of the Reno Tahoe regional economy. Visitors generate significant economic benefits to households, businesses, and government alike and represent a critical driver of Washoe County’s future. In 2023, tourism-supported jobs accounted for 13% of all jobs in the county. TMCC offers a Hospitality and Tourism Management program that prepares students for supervisory positions in events, entertainment, food service management, air and ground transportation, hotel operations and ski resort management, outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism, and many other segments of the industry.

TMCC has a large advisory board that is actively involved with the program, ensuring the curriculum is relevant and students have the support and job opportunities they need. The program offers prospective employers a well-rounded graduate who understands day-to-day operations, has critical thinking and problem-solving skills and can adapt to a multitude of positions. "
Vanina Coudriet
Hospitality & Tourism Management Faculty and Program Coordinator, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), Reno Tahoe
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"At Hyatt Place South Reno, we see firsthand how Nevada tourism brings people together. Whether it's families exploring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, business professionals attending conferences, or adventurers seeking out the best outdoor experiences, tourism enriches our hotel and community. It allows us to showcase our hospitality, offer [...]"
"At Hyatt Place South Reno, we see firsthand how Nevada tourism brings people together. Whether it's families exploring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, business professionals attending conferences, or adventurers seeking out the best outdoor experiences, tourism enriches our hotel and community. It allows us to showcase our hospitality, offer comfortable accommodations, and provide a memorable experience for every traveler. Tourism isn't just about visitors—it’s about stories, connections, and shared experiences. Nevada’s thriving tourism scene gives us the opportunity to serve guests with warmth and care, making their journey through our state even more special."
Krysslyn Garcia
Director of Sales & Marketing, Hyatt Place South Reno, Reno Tahoe
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"As a native Nevadan, I know the vital importance of tourism to our great state. Tourism is one sector we've counted on for generations for jobs and state revenue. As a Tourism Commissioner, I've learned more than ever about unique locations of Nevada and the impacts their tourism has on [...]"
"As a native Nevadan, I know the vital importance of tourism to our great state. Tourism is one sector we've counted on for generations for jobs and state revenue. As a Tourism Commissioner, I've learned more than ever about unique locations of Nevada and the impacts their tourism has on those areas and on our state as a whole. While helping drive our own economy, we're also offering Nevadans, fellow Americans and international tourists a magnificent, relaxing and/or adventurous experience with friends and family, and that makes me proud. "
Shelly Capurro
Shelly Capurro
Commissioner, Nevada Commission on Tourism, Cowboy Country
"There are nine National Wildlife Refuges in Nevada that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration and coordination with numerous state and local partners: Sheldon, Anaho Island, Fallon, Stillwater, Ruby Lake, Ash Meadows, Desert, Moapa Valley, and Pahranagat. National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters serve [...]"
"There are nine National Wildlife Refuges in Nevada that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration and coordination with numerous state and local partners: Sheldon, Anaho Island, Fallon, Stillwater, Ruby Lake, Ash Meadows, Desert, Moapa Valley, and Pahranagat. National Wildlife Refuge System lands and waters serve a purpose distinct from that of other U.S. public lands: Wildlife conservation drives everything on national wildlife refuges, from the purposes for which each refuge was established, to the recreational activities offered, to the resource management tools used.

The national wildlife refuges in Nevada are special places for wildlife and people. They provide important habitat for hundreds of plant and animal species, attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and provide recreation opportunities that include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and education, as well as associated activities such as hiking, backpacking, boating, and camping. All these recreational activities support the outdoor recreation-based tourism economy in Nevada, especially in the small rural communities near the refuges. In fiscal year 2019, recreational spending by 61 million visitors to national wildlife refuges helped generate over $3 billion in economic activity and support 41,000 jobs."
Kevin DesRoberts
US Fish and Wildlife Service—Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Cowboy Country
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"As a Commissioner on the Nevada Commission on Tourism, I see tourism as the lifeblood of our state, fueling our economy, enriching our communities, and showcasing the unique spirit of Nevada to the rest of the world. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the breathtaking landscapes of Lake [...]"
"As a Commissioner on the Nevada Commission on Tourism, I see tourism as the lifeblood of our state, fueling our economy, enriching our communities, and showcasing the unique spirit of Nevada to the rest of the world. From the bright lights of Las Vegas to the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Tahoe and the rich history of our towns, tourism creates jobs, supports local businesses, and preserves our cultural heritage. It’s not just about attracting visitors—it’s about sharing the diverse experiences that make Nevada extraordinary, ensuring a thriving future for our residents and a lasting impact on all who visit."
Judith Perez Siegel
Judith Perez Siegel
Executive Vice President, The Siegel Group, Cowboy Country
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Print Statewide Information
Visitor Profile

Visitors to the Reno-Tahoe Territory spend about $524 per overnight visitor, rate their trip to Nevada highly (4.2 on a 5-point scale in 2023) and have a high likelihood of returning to Nevada in the next two years (4.2 on a 5-point scale in 2023).

Nevada Territories
Tourism in Your District
Peppermill Reno Lakeridge Golf Course Somersett Golf & Country Club Truckee River Reno-Sparks Convention Center Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Lake Tahoe
Tourism Means More
Print Tourism Means More Statistics
Travel Nevada Annual Report FY24
Travel Nevada Strategic Plan FY25
Grant-funded Projects in Your District

Travel Nevada offers opportunities to communities to develop their tourism products via two grant programs.

  • The agency’s Rural Marketing Grants help communities market their destination to visitors to generate overnight stays. Travel Nevada awards $1.5 million per year to rural partners for a variety of marketing projects.
  • The 3D (Destination Development Design) Program is a long-range, tourism-based community planning program that enables Nevada’s rural communities to be intentional about growing their visitor economies. Now in its third round, each awarded destination project goes through a strategic planning process and will share $1 million to execute their plans at the completion of the process.

FY25 Rural Marketing Grants

Your district lies in the Reno-Tahoe Territory. Below is a list of some of the projects that have been funded as part of the grant programs:

  • Your district lies in the Reno-Tahoe Territory. Below is a list of some of the projects that have been funded as part of the grant programs:

    A $163,500 award was granted to the Reno-Tahoe Territory (RTT) to fulfill the territory’s ongoing efforts included in their strategic plan that includes public relations, sales, and data platform subscription components.

  • A $58,655 award was granted to the Carson Valley Visitors Authority to develop a marketing plan that includes investment in an influencer program for the development of fresh content.

  • A $50,500 award was granted to the Virginia City Tourism Commission to develop a marketing plan that will promote and educate the public on the town’s architectural diversity, artistic nature, and cultural influence, ultimately supporting the historic preservation of the town.

  • A $43,607 award was granted to Visit Carson City to develop cooperative opportunities, attend travel trade events to promote Carson City, and grow their media and marketing assets to showcase their destination.

  • A $13,375 award was granted to the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway for a website redesign. The process will include collaboration with nearby communities to expand the website’s content and attract new visitors.

  • A $5,000 award was granted to the City of Carson City to fund the promotion of the Carson City Murals and Music Festival. This event fosters community engagement and boosts tourism and partnerships, stimulating economic growth and cultural exchange as the city showcases vibrant murals and live music.

  • A $2,500 award was granted to the Brewery Arts Center to develop a marketing plan for the annual Mark Twain Days festival in Carson City. Strategically placed digital ads that celebrate the literary arts will reach potential visitors, leading to a boost in attendance at the event.

  • Statewide

    A $61,600 award was granted to Nevada’s Indian Territory to strengthen cultural awareness and identity through an eco-cultural tourism project, while being environmentally responsible and inclusive of the Great Basin Indigenous People and providing economic development opportunities.

  • A $20,000 award was granted to the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony (RSIC) to implement a marketing plan to increase tourism within Washoe County and bring recognition of the culturally enriched history of the Washoe, Paiute, and Shoshone Tribal Nations that celebrate and support history, arts, culture, and traditions, reaching larger populations to attend events hosted by RSIC.

  • A $4,272 award was granted to The Buckaroo Traditions Gathering event in Winnemucca to promote the celebration of Nevada’s Buckaroo heritage. This event will partner with the Moving Forward Powwow event in Fallon to honor Native American culture. They will boost tourism and attract visitors by showcasing their diverse traditions in different regions, fostering economic growth and community cohesion statewide.

  • Upcoming 3D Projects in your District

    Carson City/Reno Tahoe Territory – The tourism authorities of Carson City, Carson Valley, and Virginia City were awarded $631,350 to establish a Cultural Corridor connecting the region’s arts and culture assets while leveraging existing history and heritage to build a reputation as a must-see attraction for arts and heritage travelers. This will improve visibility for arts and culture attractions and create opportunities to improve economic opportunities for artisans, improve quality of life for residents, and connect local artisans with visitors.