Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

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The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is a Cabinet-level agency within the Tennessee state government, headed by the Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development, who is currently Susan Whitaker. The Department is responsible for attracting the tourism to Tennessee and marketing to residents both in the United States and internationally. Annually, $100,000, or however much is necessary of that amount, is appropriated from the general fund of the state when not otherwise appropriated for carrying out the Department's duties.

According to Tennessee law, when the Department was first created in 1976, it was divided into the tourism division and the hotel and restaurant division. Divisions may be abolished or added by the Commissioner with governor approval, and the Commissioner can also transfer to the tourism division any employees of the department. The Commissioner appoints a director of the tourist division, who is required by statute to be a competent person, properly informed on public contracts, publicity, tourism, and tourist promotion, having executive ability. The tourist division is also responsible for managing thirteen welcome centers across Tennessee's interstate highways, from which tourists may make hotel and campground reservations.

[edit] External links

• The Tennessee Department of Tourist Devlopment Website
• LexisNexis's archive of Tennessee Code, Title 4