The Department, through the Division of Tourism, shall:

1. Promote this State so as to increase the number of domestic and international tourists.

2. Promote special events and exhibitions which are designed to increase tourism.

3. Develop a State Plan to Promote Travel and Tourism in Nevada.

4. Develop a comprehensive program of marketing and advertising, for both domestic and international markets, which publicizes travel and tourism in Nevada in order to attract more visitors to this State or lengthen their stay.

5. Provide and administer grants of money or matching grants to political subdivisions of the State, to fair and recreation boards, and to local or regional organizations which promote travel and tourism, to assist them in:

(a) Developing local programs for marketing and advertising which are consistent with the State Plan.

(b) Promoting specific events and attractions in their communities.

(c) Evaluating the effectiveness of the local programs and events.

Each recipient must provide an amount of money, at least equal to the grant, for the same purpose, except, in a county whose population is less than 55,000, the Division of Tourism may, if convinced that the recipient is financially unable to do so, provide a grant with less than equal matching money provided by the recipient.

6. Coordinate and assist the programs of travel and tourism of counties, cities, local and regional organizations for travel and tourism, fair and recreation boards and transportation authorities in the State. Local governmental agencies which promote travel and tourism shall coordinate their promotional programs with those of the Division of Tourism.

7. Encourage cooperation between public agencies and private persons who have an interest in promoting travel and tourism in Nevada.

8. Compile or obtain by contract, keep current and disseminate statistics and other marketing information on travel and tourism in Nevada.

9. Prepare and publish brochures, travel guides, directories and other materials which promote travel and tourism in Nevada.

10. Publish or cause to be published a magazine to be known as the Nevada Magazine. The Nevada Magazine must contain materials which educate the general public about this State and thereby foster awareness and appreciation of Nevada’s heritage, culture, historical monuments, natural wonders and natural resources.

(Added to NRS by 1983, 1163; A 1989, 553, 1912; 2001, 1962; 2011, 1153, 2940; 2013, 3824)