A. The Commission, through the Department, is authorized to promote state-owned, leased, or operated facilities. The Department may utilize specific promotion programs such as the provision of complimentary rooms, package-rate plans, group rates, guest incentive sales programs, entertainment of prospective guests, employee-information programs, golf promotional programs as well as other sales and promotion programs considered acceptable in the hospitality industry, in the travel industry, or the regional magazine industry are approved as necessary advertising and promotion expenses.

B. In order to best carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Department and to serve the people of the state in the promotion of tourism and tourism economic development, the Department may enter into partnerships for promotional programs and projects with a private person, firm, corporation, organization or association. The Department may enter into contracts or agreements under terms to be mutually agreed upon to carry out the promotional programs and projects, excluding the advertising contract by the Department which utilizes the Tourism Promotion Tax or acquisition of land or buildings. The contracts or agreements may be negotiated and shall not be subject to the provisions of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act or the Public Competitive Bidding Act of 1974.

C. All contracts or agreements entered into as partnerships for promotional projects or programs by the Department shall be approved by the Commission.

Added by Laws 2005, c. 363, § 22, eff. Nov. 1, 2005.