Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

rdf:langString Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

rdf:langString The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is a Cabinet-level agency within the Tennessee state government, headed by the Tennessee Commissioner of Tourist Development, who is currently Mark Ezell. The Department is responsible for attracting 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. 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, and having executive ability. The tourist division is also responsible for managing seventeen welcome centers across Tennessee's interstate highways, from which tourists may make hotel and campground reservations.