# Title 54 — State Government

## Chapter 54-34.4 — Division of Tourism

### § 54-34.4-01. Division of tourism - Director.

The division of tourism is established to foster and promote tourism to, and within, the state
and the full development of the state's tourism resources and to serve as a planning and
coordinating agency for tourism-related programs of the state and the state's tourism partners.
The director shall supervise and control the division of tourism.
### § 54-34.4-02. Duties of director.

The director of the department of commerce division of tourism, within the limits of
legislative appropriations, shall:
1. Implement the state's tourism policy;
2. Prepare and update annually a tourism marketing plan for the promotion and
expansion of tourism in the state which identifies the state's tourism resources,
estimates the impact of tourism on the state's economy, and proposes a marketing
strategy for activities of the division;
3. Work with industry groups to prepare a long-term strategic plan each biennium;
4. Measure and forecast visitor volume, receipts, and related social and economic
impacts;
5. Work with the private sector and local, state, and federal agencies to develop the
state's tourism-related infrastructure, facilities, services, and attractions, including the
state's highways, parks, and historic sites;
6. Organize and coordinate programs designed to promote tourism to, and within, the
state through various means. Those means may include:
a. Print advertising in magazines, newspapers, and direct mail;
b. Advertising on radio, on television, online, in displays, or using other advertising
media;
c. Publishing pamphlets, brochures, and other graphic and pictorial materials;
d. Designing the tourism side of the state highway map;
e. Aiding and assisting representatives of the media to ensure greater coverage of
the state's visitor attractions, events, and recreational opportunities; and
f. Other marketing activities and events aimed at increasing visitor volume;
7. Work with the department of transportation to improve visitor services along highways
in the state and in state rest areas;
8. Develop opportunities for professional and technical education and training in the
visitor industry;
9. Foster an understanding among the state's residents of the economic importance to
the state of hospitality and tourism;
10. Provide advice and technical assistance to local, public, and private tourism
organizations in promoting and developing tourism; and
11. Monitor the policies and programs of state agencies that significantly affect the visitor
industry, notify those agencies of the effects of their actions on travel to, and within the
state, and if necessary recommend programs or policy changes to those agencies.
### § 54-34.4-03. State tourism policy.

1. The legislative assembly declares that:
a. This state is endowed with scenic beauty, historical sites, cultural resources, local
festivals, attractions, recreational facilities, and a population whose ethnic
diversity and traditions are attractive to visitors;
b. Tourism contributes to economic well-being by creating job opportunities,
generating revenues for local businesses, and creating new wealth in the
economy;
c. Tourism instills state pride and a sense of common interest among the state's
residents;

d. Tourism enhances the quality of life and well-being of the state's residents by
affording opportunities for recreation, new experiences, and relief from job stress;
e. Tourism advertising and marketing improves the image of North Dakota and helps
educate and create awareness among residents and visitors alike;
f. Tourism promotes international understanding and good will, and contributes to
intercultural appreciation;
g. The development of a strong and competitive state visitor industry depends upon
the availability of trained personnel, necessary infrastructure, and a receptive
climate for tourism investment; and
h. A comprehensive tourism policy is essential if tourism in the state is to grow in an
orderly manner.
2. The legislative assembly declares it is the policy of this state to:
a. Promote and encourage the orderly growth and development of tourism to, and
within, the state;
b. Promote the availability of reliable public highways and transport services
between the state's principal tourism destinations and the main
tourism-generating markets;
c. Promote a sense of history in the state's young people by encouraging family
visits to state historic sites, and promoting the preservation and restoration of
historic sites, trails, buildings, and districts;
d. Promote the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the American people
by encouraging outdoor recreational activities within the state;
e. Facilitate tourism to, and within, the state by developing an essential tourism
infrastructure, providing investment incentives to tourism businesses, and
encouraging city and county officials to plan for tourism needs and capitalize on
local tourism resources;
f. Encourage the holding of conventions, trade shows, and expositions throughout
the state;
g. Take measures to protect wildlife and natural resources in the preservation of
geological, archaeological, and cultural treasures in tourist areas;
h. Encourage, assist, and coordinate when possible the tourism activities of local
and area promotional organizations and tribes;
i. Provide hospitality training opportunities for frontline employees and provide
resources to law enforcement personnel, border security, transportation security
administration officials, and all state employees to assist, whenever possible, the
tourism industry in helping visitors enjoy their North Dakota experience; and
j. Ensure that the tourism interest of the state is considered fully by state agencies
and the legislative assembly in their deliberations; and harmonize to the
maximum extent possible, all state activities in support of tourism with the needs
of the general public, the political subdivisions of the state, and the visitor
industry.
### § 54-34.4-04. North Dakota motion picture development office - Advisory board.

Repealed by S.L. 2009, ch. 480, § 16.
### § 54-34.4-05. Copyright and trademark.

The director of the department of commerce division of tourism may obtain copyright or
trademark protection for anything that may be used to promote the policies listed in section
### § 54-34.4-03. The director may license and charge a fee for photographs and logos and anything

with copyright or trademark protection.
