2.2-2315 - Short title; declaration of public purpose; Authority created. - Virginia Statutes

§ 2.2-2315. Short title; declaration of public purpose; Authority created.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Virginia TourismAuthority Act.

B. The General Assembly finds and declares that:

1. There exists in all geographical regions of the Commonwealth a plethora oftourist attractions, including cultural, historical, commercial, educational,and recreational activities, locations, and sources of entertainment;

2. Such tourist attractions are of potential interest to millions of peoplewho reside both in and outside the Commonwealth;

3. Promotion of tourism in the Commonwealth is necessary to increase theprosperity of the people of the Commonwealth;

4. A state tourism development authority is therefore necessary to stimulatethe tourism segment of the economy by promoting, advertising, and marketingthe Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and by coordinating other privateand public efforts to do the same; and

5. The film industry is a legitimate and important part of economicdevelopment in the Commonwealth.

The General Assembly determines that the creation of an authority for thispurpose is in the public interest, serves a public purpose and will promotethe health, safety, welfare, convenience or prosperity of the people of theCommonwealth.

C. The Virginia Tourism Authority is created, with the duties and powers setforth in this article, as a public body corporate and as a politicalsubdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority is constituted a publicinstrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions, andthe exercise by the Authority of the duties and powers conferred by thisarticle shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essentialgovernmental function of the Commonwealth. The exercise of the powers grantedby this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitantsof the Commonwealth and the increase of their commerce and prosperity. TheAuthority may do business as the "Virginia Tourism Corporation," and anyreferences in the Code of Virginia or in any regulations adopted thereunderthat refer to the Virginia Tourism Corporation shall, whenever necessary, bedeemed to refer to the Authority.

(1999, cc. 852, 881, §§ 2.1-548.53, 2.1-548.54, 2.1-548.56; 2001, c. 844.)