Section 5. Eligibility requirements for tourism promotion
agencies.
(a) Guidelines.--
(1) To qualify for a grant under this section, a tourism
promotion agency must meet all eligibility requirements as
set forth in the tourism promotion grant program guidelines
adopted by the department under this act.
(2) The department shall publish annually in the
Pennsylvania Bulletin a description of eligibility
requirements and guidelines.
(b) Criteria.--The criteria for eligibility established by the tourism promotion grant program guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, requiring the tourism promotion agency to demonstrate:
(1) The existence of sufficient tourism assets, such as
lodging, service businesses and tourism attractions.
(2) The capability, through a combination of staffing
and contractual support, to carry out essential marketing
functions, such as:
(i) An interactive Internet website.
(ii) A strategic tourism marketing plan.
(iii) Comprehensive fulfillment services.
(c) Notification and appeal of determination of noneligibility.--If the department determines that a tourism promotion agency is ineligible for tourism promotion grant program funding, the department shall provide the tourism promotion agency with a written explanation of such determination.
(d) Appeal of decision.--A decision of ineligibility may be appealed to the secretary, whose decision shall be final. The appeal must be filed in accordance with the tourism promotion grant program guidelines to be adopted under this act.