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(a) The Department, through the Commissioner, is empowered and has the duty to:\n(1) promote the United States Virgin Islands as a premier tourist destination in all viable tourist markets through the world;\n(2) collect data, monitor and evaluate the world-wide tourist industry and develop strategies that will make the Territory competitive and desirable as a tourist destination;\n(3) communicate and cooperate with all local tourist or tourist-related businesses to determine their needs and how best to promote the industry;\n(4) develop a high-quality, cost-effective public relations and marketing program;\n(5) gather and distribute statistical information about Virgin Islands tourism, commerce, and industrial development;\n(6) promote the development of environmentally sound industry of all kinds throughout the Virgin Islands;\n(7) regularly survey Virgin Islands' businesses to determine their economic condition and recommend ways and means to assist business and industry to restore and/or maintain a healthy economy;\n(8) coordinate with the other Commissioners, agencies, and organizations to include and promote Virgin Islands culture as part of the tourism experience;\n(9)

tore and/or maintain a healthy economy;\n(8) coordinate with the other Commissioners, agencies, and organizations to include and promote Virgin Islands culture as part of the tourism experience;\n(9) promote understanding of the importance of tourism to the Virgin Islands economy;\n(10) develop strategies for the diversification of the Virgin Islands economy;\n(11) promote the hiring of Virgin Islanders in all business and industry throughout the Territory;\n(12) identify and promote the unique features of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John in tourism advertising;\n(13) develop long term strategies for the successful development of the Virgin Islands' economy;\n(14) prepare an annual budget for all department operations for timely submission to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;\n(15) prescribe rules and regulations, consistent with law, for the administration of the Department and the execution of its powers and duties.