In 1987 Johnston County Commissioners voted to form a tourism organization that would promote Johnston County’s assets to attract and serve visitors. ·A three-percent tax on accommodations was approved to support the new Johnston County Tourism Authority and its promotions. In 2002 an additional one percent tourist tax was levied for the towns of Selma and Smithfield and in 2008 the towns of Benson, Kenly, Selma, and Smithfield began collecting a 2% tax on top of the county-wide 3-percent.

The Johnston County Tourism Authority is a ten-member board appointed as an advisory committee to oversee the entire tourist development tax fund, provide direction on programs and budget, and review the expenditures of the Johnston County Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCCVB) monthly.