1. (a) There is a Western Maryland Regional Tourism Bureau in the Council.

2. (b) The purposes of the Bureau are to:

   1. (1) develop advertising and marketing programs to disseminate information about the region;
   2. (2) stimulate tourism in the region;
   3. (3) encourage the development of the region's recreational areas and facilities;
   4. (4) promote business and job opportunities in the region through tourism;
   5. (5) develop public awareness of the heritage and history of the region;
   6. (6) coordinate and facilitate special events programming for the region;
   7. (7) serve as a liaison between the region's tourism industry, the Governor, the Department, other units of State government, private organizations, and the General Assembly; and
   8. (8) advise the Governor, the Department, and the General Assembly on programs affecting the tourism industry.

Added by Acts 2008, c. 306, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2008.