§ 13-728

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

(b) The purposes of the Bureau are to:

(1) develop advertising and marketing programs to disseminate information about the region;

(2) stimulate tourism in the region;

(3) encourage the development of the region’s recreational areas and facilities;

(4) promote business and job opportunities in the region through tourism;

(5) develop public awareness of the heritage and history of the region;

(6) coordinate and facilitate special events programming for the region;

(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) advise the Governor, the Department, and the General Assembly on programs affecting the tourism industry.