(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.