(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.