There is a Western Maryland Regional Tourism Bureau in the Council. The purposes of the Bureau are to: develop advertising and marketing programs to disseminate information about the region; stimulate tourism in the region; encourage the development of the region’s recreational areas and facilities; promote business and job opportunities in the region through tourism; develop public awareness of the heritage and history of the region; coordinate and facilitate special events programming for the region; 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 advise the Governor, the Department, and the General Assembly on programs affecting the tourism industry.