US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

      Subject to the approval of the Secretary, the Board shall:

            (1)      Draft and implement:

                  (i)      A 5-year strategic plan for the promotion and development of tourism in Maryland; and

                  (ii)      An annual marketing plan consistent with the strategic plan;

            (2)      Submit to the Maryland Economic Development Commission for its review the 5-year strategic plan and annual marketing plan;

            (3)      Establish an annual operating budget consistent with the marketing plan;

            (4)      Protect, preserve, promote, and restore the natural, historical, scenic, and cultural resources in the State;

            (5)      Encourage the development of new tourism resources, products, businesses, and attractions in the State;

            (6)      Facilitate the movement and activities of tourists to, from, and within the State through signs, information aids, and other services;

            (7)      Improve the safety and security of tourists in the State;

            (8)      Encourage and facilitate training and education of individuals for jobs in the tourism industry, and provide a healthy environment for the development of human resources in tourism businesses;

            (9)      Encourage residents to pursue careers in the tourism industry;

            (10)      Produce a climate conducive to small tourism business growth and viability;

            (11)      Review existing and proposed taxes, fees, licenses, regulations, and regulatory procedures affecting tourism and tourism businesses in the State and evaluate their impact on the ability of the tourism industry to create employment and generate income;

            (12)      Support the conducting of research necessary to evaluate, plan, and execute effective tourism programs;

            (13)      Cooperate with other public and private agencies and organizations in the development and promotion of the State's tourism and travel industries;

            (14)      Encourage, assist, and coordinate the tourism activities of local and regional promotional organizations;

            (15)      Publish and submit to the Commission and the Secretary an annual report and other material that the Board considers appropriate;

            (16)      Set policies regarding the expenditures of appropriated and other funds for tourism advertising, written and graphic materials, cooperative and matching promotional programs, and other tourism and travel developmental and promotional activities for the State; and

            (17)      Spend funds of the Maryland Tourism Development Board Fund for the planning, advertising, promotion, assistance, and development of tourism and travel industries in this State.