1. The Rhode Island Tourism Development Advisory Council is hereby established to develop a strategic plan for marketing and promoting tourism, group tour, and meetings business through a more effective coordination and collaboration of the regional tourism districts, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, and other tourism-related organizations and agencies.

2. The Council shall collaborate with the regional tourism districts to market and promote the use of the Rhode Island Convention Center, Green State Airport, and the growth of tourism to and within the State. The staff of the regional tourism district organizations are encouraged to attend the Rhode Island Tourism Development Advisory Council's meetings.

3. The Council shall explore and research opportunities for the development of tourism-related facilities, attractions, and events that will enhance the state's cultural and recreational product offerings for visitors to all regions throughout the year.

4. The Council shall examine industry needs for training and visitors services and encourage the formulation of tourism business-focused solutions to meet those needs.

5. The Council shall meet quarterly, or more frequently as the Council considers necessary for the completion of its mission.

6. The activities of the Council shall be facilitated by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, which shall provide necessary administrative support and coordination.

7. The membership of the Rhode Island Tourism Development Council shall be comprised of fifteen (15) voting members appointed by the Governor Six (6) members shall be chosen from the following organizations: one member each from the South County Tourism Council; the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council; Newport County Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Block Island Tourism Council; Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau; Warwick Department of Economic Development; such nominees to be selected by the chairperson of those organizations from amongst the private sector in those regional tourism districts; one (l) member from the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, such nominee to be selected by the chairperson thereof; one (l) member from the Rhode Island Airport Corporation such nominee to be selected by the chairperson thereof; two (2) members of the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association/ such nominees to be selected by the chairperson thereof; three (3) at-large members to be appointed by the Governor from the tourism industry, at least on e of whom shall represent a visitor attraction; one (1) member of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation to be selected by the executive director thereof; one (1) ex-officio member who shall be the executive director of the Rhode Island Historical Society. A chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be appointed by the Governor. All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

8. The Council shall make an annual report to the Governor summarizing its accomplishments and those of publicly funded tourism organizations in the state. All tourism districts or other agencies receiving State funs for tourism development and promotion shall be solicited by the Council to report on their activities and use of funds for the effective promotion of tourism in Rhode Island, for the purpose of developing this annual report of tourism performance from the Council.