Section 172 - Powers of the councilThe council shall have the following powers:
1. To identify and review tourism-related issues and current state policies and programs which directly or indirectly affect tourism and travel in the state and, as appropriate, recommend the adoption of new, or the modification of existing, policies and programs;2. To advise the department in its promotion and development of tourism and travel facilities and services in the state;3. To advise the department in the development and implementation of the state's tourism marketing and business development program, including long-range strategies for attracting tourists to the state;4. To advise the department, the governor and the legislature concerning recommended legislation necessary to foster and promote the prosperity, expansion and development of tourism and travel concerns within the state;5. To advise the department, the governor and the legislature concerning existing laws, rules, regulations and practices of state agencies which are counter-productive or inimical to the prosperity, expansion and development of tourism and travel concerns within the state;6. To advise the department, the governor and the legislature concerning the development of inter-governmental cooperation among agencies of the federal, state and local governments and cooperation between private industry and government so as to assure the optimum development of tourism and travel concerns;7. To assist the department in obtaining information necessary for the development and improvement of state policies and programs affecting tourism and travel industries in the state; and8. To recommend ways of ensuring consumer protection for visitors to the state.N.Y. Economic Development Law § 172