(a)

(1) Any group of interested citizens and residents of counties composing a natural planning region of this state and who are residents of counties representing not less than fifty percent (50%) of the total population of the region, but in no event fewer than fifteen (15) individuals, who shall form a nonprofit corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Arkansas Nonprofit Corporation Act, § 4-28-201 et seq., for the purpose of promoting tourist travel and vacation business in the counties composing the natural planning region and whose charters, bylaws, and purposes are in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission or the Department of Parks and Tourism pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter may apply for recognition by the commission as a regional tourist promotion agency under this subchapter.

(2) However, upon approval of the commission, a county in one (1) natural planning region of the state may be included within the area composing a different and adjacent natural planning region if and when experience establishes that the county tourist values are more closely identified with the other natural planning region.

(b)

(1) In addition, any two (2) or more natural planning regions may merge to form a single regional tourist agency to represent the total area of the respective natural planning regions.

(2) However, no more than one (1) nonprofit corporation may be designated as the regional tourist promotion agency for the combined natural planning regions.