Any group of interested citizens and residents of counties comprising a natural promotion 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 less than fifteen (15) individuals, who shall form a nonprofit corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Law for the purpose of promoting tourist travel and vacation business in the counties comprising the natural promotion region, and whose charter, bylaws and purpose are in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, may apply for recognition by the board as a regional tourist promotion council under this chapter. Provided, that upon approval of the board, a county in one (1) natural promotion region of the state may be included within the area comprising a different and adjacent natural promotion region if, and when, experience establishes that the county tourist values are more closely identified with the other region.