The Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, in order to make Georgia competitive with other states in securing new business, industry, and tourism, is authorized to expend available funds for the business meals and incidental expenses of bona fide industrial prospects and other persons who attend any meeting at the request of the department to discuss the location or development of new business, industry, or tourism within the state. All such expenditures shall be verified by vouchers showing the date, place, purpose, and persons for whom such expenditures were made. The state auditor shall conduct an audit of such expenditures at least every six months.