17. a. All tourism development fees imposed by ordinance pursuant to section 15 of this act, P.L.1992, c.165 (C.40:54D-15), shall be paid to the municipality by the person making the charge that subjects the person or business to imposition of the fee or, in the case of an agent collecting rents on tourism lodging, by the agent making the collection on behalf of the person providing tourism lodging. The fees shall be remitted to the chief fiscal officer of the municipality, and shall be reported on such forms and paid at such times as may be prescribed by ordinance. The ordinance shall provide for the penalties and interest to be paid in the event of delinquency in payment of fees.
b. The amount of all fees paid to a municipality pursuant to this section shall be appropriated annually to the authority established pursuant to section 18 of this act, P.L.1992, c.165 (C.40:54D-18), to be used by the authority to develop, support, promote and advertise events in the district during all months of the year and to enhance the public awareness of those events promoted in the district.