SECTION 1:  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, upon written petition of 51% of hotel owners or their designees, and approval of the governing body of the municipality where such hotels are located, a municipality, or group of municipalities, may establish a Tourism Destination Marketing District.  Hotels located in a municipality which has approved joining a Tourism Destination Marketing District shall be assessed fee on room occupancy for the purpose of the promotion and marketing of tourism and related economic development, which shall be predetermined and contained in the petition approved by the municipal legislative body.  The fee shall be collected by the treasurer or collector of the municipality in which the hotel is located and held in an interest bearing account.

SECTION 2:  A management entity shall be designated for each Tourism Destination Marketing District by written approval of 51% of the hotel owners or their designee located in the district.  The management entity shall be listed on the petition for approval delivered to the municipal governing body.  Only an entity currently operating as a designated Regional Tourism Council shall be eligible to act as a management entity for a Tourism Destination Marketing District established pursuant to this act.

SECTION 3:  On a monthly basis each municipality participating in a Tourism Destination Marketing District shall disburse the funds collected pursuant to this act, along with accrued interest, to the designated management entity for the purpose of promotion and marketing of tourism and related economic development within the Tourism Destination Marketing District.