The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) expressed its concern on Monday about the tax that cruise passengers (tourists on ships) will now have to pay after the Chamber of Deputies eliminated its exception as part of the Federal Rights Law for 2025.
The measure, which will also be discussed by the Senate of the Republic, would impose a charge of 42 dollars per passenger, which could scare away cruise lines from national ports, favoring destinations in the Caribbean and Central America.
Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco Servytur, stressed that this provision threatens the local economy of port communities in the country such as Cozumel, Mahahual, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Ensenada, Puerto Chiapas, Puerto Progreso and Cabo San Lucas, where cruise tourism represents up to 90% of visitors.
“Local communities are extremely concerned because they would be the most affected by the elimination of the Non-Immigrant Right (DNI) exception, particularly those whose livelihood depends on the income generated by cruise passengers,” said de la Torre, referring to merchants, tourist guides, restaurateurs and artisans.
In addition, the leader of the formal tertiary sector, which represents 4.8 million companies and family businesses in more than 1,857 municipalities, recalled that the income from foreign currency from these travelers reached 498.3 million dollars this year, according to official data.
De la Torre pointed out that the new tax would make Mexican ports the most expensive in the region, with costs 213% higher than those in the Caribbean, according to industry associations.
He also predicted that, if implemented, legal and logistical conflicts would be generated, as well as job losses and the cancellation of investments in port infrastructure.
The leader of Concanaco Servytur explained that in recent meetings with the Ministry of Tourism and Finance of the Government of Mexico, as well as with business chambers, alternatives were proposed to mitigate the adverse effects of the measure.
“We have received requests from local merchants and businessmen through our Chambers requesting that we intervene before the competent federal authorities (…) and we trust that the measure will be extended,” said De la Torre.
The business leader urged the Government to reconsider the measure and seek consensual solutions that promote tourism, instead of discouraging it.
“Tourism is one of the main sources of income for Mexico and a window to the world for our natural and cultural wealth. Investing in its continued and sustainable development is a priority that we must promote from the different sectors of society,” he stressed.
Now, the proposal will be discussed in the Senate, while voices are growing calling for its suspension or modification to protect the economy of regions dependent on tourism.
TYT Newsroom
