Mexico City – A recent legislative decision has ignited concern within the Mexican tourism industry. The Chamber of Deputies has approved a change to the Federal Rights Law of 2025, which will impose a $42 USD fee on foreign cruise ship passengers arriving in Mexican ports. However, it is not yet clear whether the fee will be charged multiple times during a cruise with multiple port calls.
While the government seeks to boost tax revenue and tighten immigration control, experts warn of potential fallout for major tourist hubs. The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has raised concerns, cautioning that the new $42 fee could prompt cruise lines to exclude Mexican ports from their routes. This shift could deliver a significant blow to destinations such as Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, which rely heavily on cruise tourism revenue.
In a Nov. 26 letter to President Claudia Sheinbaum, top cruise operators, including Carnival, MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, underscored the risks. “The proposed tax could threaten the cruise industry’s investments in Mexico,” the letter stated. These investments include billions of dollars earmarked for revitalizing Acapulco and developing new tourist destinations.
While legislators argue that the tax will strengthen immigration regulations and boost government revenue, tourism experts caution against the potential consequences. They fear that the fee could diminish Mexico’s competitiveness in the global cruise market, hindering the recovery of the sector following the pandemic.
As the debate continues, the future of Mexico’s cruise tourism industry hangs in the balance. The outcome of negotiations between the government and the cruise industry will significantly impact the country’s position as a premier destination in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
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