Mexico City – Deputy Héctor Saúl Téllez Hernández (PAN) has called upon the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit to grant a 100% tax incentive to foreign passengers arriving in Mexico by cruise ship. This incentive would cover the fees associated with processing their immigration documents.
In a resolution presented to the Permanent Commission, Deputy Téllez emphasized the crucial role of tourism in the Mexican economy, citing its 8.6% contribution to the national GDP, equivalent to 2.5 billion pesos, according to INEGI. He highlighted that as of September 2024, 7 million foreign visitors arrived by cruise ships, generating substantial economic benefits. From January to October 2024, cruise tourism alone brought in $666.1 million USD, a growth of 11.4% compared to the previous year.
Deputy Téllez expressed concern over proposed immigration fees for foreign visitors, arguing that these could deter cruise ship arrivals and negatively impact the Mexican tourism industry. He pointed to the potential for job losses and decreased economic activity in coastal communities that rely heavily on cruise tourism, saying that the industry supports over 20,000 jobs, $200 million USD in salaries, and contributes an estimated $1 billion USD annually in direct spending.
While acknowledging the recent six-month delay in implementing the increased fees for cruise ship passengers, Deputy Téllez believes this measure is insufficient. He advocates for a full-year exemption of the cruise tax to allow businesses and communities to adjust and mitigate the potential negative consequences.
Deputy Téllez’s proposal aims to bolster the competitiveness of Mexican ports and ensure the continued growth and success of the country’s vital tourism sector.
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