Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Puerto Vallarta City Council is evaluating the introduction of an Environmental Fee, a tax applied in other major Mexican tourist areas like Quintana Roo and Los Cabos. The tax, charged per room per night, is aimed at funding environmental projects to support tourism sustainability and address the challenges posed by high visitor numbers.
Similar taxes have been in place in nine Quintana Roo municipalities, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel, since 2019 and in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, since 2022. These areas allocate revenue to infrastructure, public safety, and environmental initiatives such as beach cleaning and waste management. In Quintana Roo, a Citizen Committee also monitors the fund’s allocation to ensure transparency and effective use, which has earned praise from financial agencies like Fitch.
If approved by Puerto Vallarta officials, the fee would be charged per room, per night. The exact amount has not yet been determined, but it is expected to be similar to the rates in other tourist areas. In Cancun, the fee is set at 76 pesos per room per night, while in Los Cabos it is 38 pesos per night. In both cases, the funds help to address the increased demand on public services and environmental maintenance brought by tourism.
If implemented in Puerto Vallarta, the funds collected would be used to address pressing issues such as beach cleaning, waste management, and public safety. A committee, likely made up of city officials and local business representatives, would supervise the use of resources.
While the proposed fee has the potential to generate significant revenue, some concerns have been raised about its impact on tourism. Critics argue that it could deter visitors and negatively affect the local economy. However, proponents of the fee maintain that it is a necessary measure to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region.
The City Council is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to make a decision in the coming months.
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