The director of the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), Michele Paige, warned this Thursday that the tax of $42 per passenger on cruises visiting Mexico, approved by Congress, could have a “devastating” effect by turning the country into an uncompetitive destination.
In an interview with EFE, Paige stressed that this measure, which would come into force on January 1, has generated great concern in the industry, which contributes a significant economic impact to Mexican tourism.
“It took us completely by surprise, they told us that, in less than a month, they were going to impose a tax of $42 per person, per passenger,” said the head of the FCCA, explaining that officials did not consult the sector or They notified him in advance.
According to the association, which leads 23 firms such as Disney, Royal Caribbean, Windstar, among others, a family of four would have to pay an additional 200 dollars in taxes alone, which would increase the total costs for tourists and discourage their choice of Mexico as a destination.
The impact of cruises
Paige highlighted that cruises are key to tourism, with a direct impact of 1 billion dollars annually and more than 20,000 jobs.
According to the FCCA, transit passengers spend an average of $90 per person in the communities they visit, while crew members contribute an additional $60.
In addition, he indicated that six out of 10 passengers indicate that they return later for extended stays.
“Mexico is very important for the cruise industry. We have always been very good partners, working diligently with the states, with the cities, with the federal government. “I think we are at a historic high in terms of our relations with Mexico,” stated the president of the FCCA.
The board pointed out that this tax places Mexico at a disadvantage compared to other destinations in the Caribbean and North America.
He detailed that Mexican destinations such as Cozumel already charge a similar tax of almost $28.86, while in Mazatlán it amounts to $16.08.
These figures would increase to almost 71 and 58 dollars, respectively, after the 42 dollars were endorsed in the Federal Rights Law 2025 and which has already received approval from the Chamber of Deputies and will now be discussed by the Senate.
Meanwhile, he highlighted that other ports such as Grand Cayman, in the Cayman Islands, only charge fees of $24.25; Saint Thomas, in the United States Virgin Islands, requires $14.39, or Saint Martin in California, $16.
Therefore, he explained that this “unilateral” additional charge will make cruise tourism in Mexico 213% more expensive than in an average Caribbean port, which in practice leaves Mexican ports out of the market.
Likewise, he warned that the majority of 2025 cruises are already booked and paid for, and companies are not willing to force their clients to visit destinations where they will unexpectedly face new tax burdens.
Despite the uncertainty, the FCCA reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the Mexican Government in search of a mutually beneficial solution.
“We’ve been begging everyone to let us get in touch with the people in the federal government, so they can talk to four of our CEOs and form a committee,” he said.
With information from EFE.
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