The Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur) expressed its concern this Monday about the tax that cruise passengers (boat tourists) must now pay after the Chamber of Deputies eliminated its exception as part of the Federal Law of Rights by 2025.
The measure, which will also be discussed by the Senate, would impose a charge of $42 per passenger, which could scare away cruise lines from ports, favoring destinations in the Caribbean and Central America.
Octavio de la Torre, president of Concanaco Servytur, highlighted that this provision threatens the economy of port communities 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.
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In addition, the leader of the formal tertiary sector, which represents 4.8 million companies and family businesses in more than 1,857 Mexican municipalities, recalled that foreign currency income from these travelers reached 498.3 million dollars this year, according to official data.
De la Torre pointed out that the new tax would place ports as the most expensive in the region, with costs 213% higher than those in the Caribbean, according to sector associations.
He also anticipated that, if implemented, legal and logistical conflicts would be generated, as well as the loss of jobs and the cancellation of investments in port infrastructure.
The leader explained that in recent meetings with the Secretariats of Tourism and Finance, 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.
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The business leader urged the Government to reconsider the measure and look for consensual solutions that boost 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 riches. Committing to its continuous 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 grow calling for its suspension or modification to protect the economy of regions dependent on tourism.
With information from EFE
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