Cozumel’s Central Hotel Association Seeks Tax Relief Under New Leader

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Paola González has taken over as president of the Hotel Association of Central Cozumel, pledging to pursue financial support and tax terms suited to small properties.

The organization represents 25 members who are struggling to cover their taxes and keep their staff on payroll, González said.

She succeeds Teresa González, who led the association for three years. During that time, the leadership focused on promoting the lodging offered by its members and addressing the needs of the affiliated hotels.

The incoming president described the year as a difficult one for the sector because of the financial commitments the properties must meet. She cited payments to federal, state and municipal authorities as well as the costs of maintaining jobs as the main pressures.

González said the new board will reach out to officials at all three levels of government to propose support measures. She questioned why small hotels face demands that, she argued, are on par with those placed on properties with 1,000 rooms, though she did not specify which taxes or regulations she was referring to.

She also proposed coordinating efforts to sharpen Cozumel’s tourism promotion and steer more business to hotels in the town center. The association’s agenda, she said, will combine marketing the destination with a push for measures that match the size and needs of its members.