Entrepreneurs Push for Fair Cruise Passenger Fees Based on Stay Length

Entrepreneurs in the port sector are advocating for cruise passenger fees to be calculated based on the length of each passenger's stay in the country. This suggestion follows the federal government's recent announcement of a six-month extension to the $42 fee applied to every cruise passenger arriving at Mexican ports.

The entrepreneurs are urging for a fee structure that is proportionate to each visitor's stay duration. Carmen Joaquín, President of Cozumel's Business Coordination Council, is hopeful that discussions between ship companies and the government will recommence in January to negotiate a suitable compromise.

Joaquín argues that the current fee is excessive and its abrupt implementation could disrupt the financial planning and routes of shipping companies. She proposes that the fee should be adjusted according to the duration of a cruiser's stay in the country.

She explained, "The current fee doesn't apply to air travelers who are merely transiting, or to those entering the country by land for up to seven days. We hope to reach an agreement in the upcoming meetings to make the fee proportional to the time cruisers spend in the country."

Joaquín also highlighted the unfairness of the current system, advocating for a solution that maintains Cozumel's status as the top global cruise destination while ensuring the cruise fee is competitive with those charged in other countries.

She proposed that a portion of the fee should be allocated to the municipality where it is generated. This would benefit places like Cozumel, an island with numerous infrastructure, drinking water, and hospital services that need improvement.

"Cruisers only stay in the country for a few hours. Therefore, the fee should be proportional. Currently, each cruiser would be charged 100 pesos per hour the ship is docked at the port, regardless of whether they disembark or not," she stated.

Joaquín also suggested that the fee extension should last until 2025 and proposed a 20% reduction for the 2026 Package. She noted that ports like Cozumel and Mahahual, along with Ensenada in Baja California, Los Cabos in Baja California Sur, and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, receive the highest number of tourists.