Cruise Passenger Fees Boost Infrastructure & Disaster Relief

Vagner Elbiorn, the General Director of the Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo), has announced a new initiative in which cruise lines will contribute five dollars for each passenger they bring to the state. This money will be used to improve local destinations and could potentially be used for disaster relief in the event of extreme weather conditions. Elbiorn clarified that this is not a tax, but a contribution to a trust fund.

The five-dollar contribution will be matched by the government, creating a fund that is expected to accumulate up to 80 million dollars annually. Elbiorn explained, "Cruise lines often visit Cozumel and Mahahual. They will only be charged once upon arrival in the state. This is not a tax, but a trust fund to which both parties contribute."

Reaching this agreement was a two-year process involving negotiations with the cruise companies. The government previously received no benefit from the influx of cruise passengers, so this new resource will be vital for enhancing the tourism industry in Mahahual and Cozumel Island.

A Council will be established to oversee the fund, consisting of four directors from the cruise lines, four state government officials, and Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa. The Council will meet every three months, alternating between Quintana Roo and Florida. They will decide how each dollar is allocated, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the experience for cruise passengers in Quintana Roo.

Elbiorn stated that eight cruise lines currently visit the state. The companies, not the tourists, will make the contributions. By April of next year, it is anticipated that there will be sufficient capital for infrastructure improvements.

Furthermore, Elbiorn assured that the fund will be transparent. Thirty percent of the collected fees will be allocated to a natural disaster fund. This will allow the state government to address any emergencies that may arise in Cozumel and Mahahual.