“Cruise Passengers Hit with New $5 Tax at Mahahual & Cozumel Ports!”

Starting January 1, 2025, tourists arriving on cruise ships at the ports of Mahahual and Cozumel will be subject to a new five-dollar tax per person. This announcement was made by Eugenio Segura Vázquez, the Secretary of Finance and Planning of Quintana Roo.

The tax is part of a new financial plan aimed at maintaining the hotel zone. The Secretary confirmed this during an interview about the project, which was presented to the state government by Fonatur. The tax will fund a Weather Phenomena Attention Fund, set to be implemented next year. This fund is being established in response to the federal government's recent decision to abolish the National Fund for Natural Disasters (Fonden).

The fund will start with an initial contribution of over 240 million pesos. It is estimated that the new tax on cruise passengers will generate around 400 million pesos annually. The state government will match this amount, resulting in a total of 800 million pesos for confronting natural disasters and enhancing port infrastructure.

Of the total funds collected, 70% will be invested in improving port infrastructure and security. The remaining 30% will be allocated to the natural disaster fund. This fund will accumulate year after year, enabling Quintana Roo to better prepare for weather phenomena such as hurricanes and storms.

Contemplated measures include the establishment of shelters, provision of basic supplies like food and blankets, roof and floor repairs, and financial support for affected businesses. Additionally, the state plans to purchase parametric insurance to protect both government real estate assets and natural resources, such as reefs and beaches.