Hoteliers Seek Subsidy for Belizean Tourists Amid DNR Fee Hike

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — After beginning to feel a decline in the number of tourists arriving from Belize via maritime routes due to the application of a 983-peso charge for the Non-Resident Right (DNR), the president of the Association of Hotels of the Center and South reported that they have requested the State Government to intervene with the federal government to address this issue.

Raúl Andrade Angulo detailed that this request is based on the possibility that, due to the good relationship with the Federal Government, a subsidy for this federal tax could be managed as an alternative that could help mitigate the economic impact caused by visitors from the neighboring country deciding to no longer use the maritime crossing due to the high amount they have to cover for entry.

“The DNR applies only for maritime and air routes, but it is affecting the crossing from San Pedro. On one occasion, a subsidy was obtained, and now we have discussed it again with the authorities. We have even seen this issue with the Governor, and it is pending to find a solution or an alternative because it does make this crossing very expensive, especially for residents of San Pedro who come. Tourists from other places somehow pay it in their access fees, but the case of this crossing is very unique, and that is why the subsidy is proposed,” he said.

He recalled that due to the proximity to Belize, the relationship with the Central American country is key for the economy of the region and Chetumal, so a way must be found to compensate for the 14% increase that the government has made to the DNR through a support scheme for this tourist segment.

While he acknowledged that, as it is a federal right, it cannot have differentiated treatment, he stated that there must be a way to implement an adjustment or even apply a total exemption from this charge for Belizean visitors arriving in Chetumal by sea.

“Due to the proximity and neighborhood with Belize is how we have maintained our economy for many years, with this exchange. It has to be a subsidy because, being a right, a federal tax, it cannot be treated differently for one or another, but a way can be found to obtain a subsidy, as was achieved on one occasion. However, we are talking about the fact that now the 983 pesos hits significantly for a family that visits us, so we request that it be as minimal as possible,” he added.

The hoteliers’ representative elaborated that there is confidence that an agreement can be reached before the number of Belizeans received via this route continues to decrease and the maritime route is at risk of disappearing.