Tulum Hotel Association Fights Against Controversial Visitax Tax

The Tulum Hotel Association is urging the State Congress to consider repealing the controversial "Visitax". David Ortiz Mena, the Association's president, argues that the tax is damaging the tourist image of Quintana Roo.

The Visitax was introduced as a fee for foreign tourists to contribute to the maintenance of public infrastructure. However, Mena points out that the collection and auditing mechanisms are inefficient, and there is a lack of clarity about what the tourists are paying for. Furthermore, he says, if tourists don't pay the fee, there are no consequences.

This lack of enforcement creates uncertainty among tourists. Some are unsure whether they should pay the fee, while others are told they may face problems if they return to Quintana Roo without paying it. This is not true, says Mena, and such misinformation is damaging the region's reputation.

The Visitax was introduced in 2021 to help cover budget shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Mena argues that it was poorly conceived from the start and has remained problematic.

Foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo are already required to pay a series of taxes and fees. These include an Airport Use Fee, a Non-Resident Fee, a Multiple Immigration Form fee, a tourist visa (if required), a Lodging Tax, and an Environmental Sanitation Fee.

On top of these charges, tourists are also expected to pay the Visitax, which is approximately $11 USD. Mena suggests that this additional fee is causing confusion and resentment among tourists, some of whom have reported being approached by unknown agents demanding payment.

Mena is urging the State Congress to consider removing the Visitax from next year's fiscal package. He believes the damage it is doing to Quintana Roo's image outweighs any economic benefits it may bring.