Overview

• Mexico's Congress has approved a $42 fee for every cruise passenger, effective January 2025, removing an exemption for those considered 'in transit.'
• Two-thirds of the revenue generated by the fee will go to the Mexican army, with only one-third allocated to port improvements.
• Tourism and cruise industry leaders warn the fee could make Mexican ports among the most expensive in the world, reducing competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations.
• The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association predicts potential losses of up to 10 million passengers and 3,300 ship calls in 2025 due to the fee.
• Mexican officials defend the measure as necessary for addressing budget deficits, while some local tourism representatives express concerns over limited benefits to communities.