Uncovering Mexico
Jeremy Schwartz is the Mexico correspondent for Cox Newspapers. He is based in Mexico City.What's on this page?
The entry titled "Mexico looking for tourist cash."
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Home > Uncovering Mexico > Archives > 2007 > October > 18 > Entry
Mexico looking for tourist cash
Taking a cruise to Mexico? The Mexican government wants some of your money. Mexico has been pulling out the stops in order to generate more tax revenue and the latest targets are tourists.
The government doesn’t want much mind you: just about $5 every time a tourist gets off a cruise ship and steps on Mexican soil. But the numbers add up: more than 6 million people took cruises to Mexico last year. The new law, passed by the Mexican Congress this afternoon, also calls for an airport tax of just less than $5 for anyone hopping on a flight out of the country.
Comments
By Pro
October 18, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Both good ideas. User-pay is fair.
By evie
October 18, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Hell no, I wouldn’t spend one penny of my oney there…
By James
October 19, 2007 5:45 AM | Link to this
I was surprised earlier this year when I was charged $0.30 to cross into Mexico and $0.25 to leave. I’m also glad the new entry fee wasn’t in effect last year - I was one of the people who cruised to Mexico!
Mexico needs to step up internal reform of its revenue system and anti-corruption measures instead of looking to foreigners for funds.
By Ron Mader
October 21, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this
Tax revenue is one idea. If cruise ships are not taxed, the outcome is extensive use of local infrastructure without adequate payment.
Do we have reliable stats? It would be great to see some reports from independent observers about the amount of money that stays in the local economy, that stays in Mexico from international visitors.