The push to repeal the Visitax in Quintana Roo is gaining momentum among tourism sector leaders who argue that this tax is challenging to enforce and oversee and harms the state’s image with visitors. David Ortiz Mena, president of the Tulum Hotel Association, has voiced the need for Congress to consider eliminating this tax seriously. He highlights the issues surrounding its collection and questions its true benefit for tourists visiting the region.
In an interview, Ortiz Mena explained that Visitax was introduced in 2021 to compensate for budget shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, from the beginning, the tax was poorly structured. The intention behind Visitax is to charge foreign tourists for the use of public infrastructure as they leave the state. However, there are no repercussions for visitors who don’t pay, leading to confusion and anxiety among tourists. Many fear they might face issues on return visits if they don’t pay, a misconception that only adds to the uncertainty.
Ortiz Mena emphasized that international visitors to Quintana Roo already pay multiple fees, including:
- Airport Use Fee (TUA): 620 MXN (around USD $35.99)
- Non-Resident Right (DNR): 558 MXN (around USD $30)
- Multiple Immigration Form (FMM): 687 MXN (around USD $40)
- Tourist Visa (if required): between USD $20 and $60
- Lodging Tax: 5% of hotel rate
- Environmental Sanitation Fee: varies by municipality
To this list is added the Visitax fee of 271 MXN (approximately USD $11), which has received numerous complaints from tourists. Travelers often report being approached by unknown agents who demand the tax, sometimes with payment terminals, causing confusion and frustration. This inconsistent application makes some tourists feel like they have fallen victim to a scam.
Ortiz Mena called on the state congress to reevaluate tax inclusion in next year’s fiscal package, pointing out that it creates more image-related issues for the state than financial benefits.
Promotion and Security in Quintana Roo
On other matters, Ortiz Mena addressed the upcoming participation of Mexico in Madrid’s International Tourism Fair (FITUR), clarifying that Mexico’s status as a guest country rather than a partner has no relation to bilateral ties with Spain. The decision was strictly commercial. Initially, the Association of Tourism Secretariats (ASETUR) proposed Mexico as a partner country, a role that would have cost state governments around one million euros for the event’s space. However, this expense wasn’t feasible, which Ortiz Mena attributes to both budget limitations and a lack of leadership from the outgoing federal Tourism Secretary.
Looking ahead, Ortiz Mena expressed optimism that the new Tourism Secretary, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, will take lessons from this experience, emphasizing the need for robust tourism promotion. “It’s not about returning to old methods but finding new ways to position the country as a global tourism leader. Our competitiveness depends on it,” he affirmed. Mexico is expected to play a prominent role at FITUR in 2025, with a potential partnership role in 2026, offering the opportunity to reshape promotion strategies.
Tulum’s New Safety Initiative
In local news, Ortiz Mena praised Tulum’s new “Tulum Shield” program, introduced by Municipal President Diego Castañón Trejo. This initiative involves five police and military corporations, the state’s Attorney General’s Office, and the private sector.
“We all have a role to play. We can’t just demand security; the business community and citizens must actively participate in this collective effort,” Ortiz Mena stated. The Tulum Hotel Association plans to support this effort by installing security cameras to be monitored by authorities. There is also a proposal to establish an “Auxiliary Police” force dedicated to patrolling the coastal area and providing services through hotels, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
This comprehensive approach aims to bolster Tulum’s security while ensuring a welcoming environment for tourists, balancing growth with enhanced safety and infrastructure. “The Tulum Times” will continue to monitor these developments closely.
