Mexico Postpones Implementation of Cruise Tax

Mexico has delayed until October 1 the implementation of a $5 head tax on each cruise passenger who visits Mexican ports. Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism was going to apply the tax beginning this summer, after the Senate approved it last November.

According to Michelle Paige, president of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association, it was postponed by a decree signed into effect by Mexican President Calderon on June 27. Organizations like the FCCA and its member cruise lines, along with several Mexican ports, are against the tax.

Supporters of the tax said it would generate approximately $30 million a year, 80 percent of which would go toward the infrastructure and maintenance of municipalities with cruise ports.