Cozumel’s New Cruise Passenger Fee: What It Means for Your Next Vacation
Travelers visiting Cozumel and Mahahual, Mexico, will soon need to budget for a new $5 fee as part of their cruise expenses.
This fee, set to take effect in early 2025, was announced by Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama and is aimed at boosting the region’s tourism infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The fee will be added for each cruise passenger visiting these popular Mexican ports.
The revenue generated will contribute to the newly established Cruise Tourism Development Fund, which will help fund critical infrastructure projects and disaster relief efforts.
Specifically, 70% of the collected fees will be directed towards maintaining ports, improving roads, and restoring beaches and historic sites, while 30% will be allocated to disaster recovery and preparation, including efforts to better respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Cozumel and Mahahual remain among the top cruise destinations in the world, with Cozumel welcoming over 4 million visitors in 2023 alone.
The new fee is expected to generate between $20 and $25 million annually, helping to ensure long-term sustainability for these vital tourist hubs.
However, it remains unclear whether passengers who visit both ports during the same cruise will be charged the fee once or twice.
Mexico’s cruise industry has continued to grow, with the country expecting 9.3 million cruise passengers and over 3,100 ship arrivals in 2024.
This represents significant growth compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Cozumel leading the way as Mexico’s busiest cruise port.
The new fee will provide vital funding to maintain this rapid expansion while ensuring the safety and resilience of the region.
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