Mexico.- Francisco Madrid, director of the Center for Advanced Research in Sustainable Tourism (Starc) at Anáhuac University in Cancún, warned that increasing taxes on tourism could undermine Mexico’s competitiveness, particularly against destinations like the Dominican Republic.
Madrid raised concerns over new taxes imposed on travelers, including those arriving by air or cruise, as well as fees for visiting archaeological sites, protected areas, and engaging in recreational activities. He argued that these additional costs create a significant burden on the tourism sector.
While acknowledging the need for taxes to mitigate environmental impacts, Madrid cautioned that the growing tax load could push tourists to other destinations that do not impose similar fees. He emphasized that competitors like the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas are investing heavily in promotion and maintaining competitive pricing, posing a potential risk to Mexico’s tourism industry.