## Cruise Ship Passenger Tax Sparks Concerns for Ensenada Tourism
Ensenada, a vibrant city renowned for hosting international cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean, might face tourism challenges with the newly approved tax on foreign cruise passengers. The federal delegate, Jesús Alejandro Ruiz Uribe, warned that the Senate’s decision on December 3 to levy a fee for international visitors could impact the region’s recovering tourism sector.
Ruiz Uribe expressed his concerns, stating, “In Ensenada, this could indeed pose a problem. The cruise industry was just beginning to bounce back following the pandemic, which was particularly tough on us, and there’s still a lot to improve.” His remarks center on the apprehension that tourists might choose to stay onboard rather than paying the 860.5 pesos fee to explore the port city.
Starting January 2025, the reform requires cruise passengers to pay the fee, which was previously waived for short-stay trips such as these. The levy, increased from 717 to 860.5 pesos, also comes with adjustments across various sectors including immigration services, mining, telecommunications, environmental matters, and international waters.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda labeled the measure as a pre-existing tax in the law, yet pledged to engage cruise line representatives alongside Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, to discuss the tax’s increase.
Ruiz Uribe criticized local legislators for not addressing the tax’s implications before its approval. Pointing the fingers at both House and Senate members who represent Baja California, he emphasized the importance of defending regional interests. Meanwhile, opposition senators disclosed that revenue from this tax might be redirected to the National Defense Ministry.
**Secondary Article: Cruise Tourists to Ensenada Face New Challenges**
The Mexican Senate’s approval of the new entry fee for cruise passengers has stirred controversy and concern among stakeholders in Ensenada’s tourism industry. Many fear this decision will deter visitors from disembarking to experience the local culture and contribute to the economy.
Local businesses, dependent on the influx of cruise tourists, worry about the potential decrease in foot traffic. Various tourism operators have voiced concerns that the $45 fee could discourage travelers, impacting their revenue streams. This fee, instituted to align with immigration compliance, has stirred debate on its broader economic impact.
Critics argue that the absence of proper communication and understanding between the legislatures and tourism operators might result in adverse effects on the industry. They advocate for more comprehensive stakeholder discussions to ensure that policies align with the regional economic objectives.
As Ensenada strives to attract tourists post-pandemic, the city’s officials and business owners hope to engage with national authorities in dialogues to assess the long-term effects of this tax adjustment on their local economy.