### New Regulations Won’t Impact Medical Tourism: TJGringo.com
Tijuana, September 25, 2024 – New regulations imposing the Derecho de Visitante (DNR) fee on foreign visitors will not affect the region’s booming medical tourism industry. The president of Tijuana’s Tourism and Convention Committee (Cotuco), Karim Chalita Rodríguez, reassured the public that most medical treatments in Tijuana require only short stays, thus not obligating visitors to pay the DNR fee.
Chalita Rodríguez clarified that the new fee is only applicable to those staying in Mexico for more than one week. The majority of medical tourists come for short-term treatments, and most leave the city within a few days. “Even in the case of surgeries requiring some recovery time, the cost-effectiveness remains the main draw for patients,” he pointed out.
While procedures like bariatric, cardiac, and neurological surgeries often require longer recovery periods, these are exceptions rather than the rule. “Although it’s unfortunate for those who need to stay longer in recovery homes and are subject to this fee, the overall savings from the medical procedures continue to make Tijuana an attractive option,” Chalita Rodríguez added.
**In-Depth Look: Continuing Discussions on DNR and Its Impact**
### Extended Stays Might Incur Additional Fees
Tijuana’s Tourism Committee continues to navigate the implications of the new DNR regulations. Karim Chalita Rodríguez emphasized that while the majority of elective surgeries are brief, any procedure requiring a longer recovery period, such as complex bariatric, heart, or neurological surgeries, would necessitate paying the DNR fee.
Despite the additional cost, Chalita Rodríguez remains optimistic. He believes the overall savings for medical tourists—considering the affordable medical procedures in Tijuana—offset the additional fees.
### Broader Economic Impact of DNR: Insights from Canaco Servytur
**Economic and Industry Perspectives**
Apart from Chalita Rodríguez’s remarks, local business leaders have weighed in on the broader economic implications of the DNR. The president of Canaco Servytur, a local business group, highlighted concerns that the fee could potentially impact Tijuana’s economy, especially affecting those crossing from San Ysidro.
According to Canaco Servytur, there have been surprising new inspections for travelers crossing from San Ysidro to Tijuana, possibly linked to enforcing the new DNR regulations.
**Policy Discussions and Public Sentiment**
Kurt Honold, in charge of overseeing the application of DNR in the region, reiterated that the fee would continue to be enforced. However, community feedback indicates mixed reactions. While some see the policy as a minor inconvenience offset by savings on medical costs, others worry about its long-term economic impact.
### Future Outlook
As the region adapts to these new regulations, the focus will remain on balancing economic benefits with ensuring minimal disruption to medical tourism. Stakeholders like Cotuco and Canaco Servytur are closely monitoring the situation to advocate for measures that sustain Tijuana’s thriving medical tourism industry while accommodating regulatory changes.
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