Mexico is giving cruise passengers a reprieve on its new tax scheme.

Last week came word that Mexico’s Senate had voted to charge cruise ship passengers US$42 per head, per sailing.

The move, which drew sharp criticism from the tourism industry, was slated to go into effect in January 2025.

However reports now say that there’s been a reprieve, thanks in part to intervention by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and its many member cruise lines.

The new tax measure won’t be implemented until at least July 1, 2025, according to reports.

As noted last week, two-thirds of the money raised would go to the Mexican army, not to improve port facilities. Last week the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents cried foul. “If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the association said in a statement.

Source: Travelweek