Senator Ayala proposes to eliminate Tourism Tax for foreign visitors arriving to Mexico

ALFREDO AZCARATE VARELA
THE BAJA POST/EDITOR

Senator Armando Ayala Robles proposed to eliminate a tax which Mexico´s Government charges on every tourist arriving at our country’s ports, has been an inhibitor of more visitors coming to Baja California, as well as the rest of the country, thus stalling the growth of more touristic activity.

The main purpose of Senator Ayala’s proposition is to avoid affecting tourism flow into the state of Baja California, it was a very relevant point which he brought up during the discussion of the 2025 Economic Package as part of the State´s budget, in a session which took place in the Upper House.

«I have decided to request the Senate Plenary to eliminate Article 8, Section I of the Federal Rights Law 2025, which seeks to establish a charge of more than 800 pesos for each passenger arriving at our ports,» he pointed out.

Senator Ayala emphasized that if this tax is implemented, Mexican ports will become 200% more expensive compared to their Caribbean competitors. Additionally, investments in the tourism sector would be halted.

«In the state of Baja California, the ITM group and Hutchison Ports have considered an investment of more than 24 million dollars, which will have a positive impact on the creation of direct jobs, so I consider it appropriate to eliminate the aforementioned tax,» he finally said.

In 2023, Mexico received approximately 42.15 million international tourists, although this figure is lower than the 45 million tourists recorded in 2019, it represents a significant recovery after the decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, that meant an almost total halt in touristic activity.

Baja California is a vibrant destination with a diverse range of attractions and activities for tourists. Here are some highlights:

1. Tijuana: Known for its cultural vibrancy, Tijuana offers attractions like the Tijuana Cultural Center, the historic Tijuana River Valley, and the famous bullfighting ring. It’s a city that blends modernity with tradition, making it a fascinating place to explore1.
2. Ensenada: This coastal city is famous for its beautiful beaches, wineries, and seafood. Visitors can enjoy activities like whale watching, wine tasting tours, and exploring the scenic coastline.
3. Valle de Guadalupe: Often referred to as the «Napa Valley of Mexico,» this region is renowned for its wineries and vineyards. Visitors can take wine tours, enjoy gourmet dining, and experience the beautiful countryside.

Even when Baja California Governor, Marina del Pilar has said several tines that Mexicali is growing to become a big tourist attraction, there´s no” touristic vocation” in the State´s Capital, it just attracts people who come to the city for business trips in the Maquiladora factories hailing from Japan, Korea, China and the USA mainly.