Mexico has imposed a tourist tax to deter overcrowding in a popular tourist destination
After Spain, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands, among others, Mexico has also imposed a tourist tax to deter overcrowding in a popular tourist destination, the state of Baja California Sur, located in the southern part of the Californian peninsula.
According to the state officials, travellers heading to popular vacation destinations in the state, notably Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto and Mulegé, are now be required to pay a new tourist tax aimed at supporting local communities and sustainability efforts.
As of July 1, the state has introduced a mandatory tourism levy for international travellers staying more than 24 hours. The fee, of MNX 470 or USD 25 is part of an initiative called Embrace IT.
The state officials say that the revenue collected will help bolster local development, sustainability projects, and destination initiatives that benefit both residents and visitors.
“These funds support public safety, crime victims, health services, employment support, sports, agricultural and fishing development, tourism and social infrastructure, housing, education, and culture in the state,” says a statement by the government.
The new tax applies only to non-residents. Those holding temporary or permanent Mexican residency are exempt. Tourists must pay the fee online and present proof of payment, in the form of a QR code, upon arrival at state entry points, such as airports and highways.
The payment system is managed by Tourist Tax México (TTMx), which has partnered with the digital platform Travelkore to offer a user-friendly way to pay. Travellers can visit either the official Embrace IT website or use a secure payment link provided by Travelkore.
The government says that with the rollout now in effect, travellers to Baja California Sur are encouraged to plan ahead and complete the payment online before their arrival to avoid delays at checkpoints.
"
