President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for changes to Mexico’s cruise tourism sector to ensure the country benefits more economically from visiting passengers. During her Friday morning press conference, Sheinbaum addressed concerns that cruise visitors spend very little while in Mexican ports.
According to Sheinbaum, cruise ship passengers typically “bring practically everything” with them, resulting in minimal spending during their brief onshore visits. Former tourism minister Miguel Torruco reported that cruise tourists spend an average of just US $83.90 per person in Mexico.
The president indicated that her administration wants visitors to spend more time in the country and purchase more Mexican products, particularly arts and crafts. Her tourism and culture ministers are working with the National Fund for the Development of Arts and Crafts (Fonart) to make authentic Mexican artesanías more accessible to cruise passengers.
This discussion comes just days after Mexico implemented a new US $5 tax on cruise ship tourists, a significant reduction from the originally proposed $42 levy following intense lobbying from cruise companies.
Regarding the controversial fourth cruise ship dock project in Cozumel, Sheinbaum expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, particularly to coral reefs. After discussions with Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama, the president indicated the project would be reviewed again, noting that “they’re going to end up destroying the tourism appeal of Cozumel if the proposed dock goes over a reef.”
The president also reported a productive meeting with business leaders, including Mexico’s richest person Carlos Slim, where she encouraged increased private investment in the country. Despite U.S. tariffs on Mexican goods, Sheinbaum maintained that “the economy is doing well” and “the peso is strong.”
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