Cabo San Lucas is preparing for a significant increase in cruise arrivals in 2025, driven by a recent reduction in the cruise tax and an expanded summer visit schedule. This follows the Mexican government’s decision to reduce the cruise tax from $42 to $5 per passenger after negotiations with the cruise industry. Over the years, the tax will gradually increase.
Cruise tourism provides a substantial economic boost, and this tax adjustment helps Cabo San Lucas remain competitive in the cruise circuit, promising a record-breaking year for visitor numbers.
Cruise Arrivals and Economic Impact
In 2023, Cabo San Lucas welcomed 735,686 cruise passengers, with numbers slightly decreasing in 2024. However, the forecast for 2025 is much brighter, with an expectation of over 800,000 cruise visitors by year-end. One major factor contributing to this increase is the enhanced capacity of visiting cruise ships, as key industry players plan more frequent stops.
- Eight cruise lines, including prominent ones like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, are scheduled to bring a diverse array of ships to Cabo San Lucas.
- These ships collectively can host over 70,000 passengers, significantly contributing to the anticipated increase.
- Noteworthy arrivals include Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, underscoring the growing interest and investment in the region.
The increased cruise traffic brings substantial economic opportunities for the Baja California Peninsula, reinforcing Cabo San Lucas’s vital role in the Mexican Riviera’s tourism scene.
For more information, you can read the full article on Mexico News Daily.
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