Quintana Roo businesses oppose 35.8% increase to tourist tax

Business leaders and legislators in Quintana Roo are protesting a proposed 35.8 percent increase to the Non-Resident Right (DNR) included in Mexico’s 2027 Economic Package. The proposal seeks to raise the fee from 983 pesos to 1,334.80 pesos per foreign visitor.

Representatives from the tourism sector, including the Mexican Association of Businesswomen (AMEXME) Riviera Maya chapter, warned that the hike could diminish the competitiveness of the Mexican Caribbean against other destinations. They noted that the increase comes amid existing challenges, such as reduced air connectivity, security concerns, and the impact of sargassum.

Senator Mayuli Latifa Martínez criticized the move, suggesting the tax increase serves as a “caja chica” (petty cash) for the Morena party. Meanwhile, hoteliers estimate that a decline in tourism between 2025 and 2026 has already resulted in losses of approximately 6.375 billion pesos, equivalent to over seven days of zero hotel occupancy.

Business groups have met with the Chamber of Deputies to request a technical evaluation of the cumulative tax burden on international travelers and have called for more transparent use of DNR resources to support the regional economy.