The new $18.50 USD charge as the Los Cabos tourism tax is not mandatory to pay according to the Fund for a Sustainable Baja California Sur. In 2016, the state congress approved the fund. An “entry tax” is charged to tourists in some international markets. Unlike an entry tax for visitors to Cabo, this tax will not be a forced contribution.
Not A Mandatory Tax
“Our communications with Los Cabos Tourism indicate the new tax is not mandatory. Rather, it is a contribution, and no visitor will be forced to pay,” said Jack Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays. “We are advising our travelers to Los Cabos this is voluntary and not required.”
- The contribution will be charged directly to tourists.
- Taxes are payable at kiosks located in airports for travelers arriving by air.
- The port authority will be responsible for collecting the tax from tourists who arrive by sea.
- Hotels and other accommodation providers will charge visitors who arrive via land.
Over the years, other popular international tourist destinations have also adopted some form of tourism tax. For instance, the reason for the tax is to combat some of the negative effects of over-tourism. As more people decide to visit well-known destinations the influx can negatively affect local infrastructure.
Expectations
The government said it will implement the Fund for a Sustainable Baja California Sur because funds go to state needs. The support is “to strengthen public safety, health, education, housing, employment, sport, culture, agricultural and fisheries development, and tourism or social infrastructure throughout the state.”
What’s more, the state government is adding 50 employees at airport kiosks for those who want to pay the Los Cabos tourism tax. The employees, according to the website of the Fund for a Sustainable Baja Sur, will be fluent in various languages. Hotels in Los Cabos will have kiosks for assistance, for example.
In addition, a supervisory trust by a committee includes representatives from the government of the state of Baja California Sur.
- The Ministry of Finance and Administration
- The Coordinating Council of Los Cabos
- The General Secretariat of the Government
- The Los Cabos Tourism Trust
- The Los Cabos Hotel Association
- The Chamber of Commerce
- Local community industries, schools, and universities of the five municipalities of Baja California Sur
- The Ministry of Tourism, Economy and Sustainability
- Many others…
Conclusion
As a result, the Baja California Sur government expects to raise 490 million pesos (US$25.6 million), annually. Yet, nearly eight in ten advisors said they didn’t want to travel to Mexico simply due to the additional tax. The aforementioned statement is according to Travel Market Report’s “2019 Outlook on Mexico.” However, most travelers are not actually aware that it is a voluntary tax.
For more information or for any questions, please contact our team today about the voluntary Los Cabos Tourism tax.
