Background on Asetur and its Relevance
The Association of Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico (Asetur) is a crucial organization that brings together state tourism secretaries to collaborate on policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing Mexico’s tourism sector. Comprising 32 states, Asetur plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s tourism landscape.
Common Regulatory Framework for Digital Accommodation Platforms
In preparation for the National Tanguis of Magical Towns, Asetur announced progress towards a common regulatory framework for digital accommodation platforms such as Airbnb. This initiative aims to establish a “level playing field” across all 32 states, following agreements reached during the 64th Assembly of Asetur held recently in San Luis Potosí, where 17 state tourism officials participated.
“We are working on a coordinated model for regulation and tax collection that will enable all states, particularly those yet to implement these mechanisms, to have proven tools for regulating platforms like Airbnb,” said Bernardo Cueto Riestra, president of Asetur and Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo, during a press conference preceding the National Tanguis of Magical Towns.
Regulatory Goals
The regulation aims to strengthen the formality of this activity, ensure effective law enforcement for all tourism operators, and combat informality without stifling technological innovation.
Airbnb reported an economic contribution of 145,000 million pesos, 300,000 jobs, and 37,000 million pesos in labor income in Mexico during 2024. Moreover, its automated retention system for the Hotel Occupation Tax (ISH) in 19 states enabled it to collect 2,200 million pesos between 2017 and 2023.
Additional Developments
The Specialized Commission in Cruise Tourism was also introduced, aiming to consolidate the Mexico Cruise Route through interstate coordination and leveraging the new federal cruise tax to finance tourism infrastructure.
Preparations for the National Tanguis of Magical Towns
The National Tanguis of Magical Towns, scheduled for November 13-16 in Hidalgo, is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of 40 million pesos. Elizabeth Quintanar Gómez, Secretary of Tourism for Hidalgo, mentioned that the event anticipates over 60,000 visitors and will feature participation from Mexico’s 177 Magical Towns, along with Nicaragua as the invited nation.
Event Details
- More than 90 business meetings daily with national and international buyers, including two international OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).
- 29 exhibitors in the Hidalgo Bar dedicated to local producers, with 15 Hidalgo-based coffee, cheese, olive oil, honey, and nopal derivative producers from 13 municipalities.
- Confirmed presentations from 13 states; the traditional medicine pavilion will feature participation from 12 states, including Chihuahua, Estado de México, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Morelos, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, and Yucatán.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Asetur and why is it important? Asetur, or the Association of Secretaries of Tourism of Mexico, is a vital organization that unites state tourism secretaries to collaborate on policies and initiatives enhancing Mexico’s tourism sector.
- What is the purpose of the common regulatory framework for digital accommodation platforms? The goal is to establish a level playing field across all 32 states, ensuring effective law enforcement and combating informality without hindering technological innovation.
- What contributions has Airbnb made to Mexico’s economy? Airbnb reported an economic contribution of 145,000 million pesos, 300,000 jobs, and 37,000 million pesos in labor income in Mexico during 2024. Its automated retention system for the Hotel Occupation Tax (ISH) in 19 states enabled it to collect 2,200 million pesos between 2017 and 2023.
- What is the National Tanguis of Magical Towns and what are its expected outcomes? The National Tanguis of Magical Towns is an event scheduled for November 13-16 in Hidalgo, expected to generate an estimated economic impact of 40 million pesos. It will feature participation from Mexico’s 177 Magical Towns and Nicaragua as the invited nation.
