Background and Key Players
Quintana Roo, a Mexican state renowned for its thriving tourism industry and popular destinations like Cancun, is facing uncertainty due to a proposed tax system called Visitax. The initiative was initially suggested by Governor Mara Lezama, aiming to involve the business sector in collecting this tax from foreign tourists staying in the state’s 138,000 hotel rooms starting in 2026.
Visitax Details
The tax, known as Visitax, is set at 284 Mexican pesos per adult tourist. It was implemented in 2021, but the collection has been disappointingly low, with only about 10% of the projected annual amount being recovered. To address this issue, Governor Lezama’s government proposed that hoteliers withhold and remit the 284 pesos per guest to the Service of Administrative Taxation of Quintana Roo on a monthly basis beginning in 2026.
Hotel Industry’s Concerns
The hotel industry has swiftly voiced its objections to this proposal, engaging in discussions with Governor Lezama and other state government representatives. Despite these dialogues, no definitive agreement has been reached.
Small Hotels’ Specific Challenges
Smaller hotels express concerns about their capacity to handle fiscal collection tasks, which are outside their core business operations. They argue that such responsibilities require infrastructure, human resources, and technical expertise that many small establishments lack. Moreover, they believe this decentralized system creates confusion and friction for visitors, putting Quintana Roo at a disadvantage compared to other Caribbean destinations that are working to reduce burdens on tourists.
Upcoming Decision
The Quintana Roo Congress is set to vote on the Income Law and Budget of Expenditures for 2026 on December 17. The outcome will determine whether the controversial Visitax proposal moves forward, leaving the hotel sector in a state of uncertainty.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Visitax? Visitax is a proposed tax system in Quintana Roo, Mexico, where hotel owners would collect and remit a 284-peso charge per adult tourist staying in any of the state’s 138,000 rooms starting in 2026.
- Why is the hotel sector concerned? Hoteliers, especially smaller establishments, are worried about their ability to manage fiscal collection tasks that fall outside their primary business functions. They also express concerns about the potential negative impact on tourist experience and competitiveness against other Caribbean destinations.
- What is the current status of Visitax? The proposed Visitax system has not been definitively approved, as discussions between the state government and hotel industry have yet to reach an agreement. The Quintana Roo Congress will vote on the Income Law and Budget of Expenditures for 2026, which will decide the fate of Visitax.
