Mirroring similar measures introduced in the Riviera Maya, the Jalisco State Congress has approved a 141-peso (approximately US$7) “tourist tax” to be levied on all foreign visitors arriving by airplane or cruise liner.
Puerto Vallarta expects to raise as much as $US14.7 million from the new tourist tax. Critics maintain that collecting the $US7 levy per foreign tourist will be complicated.
The Puerto Vallarta City Council had approved the measure in November last year and immediately sent it to the State Congress. “The proceeds from this tax will be used exclusively to improve local infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of public spaces, improvement of basic services, and beautification of key tourist areas,” a city council press release noted at the time.
Mayor Luis Munguía González added that revenue from the tax is expected to be 200 and 300 million pesos annually. These funds will be allocated to maintaining the city center, the bustling tourist strip, beach clean-ups and waste collection efforts, he said.
Minors under 14 years old, individuals with disabilities, tourist guides, tour operators, airline and cruise ship personnel, and workers in the tourism sector will be exempt from payment. The tax will apply solely to foreign tourists, not foreign residents, either temporary or permanent.
Reports indicate that the one-time fee will be applicable regardless of the length of stay and will remain valid for 365 days from the date of payment. This means visitors will only need to pay once, even if they visit multiple times within a year.
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