A 27-year-old male shooter, identified as Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, attacked a group of tourists at the Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the edge of Mexico City, on 20 April, shooting at them from atop one of the ancient monuments.

One person, a Canadian visitor, was killed, and 13 others were injured. Twelve were hospitalised, numbering six US citizens, three Colombians, two Brazilians, and one Russian. The victims ranged in age from six years old to 61. The gunman is also reported to have killed himself. He was found to have been carrying a gun, a knife, and ammunition.

Noting that the attack was premeditated, State Prosecutor Jose Luis Cervantes Martinez told the press that Ramirez had “made preliminary visits on multiple occasions to the archaeological site, stayed in hotels near the site ahead of time, and from there planned his violent acts.”

Officials said the shooter appeared to have been “inspired” by mass shootings in the US. Mexico’s homicide rate usually averages four times that of the U.S. Though both countries have seen a decline in gun violence, according to 2025 data, Mexico reported over 25,000 homicides, a rate of 15–19 per 100,000, which was three times higher than the US.

The US, meanwhile, faces its own concerns over the treatment of visitors, amid heightened border enforcement actions that have seen countries around the world issue travel warnings to their citizens. The unwelcoming atmosphere is cited as part of the problem behind falling tourist arrivals in the States—a phenomenon some have dubbed the “Trump Slump.”

I have been following with deep concern and sadness the shooting that occurred today in Teotihuacán, which resulted in tragic loss of life and multiple injuries, including of several U.S. citizens. We stand ready to support as needed as Mexican authorities continue their…

— Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) April 21, 2026

Following the Mexico shooting and ahead of one of the world’s major sporting events, Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, called for increased security and gun control at tourist destinations. “Evidently, we need to tighten security,” she said, explaining: “We need to have better security to make sure someone can’t enter an archaeological site, a tourist site, with a firearm.”

The national Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, has confirmed orders to “immediately strengthen security” at tourist sites, including an increased security presence, more checks and better surveillance to help “identify and prevent any threats.”

Lo ocurrido hoy en Teotihuacán nos duele profundamente. Expreso mi más sincera solidaridad con las personas afectadas y sus familias. Estamos en contacto con la embajada de Canadá.

He instruido al Gabinete de Seguridad a investigar a fondo estos hechos y brindar todos los… https://t.co/ceBDNjKxDv

— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 20, 2026

Those moves come on top of already strengthened security across the country, and particularly in Guadalajara province, which has experienced violence and social tensions in recent months. Measures include the deployment of 100,000 law enforcement officers and 2,000 military vehicles, plus aircraft and drones. Security perimeters have been established around key hubs and stadiums.

The FIFA World Cup is due to kick off in Mexico on Thursday, 11 June 2026 pitching the host nation and South Africa against each other at Mexico City Stadium, and the Korea Republic versus Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara in Jalisco. In total, the country is set to welcome 13 matches across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

The Teotihuacan pyramids were due to host night-time illuminations to coincide with what is one of the world’s most attended sporting fixtures.

L’article Mexican president calls for tighter World Cup security following deadly tourist shooting est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The instability comes as a blow to tourism in Jalisco, a state described by Lonely Planet as “quintessential Mexico” and considered the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. State capital Guadalajara boasts UNESCO-recognised colonial architecture, while coastal towns such as Puerto Vallarta offer cobbled streets, palm-lined beaches, and some of the best diving on the Pacific.

Reports of shooters blocking highways and setting cars on fire have prompted officials in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to update travel advisories for the region, urging people to shelter in place and exercise caution.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office said: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.”

The guidance continues: “Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.” Later, a clarification recommended “intercity road travel during daylight hours” for essential trips.

The message has been echoed by Global Affairs Canada, which flagged that the situation  “could deteriorate rapidly.” Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told press on 23 February that the “safety and security of Canadians abroad remains our top priority.”

Puerto Vallarta airport said in a statement on X a day earlier that “all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been cancelled. We urge passengers and users to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by airport personnel at all times.” The statement explained: “The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.”

@shortformclipr People currently rushing for cover in Guadalajara airport, amid a recent security operation #guadalajara #airport #safety #mexico ♬ original sound – shortformclipr

Many of Mexico’s resorts are over 1,600 km away from the affected areas and US state department officials have pointed out that the security “situation has returned to normal” in the states of Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), Colima, Guanajuato, Estado de Mexico, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.

Observers will be monitoring the situation carefully as the US and Canada prepare to co-host the FIFA Men’s football World Cup later in 2026 with Mexico. Guadalajara is set to welcome four matches.

(1/4) Following consultation with the Government of Canada and Mexican authorities, we will resume full operations from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, February 24. Operations from Toronto to Guadalajara will resume on Feb. 25.

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 24, 2026

With current travel advice stopping short of a travel embargo, unless their trips are planned to the directly affected area, holidaymakers who wish to cancel will need to check the terms and conditions of their booking, carrier, and any insurance to find out what their options are.

American Airlines, Delta, and United are all currently offering fee waivers for reservation changes, while Air Canada, which has a large number of would-be passengers in Jalisco, said it would resume flights between Toronto and Guadalajara on 25 February, along with WestJet and Air Transat. Airports elsewhere in Mexico are reportedly operating as usual—albeit with the potential for high demand due to the knock-on effects of the Jalisco cancellations.

L’article Is it safe to travel to Mexico? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Mexico first restricted vaping imports in 2020, before moving in 2022 to ban the sale and importation of e-cigarettes. However, enforcement lagged after parts of earlier restrictions promoted by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador were overturned by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.

Although an amendment passed in January 2025 addressed the legal framework, a major loophole remained as the country lacked practical enforcement mechanisms, allowing devices to continue entering Mexico from the US and China for local sale. 

This final hurdle has now been removed. While previous regulations mainly focused on sales, the new legislation criminalises the import of vaping devices or related products, effectively eliminating the ‘personal use’ defence.

The ban covers disposable and refillable vapes, pods, e-liquids, and even nicotine-free devices. It targets every stage of the supply chain, including accessories and refills.

What you need to know about vaping #TobaccoExposedpic.twitter.com/uXPCrFrOhJ

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 2, 2023

Tourists are therefore advised against travelling with vaping devices, as they risk fines of around €400 and possible detention. Separately, vaping and smoking in public spaces have been banned since 2023, as have tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. This carries a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos (approximately €150).

In a statement, Mexico’s current head of state, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, said that the law would penalise ‘all activities related to electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and other similar electronic systems or devices specified by law’. She added that measures targeting toxic substances, chemical precursors, and synthetic drugs also form part of broader public health efforts.

With the FIFA World Cup scheduled for June and July 2026, millions of football fans are expected to travel to Mexico. In order to avoid confusion and prevent visitors from unknowingly breaking the law, the head of Mexico City’s government, Clara Brugada, has announced a major information campaign to clarify ‘what can and cannot be done in the city’.

But the responsibility does not lie with the Mexican authorities alone. Knowing that thorough bag checks are to be expected during the World Cup, countries sending large numbers of fans should also ensure that travellers are properly informed before they depart, to avoid them going to watch a match and returning home with a hefty fine or worse.

The ban also applies in cruise ports. Passengers caught with vaping devices while ashore may be charged with illegal importation, even if the device is intended for personal use. Penalties may include confiscation of the device, fines of up to $12,500 (€10,500) or even imprisonment. Therefore, cruise passengers are advised to leave vaping devices in their cabins when going ashore.

As something with pretty intense respiratory issues, I’m a HUGE fan of Mexico banning cigarettes and vapes pic.twitter.com/eFqQ6awjAh

— Coffee Master Caitie (@Caitiebear13) February 6, 2026

While Mexico is not the first country to adopt strict anti-smoking measures, its approach may be among the toughest. Last year, France expanded outdoor smoking bans around beaches, parks and schools, while the Maldives introduced legislation banning tobacco use for anyone born after 2007.

Elsewhere, Belgium is planning to introduce a nationwide ban on smoking and vaping in public areas such as terraces and designated smoking rooms. Spain is also moving in that direction, having approved draft legislation in September 2025 to ban smoking and vaping in many outdoor public spaces. If adopted, the proposal could come into force by spring 2026, but it still requires parliamentary approval.

L’article Mexico bans vape sales and warns tourists to leave e-cigarettes at home est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located on the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, the Baja California Sur state has long been a tourist favourite, known for its luxurious resorts in Los Cabos, its stunning beaches by the Sea of Cortez, and its overall natural beauty.

In July 2025, the state’s government announced it would be introducing a visitor tax, known as the ‘Embrace It’ levy, payable by all those staying for over 24 hours – except Mexican citizens and children under 12. Tourists were asked to pay through the official platform and to present proof of payment (by means of a QR code) at the entry and exit points of the Baja California Sur state.

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When it was introduced, the tax amounted to $470 MXN (€22.91), money aimed at preserving the natural environment, aiding the local community, and improving local tourism infrastructure. Funds were distributed over different sustainable projects, including some protecting the coral reefs and others developing eco-tourism education. As of 1 January 2026, just six months after its introduction, the levy has been raised to $488 MXN (€23.72).

“We are very satisfied with the acceptance that Embrace It has had among international visitors. The aggregate data confirm an orderly pattern, with payments made in advance, greater activity on weekdays, and stays with well-defined patterns. This reinforces the responsible tourism approach promoted by Baja California Sur”, said Hugo Chapoy Córdova, Director of Revenue at Tourist Tax México, according to the Mexican Press Agency.

@discovery + : @Matthew Kaplan Dive into the heart of the Sea of Cortez to experience the iconic mobula ray aggregation where rays gather in groups by the thousands. Each year in late Spring mobula rays gather in Baja California Sur, Mexico as part of one of the largest migrations on Earth. They come to feed in Baja’s nutrient rich waters, mate, raise their young, and play! #MarineMonday #Baja #MobulaRay ♬ Living In A Haze (Instrumental) – Milky Chance

Tourist taxes in Mexico

While many popular tourist destinations around the world have been introducing visitor levies and tourist taxes over the past few years, Mexico has only just recently started to adopt the practice.

While the country’s federal government had originally planned to start charging cruise passengers a tax of $42 (€35.19) per port docking as of 2025, a hefty reaction from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Mexican Association of Naval Agents (AMANAC) caused them to cancel that decision. The amount was eventually brought down significantly to just $5 (€4.19). The tax applies since July 2025 and will increase annually until it reaches $21 (€17.59) by August 2028.

L’article Popular Mexican tourist destination to increase visitor tax in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since 1 December 2025, the city of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, a coastal destination between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, has been home to a new exclusive experience called VidantaWorld. The new vacation destination designed by Grupo Vidanta aims to elevate the experience staged by entertainment giants and cruise titans.

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A post shared by VidantaWorld (@vidantaworld)

While the boutique, all-suite luxury BON Hotel opened its doors on 1 December, the water-themed Cirque du Soleil production called LÚDŌ, housed in a $200 million, custom-built theatre with a 360-degree aquatic stage and wrap-around aquarium, debuted on 16 December 2025. And after an opening concert by music legend Lionel Richie on 11 December 2025, Michael Bublé will be headlining the first show in the 2026 VidantaWorld Concert Series at VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta on 21 May – marking a year filled with performances by world-renowned artists.

“VidantaWorld isn’t just entering the theme park destination market — we are elevating the guest experience and extending the market beyond families with young kids to better cater to active adults, multi-generational families and premium-minded, discerning couples with high service expectations,” said Michel Beuffe, Chief Operations Officer for VidantaWorld.

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A post shared by Scott Eddy (@mrscotteddy)

An all-generations luxury experience

However, the most surprising part of the Nuevo Vallarta resort is scheduled to open only during the Fall of 2026. The BON (Beauty of Nature) Luxury Theme Park is marketed as the world’s first luxury theme park, featuring “an all-generations experience that blends thrilling attractions, relaxation, elevated service and natural beauty”.

At the moment of writing, industry mainstays P&P Projects, Intamin, Zamperla, Vekoma, Mack Rides, and Brogent are working together on designing the theme park. The offer is set to include coasters, family attractions, and media-driven experiences worthy of international theme parks while also blending in with the luxurious atmosphere of the site.

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A post shared by Vidanta Resorts (@vidanta)

Overall, 23 attractions, 16 shops, and 25 restaurants will be available to visitors. Immersive themed lands, including BON Plaza, Fantasy Gardens, Empire of Light, Land of Legends, and the Cirque du Soleil Zone, will make up the park.

“VidantaWorld truly is ‘the best of all possible worlds’ because soon, families will no longer have to choose between a luxury beach resort vacation, a theme park destination, or a mega yacht experience. At VidantaWorld, you can have it all,” continued Michel Beuffe.

Those who want to enjoy BON Luxury Theme Park from the start will, however, need to book a stay at the Nuevo Vallarta resort, as it will be open only to guests during its first year of existence. According to Grupo Vidant, capacity is intentionally limited to keep waits short and service attentive. Some 3,000 rooms and suites are available at the BON Hotel and other accommodations at VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta.

L’article Mexico to welcome its first luxury theme park in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The goal of the market is to empower the local community through arts and crafts and to serve as a space to offer fresh produce to tourists exploring the Mayan archaeological landmarks situated not far. Located near the iconic Chacchoben ruins and the Kohunlich Archaeological Zone, the market attracts visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences, thereby boosting the visibility and economic opportunities of local artisans.

The project is part of a government-funded program to support and improve underdeveloped Mexican municipalities. Therefore, the market functions as a link between the tourism industry and the needs of the municipality of Nicolás Bravo, with a population of under 5,000.

The design studio organised 50 stalls in 14 enclosed blocks on an 8-metre by 8-metre grid. The roofing structure spans across the whole market, only being interrupted by two green yards at its heart. Brick walkways emerge from beneath the roof and delineate square gardens, mirroring the arrangement of the market stalls.

“The project is a testament to our commitment to a resilient architecture approach, prioritising construction techniques and materials that ensure minimal upkeep throughout the building’s lifespan,” Aidia Studio wrote on their website.

The masonry and concrete of the market are a natural sand colour, which complements the light olive green of the trim and doors. This colour scheme integrates the building with its surroundings by reflecting the tones of the nearby palm trees.

 “This not only reflects our dedication to form-finding for architectural aesthetics and structural integrity but also integrates a biophilic design philosophy, seamlessly blending the structure with its natural surroundings,” the studio further explained.

The Nicolás Bravo market features a sail-like roof, a design style Aidia Studio has used in other projects in Mexico. The studio’s previous work includes a zig-zag metal roof for a sports grandstand and concrete barrel vaults for a community centre, both in Oaxaca. They also created a conceptual design for a train station in Tulum with a curved, shell-like lattice roof. These projects showcase Aidia Studio’s expertise in creating dynamic, context-sensitive structures that blend modern design with regional traditions.

L’article Mercado Nicolás Bravo’s innovative design aims to support tourism and the local economy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In fact, Air Canada, American Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Delta, Discover, JetBlue, Spirit, and United have all reduced, suspended, or failed even to begin services to Tulum.

The phenomenon is partly down to airlines having to estimate demand ahead of any airport inauguration, and not always getting it right. Speaking to US Today, Cirium representative Mike Arnot said: “Airlines will first guess the demand for flights based on the data tools at their disposal, offer a schedule for sale to test their hypothesis, review the results, and add or pare as they see fit.”

@ogbondgirl The Tulum airport is amazing!!!!! Will never fly into Cancun again. We landed and were off the plane, through customs and in the car within 15 minutes!!!! It was empty for arrival and departure. Literally could have gotten there 45 mins before our flight departed. It is a 45 minute drive from Tulum town. You should pre-book a car service (we paid $70 one way) or you can take the ADO buses (affordable, nice and same travel time.) #cancun #cancunmexico #tulum #tulumairport #cancunairport #cancunvacation #mexicotiktok #mexicotravel ♬ оригинальный звук – sophia – user23050639321

If demand is not covering “trip costs, and the opportunity cost of deploying aircraft, crew and fuel,” carriers will “reduce flying from a market or exit altogether,” Arnot explained, noting that “larger carriers will be more conservative.”

In line with that, Air Canada’s Chief Commercial Officer has said bluntly that “the industry added too much capacity to Tulum, and now some airlines are rationalising. We are reducing service there and focusing more on Cancún, which works well for us.” Similarly, Lufthansa’s budget carrier Discover Airlines told Spanish outlet Tourinews: “Tulum airport has a lot of potential, but it always comes down to a combination of factors. For now, we are focusing on Cancun.”

So, why isn’t Tulum living up to expectations? Frequent US government rhetoric about the dangers of Mexico and State Department travel advisory updates about violent crime probably do not help build demand, and some US consumers may be reciprocating the perceived snub from Mexican holidaymakers who have reduced travel to the US, according to official figures. But these answers do not explain why Cancun and other Mexican destinations remain so popular.

Mexico City: Anti-gentrification demonstrations are expected to take place on September 14. At previous demonstrations, protesters vandalized property and threw rocks at people perceived to be foreigners. U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be… pic.twitter.com/Bix6YWwqzO

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 12, 2025

US travel site Travel Off Path notes problems with the unionised taxi firms in Tulum and says the once-affordable retreat has become an expensive “luxury playground” yet lacks the finesse and facilities of, say, Los Cabos on the Baja California Peninsula. Ground transport options are thus problematic, and there is no bypass road, making some road journeys tedious.

For now, a large part of the Tulum question appears to be a mismatch between expectation and reality. It’s a destination long promoted as a laidback haven offering barefoot strolls along aquamarine shores, wild swimming in natural cenote water holes, and adventures among Mayan ruins for the non-conforming, eco traveller. It used to be possible to reach Tulum via a less than two-hour road trip from Cancún, and perhaps that (albeit slight) distance enabled it to retain its charm, with those who made the extra effort aware of what they were heading for and pleased to get there.

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Now, the sudden ease of getting to Tulum by direct flight is at odds with its off-the-beaten-track reputation, making it less appealing to its usual demographic and not appealing enough for others. Some travel guides are promoting alternatives such as Bacalar, Isla Holbox, and Oaxaca instead.

Overall, it seems a period of readjustment and correction may be in order for both Tulum and its guests. After all, the coastline, cenotes, Mayan history, and authentic produce are still there, waiting to be discovered, in between the upscale accommodation, the fine dining, and budget-busting taxi journeys. For those who are still keen, finding a flight might be the main problem.

L’article Why are airlines retreating from Tulum and is it still worth the trip? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As reported by Flightradar24, AeroMéxico’s flight 1631 passed less than 60 metres (200 feet) above the moving Delta plane before touching down on the runway directly in front of it. It is also not known whether the pilot of the landing AeroMéxico carrier saw the outbound Delta plane. The Delta plane had reached a speed of approximately 96.56 kilometres per hour before the pilot stopped it to avoid a collision.

Air traffic control recordings from the accident reveal the Delta pilot reportedly stating, “We are holding on the runways.” Other unknown voices on the recording can be heard exclaiming, “Wow” and “Increíble,” reflecting the shock of the close call.

“Delta will fully cooperate with authorities as the circumstances around this flight are investigated,” the airline said in a statement. “We appreciate the flight crew’s actions to maintain situational awareness and act quickly – part of Delta’s extensive training.”

Moreover, Delta indicated that it had filed reports about the situation with the Mexican aviation authorities and the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board in the United States.

This incident marks Delta’s second reported near-miss within a week. On 18 July 2025, a Delta regional aircraft coming in for landing at Minot International Airport in North Dakota, US made what was described as an “aggressive” manoeuvre to avoid mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber. These events highlight the critical importance of air traffic control coordination and situational awareness.

The Mexico City incident occurred against the backdrop of Mexico’s evolving aviation safety record. In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Mexico’s aviation safety rating, identifying deficiencies in its compliance with international safety standards. This move had restricted Mexican carriers from adding new flights or expanding services to the US, affecting overall operations and schedules. Although the country regained its top-tier “Category 1” status in September 2023—thanks to FAA technical assistance that helped resolve the underlying issues—operational hiccups can still arise.

L’article AeroMéxico jet almost lands on top of Delta plane during take-off in Mexico City est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Under the new rules, all Mexican passenger and cargo charter airlines will have to submit their schedules to the US Transportation Department for an official approval before their flights. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement that the department might deny new flight applications from Mexican airlines if issues related to Mexico City airport decisions from 2022 and 2023 remain unresolved.

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement,” Duffy said, referring to the former president and his transportation secretary. “That ends today. Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the US, our carriers, and our market.”

Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg allowed Mexico to take advantage of America.

Those days are over.

I will deny flights from Mexico if they continue to abuse U.S carriers, raise their costs, and violate a decade-old agreement.

Biden and Buttigieg did NOTHING when the Mexican… pic.twitter.com/8Tv6pe9fDr

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 23, 2025

It remains uncertain how these restrictions will impact the larger trade conflict with Mexico and ongoing tariff discussions. However, according to Fernando Gomez, and independent airline industry analyst, the US aims to establish a strong negotiation position before the 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement.

“The measures announced by the United States government represent a significant impact on the airline industry, with potential repercussions on connectivity, trade flows, and the competitiveness of the sector between both nations,” said in a statement Mexican air transportation chamber Canaero.

Since 2016, the US Transportation Department has sought to terminate the partnership between Delta and Aeromexico. However, the two airlines have resisted, claiming it’s unfair to hold them accountable for the Mexican government’s decisions. They warn that ending their partnership could threaten nearly two dozen routes and jeopardize approximately $800 million in economic benefits tied to tourism and jobs in both countries.

#ICYMI: On Thurs, July 17 at DOT HQ, @SecDuffy brought together Congressional members, infrastructure stakeholders and State DOT CEOs in a first-of-its-kind event to discuss policy priorities for the next surface transportation reauthorization. This nationwide effort will help… pic.twitter.com/8THOx5Oo5A

— Federal Highway Admn (@USDOTFHWA) July 21, 2025

However, the order ending approval of the agreement between the airlines will not come into effect until October. As a result, the airlines are expected to keep challenging the decision.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government has not yet been officially informed by the US about any possible actions targeting Mexico’s airline industry and said that she believes there is no valid reason for such penalties. Sheinbaum also confirmed that there will be no changes to the current flight allocations in Mexico City.

Aeromexico and Delta have not yet commented on the newly implemented regulations.

L’article Trump administration imposes new flight restriction on Mexican airlines est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

At first, the intended fee had been a whopping $42 per person, which caused a strong reaction and discontent in the cruise industry. Many industry stakeholders argued that such a high charge could deter visitors and negatively impact local businesses that thrive on tourism.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and Mexican Association of Naval Agents (AMANAC) urged authorities to revise the potential economic impact and find more balanced solutions, as the fees could make Mexican ports less competitive compared to other Caribbean cruise destinations that would be less expensive to visit. In a letter to Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico, the FCCA claimed that the tax would price Mexico out of the cruise business by making it 213% more expensive than the typical Caribbean port. 

“This proposed tax could also jeopardise cruise industry investments in the country – including billions in planned development and other projects – meant to help rebuild Acapulco, cultivate new Mexican tourist destinations, employ more Mexican seafarers, and provide social programs to help underserved communities in Mexico”, the FCCA’s CEO Michele Paige wrote in the letter.

In response to these concerns, Mexican authorities revised their plan and decided to introduce the measure gradually instead of putting the initial steep fee hike into practice.

The plan is to launch the $5 charge in July 2025, next, from 1 August 2026 to June 2027 it will increase to $10, from 1 July 2027 to July 2028 it will go up to $15, and then by August 2028 the fee will be $21. In order to make it simpler for travellers, this charge will be included directly on the cruise cost and will be collected once per itinerary, so no unexpected payments will pop up while you’re on your trip. 

The money raised from this tax has a potentially big impact, as the levy will be used to fund various government projects, including the Mexican military sector. 

In a statement, the FCCA praised the charge reduction, saying: “We thank the Federal Government of Mexico for working with us to reach an ‘in transit fee’ agreement that safeguards cruise tourism to the country and aims to enhance the benefits for local communities whose livelihoods depend on it”. 

Working together we can accomplish great things for cruise tourism in the Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America. Our esteemed CEO Michele Paige shared her thoughts during the opening reception at #STCGlobal. @SeatradeCruise pic.twitter.com/PWiE8F3ZhD

— FCCA (@FCCAupdates) March 28, 2023

“The cruise industry is a success story for Mexico, contributing roughly $1 billion USD in direct spending to the economy in the past year alone”, stated FCCA and highlighted that “This agreement demonstrates what we can accomplish together to foster opportunities for shared growth and success through ongoing, open dialogue and partnership with Mexico officials”. 

Mexico remains a popular cruise destination with major operators like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Virgin Voyages and others offering a wide range of itineraries throughout the region. Industry experts believe the agreement will continue to drive growth, with the FCCA projecting that over 10 million cruise tourists will visit Mexico in 2025.

L’article Mexico to roll out $5 cruise passenger tax from July 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.