Tulum Airport Introduces New Environmental Fee for Passengers

New Environmental Sanitation Fee at Tulum International Airport Raises Questions of Double Taxation

The municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto has announced the implementation of an Environmental Sanitation Fee at Tulum International Airport starting in 2025. The fee, set at 15% of the Measurement and Updating Unit (UMA), equivalent to 16 pesos, will be charged to flight passengers, guests at the airport’s on-site hotel, and users of accommodations booked through digital platforms such as Airbnb and Booking. This new measure comes as part of the city council’s effort to address financial struggles and fund sanitation and conservation initiatives.

While commonly referred to as Tulum International Airport, the facility is located within the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, specifically in the Chunyaxché ejido. Its official name, Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, highlights its geographical context, although its branding aligns with the globally recognized Tulum name.

Mayor Maricarmen Hernández Solís justified the fee by pointing out that tourists contribute to the consumption of local resources and waste generation, necessitating their financial participation in preserving the municipality’s environmental quality.

Criticism has emerged, however, regarding the fee’s implementation and its potential to create instances of double taxation. Tourists arriving by plane and staying in local accommodations could face the fee twice, as the proposal does not differentiate between types of airport users. Congress clarified that the airlines and the on-site hotel’s operator—affiliated with the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena)—will be responsible for collecting and remitting the fee to the Municipal Treasury.

Additional Tourist Taxes in Quintana Roo

The Environmental Sanitation Fee joins a growing list of taxes aimed at tourists in Quintana Roo. These measures have sparked debates over their fairness and potential impact on the region’s tourism-driven economy.

One of the most discussed levies is the VISITAX, introduced in 2021. VISITAX applies to all international tourists visiting Quintana Roo and is currently set at 259 pesos per person. The tax is intended to fund tourism promotion and infrastructure development within the state. Payment can be made online or at designated kiosks, though enforcement has been inconsistent, leading to confusion and criticism from travelers.

Another recent proposal involves a 42-peso tax for cruise ship passengers, introduced by the State Congress in 2023. This tax would apply to passengers disembarking at ports within Quintana Roo, including popular destinations like Cozumel and Mahahual. The rationale behind the proposal is to offset the environmental impact of cruise tourism, which contributes to waste generation and increased demand on municipal resources. However, it has yet to be implemented and remains under discussion, with stakeholders debating its potential to deter cruise operators from including Quintana Roo in their itineraries.

Balancing Conservation and Economic Impact

While these taxes aim to address environmental and infrastructure concerns, their cumulative impact on the tourism experience is a growing topic of debate. Quintana Roo, home to iconic destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel, relies heavily on its reputation as a tourist-friendly destination. Additional fees, especially those perceived as burdensome or duplicative, could influence travelers’ decisions to visit the region.

Industry experts caution that while environmental preservation is crucial, the state must ensure transparency in how these funds are used and consider the potential economic repercussions. Tourists may perceive multiple fees as excessive, particularly if they encounter unclear communication or enforcement practices, potentially leading to negative publicity for the region.

As Quintana Roo implements the Environmental Sanitation Fee at Tulum International Airport and evaluates other tax proposals, balancing sustainability with maintaining its appeal as a global travel hotspot will remain a critical challenge for the state’s leaders.