MÉRIDA, Mexico – Leading tourism and business organizations in Yucatán have issued a formal statement rejecting a proposed 17.8% increase to the Non-Resident Fee (DNR) for 2027. The groups argue that the hike would significantly drive up travel costs to Mexico and undermine the competitiveness of national destinations compared to international markets.
In a joint position, a coalition of organizations—including the Yucatán Tourism Business Council (CETUR), the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Condimented Food Industry (CANIRAC Yucatán), the Yucatán Tourism Promotion Agencies Association (AAPROTUY), the Collective of Gastronomic and Tourism Professionals of Yucatán (COGATUY), the Patronato del Centro Histórico de Mérida, and the National Chamber of Passenger Transport and Tourism (CANAPAT Yucatán)—called on the Mexican Senate to reject the measure. The proposal, already approved by the Chamber of Deputies, has been forwarded to the Senate for final analysis.
The proposed modification would increase the fee from 983 to 1,158 pesos per visitor. Business leaders warn that this adjustment could disproportionately impact local tourism companies and the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on the industry.
The signatories emphasized that Yucatán is particularly vulnerable to such measures, as tourism accounts for 16% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). On a national scale, tourism contributes 8.7% of Mexico’s GDP and generates over five million jobs, representing 9.3% of the country’s total employment.
Impact on National Competitiveness
The organizations warned that Mexico faces intensifying competition from other global destinations that are actively investing in connectivity, promotion, infrastructure, and the strengthening of their tourism offerings.
“Raising the cost of entry into the country would weaken our competitiveness and send the wrong signal at a time when we should be facilitating the arrival of tourists,” the statement noted.
Business representatives also expressed concern that the proposal is advancing without sufficient dialogue with organized tourism sectors or a comprehensive evaluation of its potential economic, social, and regional effects. They argued that while public funds for tourism should be translated into concrete actions to improve the visitor experience, such goals do not justify a new tax increase.
The coalition concluded their statement with a clear call to action: “No to the DNR increase; yes to the tourism competitiveness of Mexico and Yucatán.”