Mexico slashes controversial cruise tax after backlash

Cruise lines and local Mexican governments whose economy relies on cruises have made an agreement to lower the tax - (Getty Images)

The Mexican government has U-turned on a hefty cruise tax that would have charged $42 per passenger for docking at its ports.

Mexico’s federal government has reportedly agreed to a lower amount and a phased roll-out of the cruise tax after pressure from the cruise industry and local governments where cruises contribute to the economy, industry magazine The Maritime Executive reported, citing Mexican newspapers.