Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department issued a new alert asking American holiday travelers to exercise increased caution due to heightened levels of crime in Mexico. This alert does little to provide context to those it impacts most: Americans getting ready for holiday vacations, as most of the tourist areas are safe for travel. Though crime and cartel violence are still currently an issue in Mexico, they are not in the areas tourists frequently visit.
“Travelers planning a trip to Mexico for their holiday getaway should not hesitate to enjoy their trip,” says Tom Brussow, YesToMexico president in a press statement. “The U.S. State Department surely had good intentions with the alert, but given the ongoing misperceptions of traveler safety in vacation areas and sensational headlines, that is not what most people will interpret. Context is sorely needed, and the reality is this alert changes little in regard to the destinations most Americans will visit over the next several weeks.”
Here are the facts, according to YestoMexico, an independent, non-profit organization based in the U.S. led by travel-industry professionals.
- While the “C” crime designation was added to the travel advisory triggering the new alert, the states most Americans visit on a vacation—Quintana Roo (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum), Baja California Sur (Cabo San Lucas) and Mexico City—were not impacted and their safety rating level remains the same
- Despite being in Jalisco, a level 3 rated state, which received the new crime warning, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are specifically called out as being unrestricted for U.S. government employee travel. The fact is these destinations remain some of the most friendly to U.S. visitors, and using common sense, Americans can feel comfortable visiting these destinations
Check out “How Safe is Travel to Mexico,” which Recommend piled together after interviewing local tour operators and hoteliers, as well as leaders in Mexico. Here, you will learn more about the safety of those tourist-friendly destinations, as well as what the Mexican government has done to help keep travelers safe. You will also find tips to share with your clients on how to stay safe, and enjoy their vacation, while visiting various Mexican destinations.
