US Warns about Travel to Mexico

The US Department of State has urged Americans to be cautious when traveling to Mexico in its travel warning update, which was issued last week to supersede the April 22, 2011 travel warning. This is the strongest statement the Bureau of Consular Affairs has made to holidaymakers – mainly young adults planning to head to the country’s warm beaches for Spring Break. The announcement says that millions of Americans visit Mexico safely every year, and the Mexican government has made a considerable effort to protect them and other visitors.

However, the Mexican government has been involved in an extensive effort against Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) that engage in drug trafficking and other criminal activities throughout the country. The TCOs are involved in a violent struggle to control narcotics trafficking routes and other illegal activity. The Department recommends that Americans traveling to Mexico visit major tourist destinations, which are safer, instead of areas along major criminal routes.

Statistics show that Americans have been kidnapped, carjacked, robbed and killed. The Mexican government has estimated that, between December 2006 and September 2011, over 47,000 people were killed in violence related to narcotics. Americans represent a small fraction of these deaths, but the figure isn’t insignificant. About 120 US citizens were killed in 2011, which is up from the 35 reported in 2007.

The Department of State warns that gun battles have broken out during daylight hours on streets and in public venues – like clubs and restaurants. TCOs have also used stolen trucks and cars to create roadblocks on major thoroughfares to prevent police and military from responding to illegal activity. Of particular concern is the rise in disappearances and kidnappings across the country, and both local and expatriate communities have been targeted. It’s recommended that US citizens travel only during the day and avoid isolated roads, as these incidents are unpredictable.

There aren’t any advisories in effect for Cancun and Cabo San Lucas, which are two popular tourist destinations; nor are there any advisories for Mexico City, the capital. However, holidaymakers should be cautious if they visit or are already in Tijuana and should avoid non-essential travel to and in Ciudad Juarez and the state of Chihuahua.

Meanwhile, the Mexico Tourism Board has reported that international traveler numbers are on the rise for the country. Tourism is volatile to the nation’s position in the world economy, and the board has projected 52 million travellers will visit the country this year. They report that foreign visits rose 2% to some 22.5 million last year, compared to 2010, with more people visiting from the US, Canada, France, Spain, Italy and Russia. Additionally, foreign spending last year rose 7% to an average $158 per day.

Mexico Tourism Board chief operating officer Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete says that they believe this year will be record-breaking for Mexico in relation to tourism numbers. The industry is undergoing a great transformation due to a bold strategy of diversity that has been focused on the promotion of a wider range of tourism products aimed at luring new global consumers. As part of its “Mundo Maya” scheme, the board will entice tourists to visit the five Mayan states of Quintana Roo, Campeche, the Yucatán, Tabasco and Chiapas.