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Mexico Tourism Continues Despite Drug Violence

Despite countless reports of escalating violence due to the war on drugs in Mexico, the tourism board is reporting a two percent growth in International tourism in the first quarter of 2009. This news comes as the U.S. is taking steps to help quell the violence and assist in bringing an end to the turmoil. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano is visiting the San Diego-Mexico border today and is scheduled to go to Mexico and speak with Mexican President Felipe Calderón. She has gone on record saying that the Department of Homeland Security will be adding additional resources to the border to tackle the problems with arms trafficking.

The continued rise in tourism comes as a surprise amidst travel warnings and the economic downturn. However, the state of the U.S. economy may be what is helping to drive tourists to the area. Vacationers may be selecting Mexico over other locations, because it is a cheaper alternative to other destinations. Instead of staying away from the entire country, tourists can pick up their map to Mexico and vacation with care to the areas that have been spared from the majority of the violence. Popular vacation spots, such as Cancun and Los Cabos, are hundreds of miles away from the hotspots where violence has been most prevalent, like Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez.

However, even though the violence has been less prevalent in hotel and resort areas that cater to tourists, the drug cartels have pervaded the entire country. For anyone going to the area, whether for a spring break excursion or a business trip, caution should be exercised. Acts of violence can erupt anywhere in the country, and just being aware of that reality can make a difference in how to plan and prepare for a trip into Mexico. 

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