iahphx

Here are the latest stats showing the fall-off in tourism due to the violence.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idCNN...0100413?rpc=44

fairviewroad

I don't see any evidence in this article, beyond pure speculation, that the drop in foreign visitors is "due to the violence." Gosh, it couldn't have anything to do with our lousy economy, could it?

iahphx

Um, you really don't think violence is reducing Mexican tourism? I'm always looking to vacation where the headlines say lots of people are being gunned down.

anaggie

I travel frequently to Leon and have yet to encounter the cartels. Maybe because I am not in DRUG business.

It is amazing how most American hear the reoprts and then decide that the ENTIRE country of Mexico is UNSAFE !!

scubadu

Well, I don't necessarily disagree that there is an effect on tourism, however, your statement, "Um, you really don't think violence is reducing Mexican tourism?" in and of itself doesn't actually equate to "evidence." Furthermore, people "being gunned down" seems to be fairly constrained to border areas, which IMHO, is not generally where people are looking to vacation.

Regards

scubadu

Ok, that is just an idiotically naive statement. The fact that you haven't personally "encountered the cartels" means exactly and absolutely nothing, statistically speaking.

I've traveled to Juarez on business, I didn't get shot, I'm not in the drug business, ergo Juarez is safe!

Look, we travel to Mexico frequently, just returned from another trip last month, we had no trouble (nor have we ever, in about 15 years of traveling there) but that in and of itself does not mean that one cannot get caught up in trouble there even if you are "not in the DRUG business." To imply that if you are not "in the DRUG business" you'll be fine, IMHO is reckless advice.

And again, before others reply, be clear on my position, I've travelled to Mexico for many, many years, I do so now, I plan to in the future. BUT to imply that traveling to Mexico is the same or as safe as it always has been, is just not accurate.

Regards

gomexico

I like Leon. I like it a lot. Though one doesn't hear of it in the international news, there's been a noticible uptick in drug-related and general crime deaths there. Celaya has some serious problems too, and I like that city in Guanajuato also.

About people getting upset about news reports of violence in Mexico - reports from regions scattered throughout the country - one tends to be more concerned when it's the Mexican media outlets which are broadcasting the alarms.

AAJetMan

Mid-afternoon, La Costera.
Not gonna be helpful for tourism.
6 Killed in a gunfight in Acapulco center

tcook052

I'll agree. A 4% drop in tourist arrivals in Cancun in Q1 of calendar 2010, as the linked Reuters article quotes, could be due to a host of factors including temperate winters in some areas, sluggish economy as well as safety & security concerns. Attributing the drop solely to safety & security concerns is unrealistic IMHO.

flyr16

Yes, this latest violence in Acapulco is different, to some extent. Bystanders were also killed due - likely - to the policia opening fire perhaps a bit too randomly. While many of us have thought "its fine to travel to MEX because I'm not involved in the drug business," when bystanders are cut down, in a main shopping area, that is different. Of course, ACA does not receive the number of US tourists it used to but, as another poster mentioned, when people hear "violence in MEX" they think its the entire country. It is very sad.

Indeed, we were set to send our daughter for a few weeks to a language program in Guanajuato this summer, aimed at young teens. Beautiful small town. Safe. The trip was cancelled by the company. Apparently, parents called and said they weren't sending their children.. . . .

Likewise, the company's similar language trip to Oaxaca, was also cancelled.

WillTravel

That`s really a shame, because Guanajuato is such a great place to go, and Americans can feel very comfortable there. Escuela Mexicana has a great program there, with homestay options, although I don`t know if you`d want to send your daughter alone (just as you might not want to send her to any city alone).

flyr16

Yes, the language program's classes were at Escuela Mexicana. And yes, it stinks that the trip(s) were cancelled, Oaxaca would have been our 2d option. We do want a more chaperoned program for her so, simply sending her through the school isn't an option. The program we wanted was home stay.

We are now looking at Spain, she traveled to Costa Rica last year, which also has a number of language schools.

It is very frustrating that violence in other parts of Mexico, directed at and involving mostly those in the drug trade, can affect the travel decisions of so many, mostly Americans. Because other parents said "no Mexico, regardless of where in Mexico" those willing to go now cannot do so.

iahphx

Check out this story of gunmen taking over the Holiday Inn in Monterey.

I guess Monterey is now definitely in the "no go zone."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationwo...,7968807.story

zorrozzz

no, tourism in mexico is actually expected to increase because of the strong dollar, and the wealth of fantastic beach resorts, and beautiful colonial cities.stay away from the trouble spots, and you will be just fine. if you still feel a little concerned, an escorted tour might be advised. however you save money by going on your own. just stay out of isolated areas, mexican colonial cities such as guanajuato san miguel allende, and many others including guadalajara are just fine, along with the beach resorts. however i would avoid acapulco at this time. ps.. flyer 16..just don't send your daughter by herself to aruba...just kidding

gomexico

I think the tourism drop last year, compared to the previous one .. was 45%. It doesn't take much to celebrate an increase this year ... over last. Every tourism source I've read reports from this year suggest not much of an increase from last year, because of the increase in levels of violence in areas spread about the country. One cruise line dropped Zihuatanejo and Acapulco from their weekly itineraries. The US$ hasn't risen sharply against the Peso in some time now. The rates have been about constant for the past 4 or 5 years. Airfares to Mexico from much of elsewhere in North America have skyrocketed, by as much as double in some markets. Mexico's not as inexpensive to visit today as it was in recent years and that'll keep casual visitors away (together with the fear of being impacted by violence).