monterrey worries
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: aadvantage plt
Posts: 123
monterrey worries
I will be in Monterrey Mexico next month for 8 days on business. With all the violence that’s being reported, I am very nervous about it. I’ve been trying to get as much info as possible, and from what I read, tourist are not targeted. But tourist head to Cozumel, Cancun, etc….not much tourism in Monterrey.
Any advise from any member that has been to Mexico recently, Monterrey specifically?
Thanks,
Jen
Any advise from any member that has been to Mexico recently, Monterrey specifically?
Thanks,
Jen
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: American, United, Mexicana, Continental
Posts: 142
I will be in Monterrey Mexico next month for 8 days on business. With all the violence that’s being reported, I am very nervous about it. I’ve been trying to get as much info as possible, and from what I read, tourist are not targeted. But tourist head to Cozumel, Cancun, etc….not much tourism in Monterrey.
Any advise from any member that has been to Mexico recently, Monterrey specifically?
Thanks,
Jen
Any advise from any member that has been to Mexico recently, Monterrey specifically?
Thanks,
Jen
I haen't been to Monterrey, recently. The best advice I can offer you is to remain in communication with the people you'll be working with, ask their advice and then follow it. Monterrey is part of the war/terrorism zone in Northern Mexico. I doubt your employer will be placing you at risk.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Mexico Security
I agree with the above poster regarding the "wrong place at the wrong time" but disagree with their advice to follow the local staffs suggestions. Local staff in Monterrey (and other hotspots in Mexico) will generally downplay the violence and kidnap threat. They quite often will not have effective strategies for their own security other than some local information regarding what areas are considered "bad".
Monterrey is a beautiful city, but it is a city in denial of a threat that is not just restricted to bad-guys and locals. Get consultation from a US security consulting firm to at least get and idea of the actual real threat you will not be hearing from US news sources or the local associates. Most consulting firms will give you a good idea of what is going on for free.
Sean Jarvis
Secfor International
www.secforinternational.com
Monterrey is a beautiful city, but it is a city in denial of a threat that is not just restricted to bad-guys and locals. Get consultation from a US security consulting firm to at least get and idea of the actual real threat you will not be hearing from US news sources or the local associates. Most consulting firms will give you a good idea of what is going on for free.
Sean Jarvis
Secfor International
www.secforinternational.com
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PBI
Programs: DL 2.8 MM/PM, AA MM/GLD, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,746
I have an upcoming project that will include a few days in Monterrey.
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
#5
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Secfor
I have an upcoming project that will include a few days in Monterrey.
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
There is a very definite system used by violent elements in this region. If you understand the threat, you understand how to avoid and in a worst case scenario counter them, and raise your chances of having a safe time down south.
Sean
Secfor International
#6
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: PHX/SFO/LAX
Programs: AA-EXP (1.7MM), BA-Slvr, HH-Diamond
Posts: 7,784
I have an upcoming project that will include a few days in Monterrey.
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
In the past when traveling in higher risk markets (El Salvador, Colombia, etc.) it was with a large multinational company that took extensive security precautions (including drivers, 24 hour armed security, etc.) -and the accompanying consultants received the same protection.
This trip is for a local client who is downplaying the risk but has agreed to cover whatever precautions we consider necessary. Any recommendations regarding what we should require? In some countries, having obvious security makes you more of a target -is this the case in Monterrey or is a strong and obvious security presence preferred?
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago
Programs: American, United, Mexicana, Continental
Posts: 142
"As I mentioned above, locals will almost always downplay the threat. A security professional will look at each area to be visited, determine the main threats to the type of client, and arrange security with the appropriate signature."
My experience has been that locals, people with whom I've worked and/or have developed a relationship, will NOT downplay a threat. They're typically the first to provide the cautions. I wouldn't expect you to post any other answer, though. Your comments seem more self-serving than helpful. But, maybe I've misunderstood you.
My experience has been that locals, people with whom I've worked and/or have developed a relationship, will NOT downplay a threat. They're typically the first to provide the cautions. I wouldn't expect you to post any other answer, though. Your comments seem more self-serving than helpful. But, maybe I've misunderstood you.
#8
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: MEX/YVR/YYF
Programs: AS MVP/AC75K/AM Gold/UA*S/SPG-Marriott Lifetime Titanium/Accor-FPC Gold/HHDiamond/Hyatt Exp
Posts: 5,035
My experience has been that locals, people with whom I've worked and/or have developed a relationship, will NOT downplay a threat. They're typically the first to provide the cautions. I wouldn't expect you to post any other answer, though. Your comments seem more self-serving than helpful. But, maybe I've misunderstood you.