March 16, 2009
Dear Traveler,
We are aware that many of you are concerned and
confused regarding the Update to the Travel Alert issued by the U.S. State
Department as you plan your next trip to Mexico. As you may know, the media has
been stressing news about the issues related to drug trafficking in
Mexico. I understand your doubts and
fears, and that’s why we ask you to be aware that some of the stories
reported on TV and in newspapers can be inaccurate and sometimes misleading.
Images of drug cartel activity are being used
incorrectly, making it seem as if it is happening in the whole country when in
fact, the areas experiencing drug-related issues are concentrated in specific
cities located in the northwestern border of Mexico, representing only 5 of
2,400 counties in the entire country. What they fail to mention is that there
are thousands of travelers who are currently enjoying their stay in our tourist
destinations located at least hundreds of miles away from any drug-related incidents.
Mexico is the tenth most visited tourist destination
in the world and remains the number one destination for Americans. In one
month, more Americans will visit Mexico than visit the UK in a year. As you
read this, thousands travelers are already enjoying resort destinations along the
Caribbean Sea like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Cozumel; the Pacific Coast like
Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Manzanillo, Acapulco, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Huatulco; and the Mar de Cortes like Los Cabos and Puerto Peñasco. They
are sharing their vacation experiences at http://www.youtube.com/mexicotourismboardus.
Let me emphasize that our main objective is to ensure
that you enjoy every aspect of your Mexico experience and return home
with warm, positive memories, as millions of tourists have done steadily
throughout the years.
When traveling to foreign countries I encourage you to
become an informed traveler, place
negative headlines in proper perspective and make travel decisions that are
best for you. To be properly informed
about travel to Mexico,
we hope that you read the Travel Alert and the facts below:
- The US government issued a Travel Alert, not a
Travel Warning. The difference is significant as a Travel Warning is
issued to describe long-term, prolonged conditions that make a
country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Alert is used to circulate information about short-term conditions, NOT to
discourage U.S. citizens from traveling to Mexican destinations, but to be
aware. Travel does not need to be inhibited.
- The Homeland Security Department's attaché to
Mexico, Alonzo Pena says the drug cartel activity in Mexico is not as
dangerous to tourists as has been portrayed. Speaking to a House
subcommittee on Thursday, he said “the violence is in isolated areas
of the country and only affects the people involved in criminal activity. The
violence is not affecting U.S. citizens visiting Mexico.”
- The total number of Americans that visited Mexico
in 2008 as excursionists and tourists were 80 million, plus about 1
million Americans who live and work in Mexico.
- There have been no reports of tourists injured,
kidnapped or killed in Mexican resorts or throughout Mexico due to the
drug cartels activity. In fact, the number one cause of death of Americans
traveling abroad, including Mexico, is vehicle accidents.
- Mexico has had a steady growth of tourism
throughout the years and continues to grow as Americans increase their
interest in travel to the country – this is despite the economic crisis
and the confusion surrounding the Travel Alert. Occupancy rates in resort
areas during the first two months of the year have been relatively higher
than last year.
Mexico is a large, wonderful country with many destinations
to enjoy and offering exceptional value due to the dollar peso ratio. We encourage you to visit Mexico, just follow the travel tips provided by the Mexican and U.S.
government websites, major travel guides and your travel agent.
Remember that all the tourism information about Mexico,
as well as travel updates and tips, are available on our website at www.visitmexico.com. Additionally, through the same portal, you will be able
to access www.mexico-update.com.
Do not hesitate to contact us directly with any
questions and concerns, we will be happy to assist you: 1 800-446-3942.
Warm regards,
Oscar Fitch
CEO
Mexico Tourism Board
