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Organization Cites Violence, Kidnapping, And Unregulated Alcohol As Major Issues In The Region
A United States governmental organization has announced fresh travel advisories for Mexico and Cancun. The new release has quoted the country as being a major risk for American travelers due to a multitude of concerns.
The organization, named OSAC or the United States Overseas Security Advisory Council, is a group that monitors overseas situations and how they might affect American travelers. They provide regular updates for tourists, diplomats, and other ex-pat groups. Although they are not a fully government-funded program, they are closely affiliated with and work with the travel and tourism bureau in the US.
Listed on their most recent update for Mexico, OSAC says, “Each year, thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break. While the vast majority travel safely, visitors should consider the following factors when planning their vacation or traveling throughout Mexico”.
The page then proceeds to run through a breakdown of all potential threats posed to tourists in Mexico. Although not specified directly for Cancun, the city is comfortably the most popular destination in the country.
Under the crime section, the group states, “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum after dark.”
Although the message sounds stark, tourists should be aware that the overwhelming majority of visits to the region are completely safe. Petty crime is common in almost every major tourist destination across the world, and exercising general precautions will always pay dividends for visitors.
Government officials in Quintana Roo recently announced that Cancun was statistically safer for tourists than cities like Paris and Las Vegas, which may run against popular notions of safety. Most tourists wouldn’t think twice about a trip to Paris, but in light of recent events may question whether Cancun was a safe bet for them and their families.
The list continues to mention sexual assault and unregulated alcohol, linking the latter with many of the other crimes. In this case, unregulated alcohol could mean several things. Some liquor bottles could be mislabeled and the alcohol inside may be an illegally produced substance not bound by the typical safety measures. It may be much stronger than normal or may contain impurities that can affect the health of the person drinking it. The government is battling this kind of issue, and once again, they are frequent problems across the world for many tourist hotspots.
The page also provides a list of advice for tourists to help keep themselves safe. Most of the suggestions are a good rule of thumb for any traveler and should be followed regardless of the destination.
As much as these travel advisories may seem worrying, it is important to keep the reputation of the region in context. Organized crime continues to be a problem in Cancun and Tulum, but for the most part, it doesn’t directly affect tourists. The government is putting systems in place to help counter the negative consequences of these illegal activities and is seeking the support of several other countries across the world in this fight.
Choosing to travel to Cancun is a personal decision, but acknowledging the statistics is important for enjoying a trip to the city. Careful planning and common sense help prevent the vast majority of any issues being faced and choosing to become involved with drugs and other illicit activities drastically increases the chances of something bad happening.
Those traveling to Cancun in the near future should continue to keep on top of any changes to regulations and contact their accommodation provider prior to departure to avoid any issues.
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mohammed sidik
Wednesday 20th of April 2022
Typical American article, to American all other countries and their people are not safe, as a matter of fact I felt more safer in Mexico than America. America only care about themselves, just look at Ukraine. There would be no war if not for America
Brian Beattie
Saturday 9th of April 2022
Just spent 3 months in Mexico and felt alot safer than home. My brother wanted me to spend the winter in Florida but I'll never go to the states. Especially with the shit show of a government. Biden crime family worse than anything I've seen. Especially Hunter Biden. Maybe I'll go to the states when the rightful president is back in office. Make America great again please mr. Trump.
Estel
Saturday 26th of March 2022
My sister & I, both in our 70's just spent the second week of February staying just north of La Playa. Taxied one nite to Pto. Morelos for lobster dinner and souvenir shopping,returning by same well after dark. Never a concern. That said, we're hardly in the kidnapping bracket, but where were this young woman's friends who simply left without her? Did she not at least have a roomate or someone in her group who would have contacted authorities as soon as her absence was noted? As for the young man, NO!if you don't know the water, you stay out of it.Condolences to his family for their loss. I've dived off Cozumel & the Yucatan since the mid 80's and over the years had dives canceled due to water conditions. I love Mexico and the Yucatan. Going back again next year.
D.B.
Saturday 19th of March 2022
You have a better chance of getting shot or kidnapped in Myrtle Beach.
Michael Dormire
Friday 18th of March 2022
Total BS. The problems cited exist everywhere in the world. We’ve been to Mexico many times during the “Pandemic” and never had any problems. The Mexican are kind and welcoming to people who want to have a relaxing time.
Charles Stewart
Sunday 20th of March 2022
@Michael Dormire, You never have a problem ln Mexico until you have a problem. Then you have a REAL problem. The Government support system is not for Tourist. For Tourist it's Cash up front if you have any Legal or Medical Emergency. If you are going for a Vacation buy the Best Insurance you can get. Be sare to register with the US consulate in Cancun.That way if you have any serious problems they know who you are. Never forget that you're not at home and it's business as usual. It's not. You are in a Foreign country and you are not a Citizen of it. Other than that, Go enjoy, have a great time.