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Cancun has taken the decision to form a committee amid strong concerns over a recent spate of violence and unkempt beach conditions. As regular travelers to the region will know, on a good day, there are very few destinations around the world that can compete with what Cancun has to offer. However, with recent months blighted by troubling crime waves and far from pristine beaches, there’s a worry that travelers may be put off from visiting Cancun in the future.
Keen to address the issue and restore traveler confidence in Cancun, it’s hoped that the committee will help to make Cancun safer and more attractive for travelers in the coming years and retain its position as one of the world’s top destinations. Here’s a look at what we know about the committee so far, plus a look at the recent stories that have led the city to create the committee in the first place.
Cancun Forms Committee – Information For Travelers
For the millions of travelers who visit Cancun and the surrounding area each year, the idea of the region being in crisis may seem laughable. The vast majority of tourists who soak up the sun, enjoy the nightlife, and wander the streets of Cancun do so without a hitch – no unfortunate crime-related incidents, beaches looking beautiful, and only positive impressions garnered from their time in Cancun. However, for those in the tourism industry, there’s growing concern about the situation Cancun finds itself in – and they have decided to take action.
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Jesús Almaguer Salazar, the president of the Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, has revealed that the association is in talks with local authorities to create a crisis committee, tasked with cleaning up the image of Cancun – in both the literal and metaphorical sense. In doing so, it is hoped that prospective travelers to Cancun aren’t put off by negative new stories, worries about crime, or concerns about the quality of beaches.
Whilst travelers may be isolated from the vast majority of incidents that occur around Cancun, the region does have somewhat of a reputation as being a hotbed for crime. Just in the last week, an investigation was launched into an alleged machete attack on an American tourist, as well as a shooting in a nightclub. As well as violent crime, low-level crimes such as theft have also been reported, sullying the destination’s reputation further and potentially turning travelers off the idea of visiting.
The U.S. government clearly agrees that the state of Quintana Roo could do better. According to the State Department’s website, Quintana Roo has been handed a Level 2 travel advisory, which asks travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting. The page warns of the risk of theft and kidnapping in the state, adding that “U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.” However, there is an ongoing effort by the state to address these concerns.
Last week, authorities in Cancun arrested 11 drug dealers operating in the hotel zone and confiscated their products, helping to keep the area safer for tourists. Additionally, 100 navy officers were deployed in Cozumel to help curb crime on the island. Whilst their presence might not be what travelers have in mind when visiting, they are bound to offer a comforting sense of security and help to reduce crime levels further, making the island a better place for locals and travelers alike.
Another of the committee’s primary concerns is the situation on the beaches of Cancun. Whilst the sargassum season is all but over, the latest issue to blight the beaches is the build-up of trash, which could result in Cancun’s Blue Flag beaches losing this prestigious accolade. With the region expected to sell out of rooms this winter, the committee faces a stern task to get the beaches and the region in general up to standard – or risk the wrath of negative reviews, social media fury, and a potential drop in the number of returning travelers.
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Karen
Monday 24th of October 2022
The hilton cancun all inclusive is a beautiful friendly hotel. Beautiful beach and family resort, the staff are all so friendly and helpful and we felt very safe while walking their beaches would Definitely recommend this hotel in cancun
Timo
Monday 24th of October 2022
The government needs to have a program against people whom live they trash at the beach, it is a shame when tourists and for the most part locals go to the beaches with lost of products of food and drinks and live they trash behind, the local authorities need to step up big on this matter otherwise Cancún will end up like Acapulco in a time of the history and now after years of abuse still trying to recuperate, that been said treasure more this beautiful paradise and lest all take care of it much much better!!