The US “spring break,” which signals the arrival of spring, is affected this year by the authorities’ warning against travel to Mexico following the shooting deaths of two Americans in Tamaulipas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has urged residents to avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break due to drug cartel violence and other criminal activity that poses a security threat. However, despite the warning, Mexico remains a favorite destination for thousands of Americans looking for more affordable beach vacations. The Quintana Roo region, home to large all-inclusive resorts, is one of the most popular spring break destinations.
Despite security concerns, the president of the Cancun Hotel Association, Jesus Almaguer, has explained that there has been no significant decrease in the influx of tourists. Instead, the region received 19 million tourists, mostly from the United States, in 2022, which represents about 12% of the state’s GDP. Almaguer says his sector’s strategy is to define exactly where there is violence and assure tourists that the risk is minimal.
President López Obrador has attempted to clean up Mexico’s image, claiming that his country is “safer than the United States” when asked about Washington’s travel warnings to Mexico. Although insecurity remains a sensitive issue for the hotel sector, tourists seem willing to enjoy Mexican beaches during spring break.