A spike in cartel-related crime in some popular Mexican tourist resorts has prompted the U.S. State Department to update its travel advisory to Mexico.
The expanded advisory targets the state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which has “experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to 2016.”
The missive notes that “innocent bystanders have been injured or killed,” in recent shooting incidents. Five people died in a shootout at a nightclub in Playa del Carmen in January, in addition to other incidents.
The advisory acknowledges that the homicide surge is a result of “turf battles between criminal groups resulting in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens.”
In similar vein, the State Department expanded its travel warning for Baja California, also referring to the deaths of “innocent bystanders … in daylight hours.” In addition, the advisory highlights the “poor cellular service and general road conditions” in the state, noting that U.S. government personnel are “only allowed to travel on ‘La Rumorosa’ between Mexicali-Tijuana on the toll road during daylight hours.”
Tourist representatives in Cancun said the new advisory would likely affect bookings for the winter season.
A statement from the Quintana Roo government said it works continually to improve security in the state, investing large sums to keep tourists safe.
The close collaboration with federal and U.S. authorities on all security matters will be maintained, the statement confirmed.
The Riviera Maya is the principal international tourist destination in Mexico.