Tourism Officials Respond After US Updates Mexico Travel Safety Advisory
Tourism Officials React to US Update on Mexico Travel Safety Advisory
Last updated: 9:50 AM ET, Mon September 16, 2024
Tourism officials in Quintana Roo, Mexico, are devising strategies to attract international visitors despite a slow summer and heightened U.S. travel warnings. Jesús Almaguer, President of the Hotel Association for Cancun, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres, noted a disappointing 60% occupancy rate over the summer.
Almaguer attributed this decline to several factors, including protests in Tulum, power outages, and construction on the Maya Train. Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riestra highlighted the increased hotel infrastructure, claiming that occupancy would surpass 90% without the new hotel and Airbnb units introduced this year.
The ongoing U.S. Department of State travel advisories may also contribute to the decreased visitor numbers. The latest advisory from September 6 warned of potential criminal activity and violence in Quintana Roo, even in popular tourist areas.
However, Consul General Justen A. Thomas asserts that Quintana Roo remains a safe destination, welcoming over 12 million Americans annually. He emphasized that security improvements are underway.
Recently, travel expert Tammy Levent shared a concerning experience at Cancun International Airport regarding strict regulations on electronic devices, underscoring concerns that could further affect tourism.
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