Mexico safe says American Airlines, for flying anyway

American Eagle’s sold-out inaugural flight arrived in Mazatlan, Mexico (MZT) from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this week. The move supports tourism authorities that say Mexico is safe for travel. As Mexico struggles to repair it’s image and shift international focus from drug-lord induced crime headlines to business-as-usual, American’s new daily flight was welcomed with open arms.

“We come to Mazatlán to make our contribution and be good partners in tourism” said

Marvin Diaz, Director General of American Airlines in Mexico.

The new 2-hour flight from Dallas affords new travel options for the more than 2 million travelers who visit Mazatlan each year opening up connections from more than 250 international markets


“Mazatlán is a vibrant destination alive with rich culture and unrivalled hospitality on the Pacific Coast,” said Carlos Berdegue, vice president, Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board in a press release. “We are delighted to begin our new partnership with American Airlines, which will allow visitors from all over the world to discover our beautiful weather, golden-sand beaches, historic center and premier resorts.”

The new American Eagle non-stop flight to Mazatlán offers daily service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), departing from Dallas at 11:45am and arriving in Mazatlan at 1:05pm.

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Mexico travel safety kind of depends on who you listen to

One would think that the safety of travelers on the ground in any given country would be easy to define. “Yes”, its safe to travel there or “No”, its not. Government travel alerts and warnings surely have our best interest in mind and provide helpful information. But when it comes to our personal safety when traveling, there’s a lot more to it than just staying away from the bad part of town in countries we visit. It’s often a matter of perception and who we choose to believe.

Mexico’s government and tourism people have been fighting news of drug-related crime for years and have devoted a whole lot of effort to telling their side of the story. They say criminal activity, death and all sorts of bad things are in isolated areas, far from where travelers might normally visit.”We do have a challenge, but Mexico has the equivalent of 2,500 counties. Eighty of those are the ones having the challenge. That’s less than 4 percent. What I tell the travelers is they need to get a map. It would be very helpful for them to understand what cities are involved.” Gloria Guevara, Mexico’s secretary of tourism told the Miami Herald, adding “They might have trouble in Juarez; 2,000 miles from there is totally safe. It’s like in the U.S.: If there is an issue in L.A., does that mean that you don’t go to New York? Or if there is an issue in Las Vegas, do you not go to Chicago?”

OK, good idea. We got a map. A picture is worth a thousand words right?

Here are a couple maps from from WatchmanReport.com that tell two completely different stories. The first shows what they say is “the way the government and mainstream media paint the picture of Mexico”


We don’t have to look too far to find plenty of stories that validate that map.

“You would think, by the way the mainstream media over blows these stories that all of Mexico is involved a violent, drug crazed killing spree, when in reality it’s only occurring in a few cities along the border in a country twice as large as the state of Texas.” says WatchmanReport adding “This would be like making the ridiculous assessment that crime in New York or Detroit is an example of crime in all of America.”

Actually tracking crime in Mexico however makes for a much nicer map.

So what is Mexico to do?

They might try some of the strategies Egypt has employed that seem to be working. Tour operator Great Safaris, for example, is offering its travelers to Egypt a money-back Security and Satisfaction Guarantee.

“This guarantee reflects my confidence that Egypt remains one of the most fascinating and secure exotic destinations for American travelers ” said Dave Herbert, CEO and founder to TravelPulse.

But first Mexico needs to stop/solve/slow-down-a-little their drug-related violent crime problems.

The U.S. Department of State’s latest travel alert reports the situation in Egypt has returned to normal. Mexico? Not so much. The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is back to business-as-usual, all of Egypt’s airports are open and travelers are returning.

Mexico is still racking up the crimes and those crimes are not all tourists in the wrong place at the wrong time as drug lords battle in remote areas.

Leonard Schell a Canadian father of two was stabbed 25 times in his Puerto Valarta home (popular tourist destination, if you’re keeping score) last month and robbed of about $13,000, bank cards and passports reports CTV.ca. “They cut him from his lip to his throat. It’s terrible, and just to rob money,” Schell’s wife, Elba Ruiz said

Puerto Valarta is way far away from the drug running corridor where mass slayings, beheadings and other gruesome crimes occur. Still, Mexico is not giving up on their effort to win back travelers.

The head of Mexico’s state-run tourism board met with Texas officials Wednesday reports chron.com. Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, chief operating officer of the Mexico Tourism Board wants to prevent more scare-off-the-tourists bulletins such as one released in March, when the Texas Department of Public Safety bluntly told travelers to, “Avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive.”

“We believe that these travel alerts are too broad-based and making very blind statements about Mexico that do not reflect the reality,” Lopez-Negrete said. Testimonials from Americans, Canadians and the British seem to back up that thought.

So depending on who we choose to believe, conditions on the ground in Mexico seem to rely a lot on where we visit. Most sources we checked agree on that. Stay away from high-crime border areas and we should be safe.

Yes? No? What do you think? Vote in our poll and leave a comment too.

Flickr photo by Esparta

Mexico safe to visit, for the most part

At least one part of Mexico’s tourism industry seems to have successfully separated itself from headline-grabbing news of crime south of the border. It was not without a great amount of effort and took some time, but Mazatlan, Mexico is back as a viable, safe vacation destination.

While most cruise line’s still don’t stop in Mazatlan, the Pacific coast city is welcoming travelers with a lineup of unique events throughout the month of June. Call it the antidote for a heavy dose of bad press if you will, visitors are being offered better pricing, more events and better security than ever before.

Mazatlan’s tourism people have been busy promoting several events, some annual happenings that draw thousands, reassuring travelers that it’s business-as-usual when it comes to visiting at least that part of Mexico. Here are some highlights:

Mazatlán International Cycling Tour – Seasoned athletes and enthusiasts converge on Mexico June 1st for this five-day tour through scenic countryside, colonial towns and coastal vistas. Hosted in four stages, the event is the only tour in Mexico to combine all road cycling categories.

Quiksilver Clásico Mazatlán – Also on June 1st, five days of epic surf, fashion and live music as surfers from around the globe compete for this Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) four-star event that features an $85,000 purse. Onshore festivities range from surf gear expos and fashion shows to local art exhibits and live music concerts by national and international artists.

Scents and Flavors of Mexico, A Gastronomical Experience on June 3rd is the day for foodies to visit Mazatlan when Mexico’s rich culinary tradition is showcased by celebrity chef Patricia Quintana. Guests will savor authentic regional cuisine like plump Mazatlán shrimp, succulent carne asada and handmade tamales.

GoMazatlan.com
has all the details on these and a number of other events.

Travelers are still urged caution traveling in Mexico by the U.S. Department of State, primarily in remote regions not normally visited by tourists. Some other areas are still of concern and listed on their most current Mexico Security Update. Recent isolated incidents in Ciudad Juarez and Guadalajara have also been noted by the US Embassy in Mexico City.

Trusted tourism sources are giving Mexico the green light for travel.

“We have continued to see many consumers pick Mexico as a travel destination of choice despite these uncertain times. Mexico has the attractions, culture, experiences and most importantly, value that our travelers are seeking,” said Terry Dale, new President of the United States Tour Operators Association and former head of the Cruise Lines International Association.

Crime hot spots still center not around common tourist areas but along the US/Mexico border, so staying away from those areas is a good idea. But progress is being made there too, with one of Mexico’s most notorious crime boss’, Julio “El Negro” Radilla arrested at a hideout in Coatzacoalcos, a Gulf Coast port city, after a brief gun battle this week. Still, gang-related shootouts occur. Reuters reports twenty-eight people killed in a shootout among suspected rival drug gangs also this week.

Last week, Mexican President Felipe Calderon tried to reassure travelers that it is safe to come to Mexico, noting recent visitors had no problems.

“I saw thousands of spring breakers in Mexico having fun,” Mr. Calderon said in the Wall Street Journal. “My understanding is the only shots they received were tequila shots.”

Photo courtesy GoMazatlan.com


Crime In Mexico: the good, bad and the pretty cool

Mexico just can’t seem to catch a break. The news is filled with accounts of gruesome murders, mass graves and brutal drug lords. Regardless of the fact that these incidents are isolated and not a country-wide crisis, tourism suffers. People get things stuck in their heads that are sometimes difficult to shake off. Travelers have a hard time associating a happy holiday vacation with death and crime.

The bad
“Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well” said the U.S. Department of State in a renewed travel alert for Mexico issued Friday.

Certainly, it is appropriate for the U.S. government to issue a warning when at least 177 bodies have been taken from interstate buses, tortured and slaughtered in recent weeks. Survivors say women were raped first then killed and some victims were burned alive. This all in an area a little over an hours drive from Brownsville, Texas.

This particular problem does not look to be going away any time soon. Not that Matamoros, Mexico was on the top of very many travel bucket lists, but the problem runs deep.

“The killings have galvanized an unusual if belated consensus, even among conservative commentators and politicians, that parts of Mexico have indeed been lost to criminal gangs such as the Zetas and the Gulf cartel that control (and are battling each other to dominate) the northeast” said the Los Angeles Times on Monday asking “What does it mean, they ask, when the federal government cannot keep the nation’s highways safe from brazen predators?”

Good question. Bad news for that part of Mexico.

Over in Mazatlan, Mexico though, things are looking up. The Pacific Coast city of Mazatlan, avoided by cruise lines as being unsafe, brings to our attention that they are a “rising star for A-List spotlight this spring”. In a statement Gadling received Monday, GoMazatlan.com, the voice of Mazatlan, tells us the pretty cool:

“Hollywood starlet Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) and her beau Eduardo Cruz vacationed in this vibrant destination over the weekend, where they were immersed in Mazatlan’s rich culture, fabulous cuisine and warm hospitality amid a romantic coastal backdrop. The couple strolled through Old Mazatlan’s charming shops, outdoor cafes and art galleries, visiting the 19th century cathedral and iconic Angela Peralta Theater before hitting the beach along Mazatlan’s oceanfront malecon boardwalk. The pair also joined the state governor for dinner, enjoying renowned seafood and authentic specialties”

The good
Well that sure sounds safe. Strolling along a boardwalk, being immersed in culture, both things travelers do. Mazatlan also continues to distance itself from crime issues, branding itself as a premiere travel destination with a variety of events throughout the spring and summer. Internationally acclaimed dancers take the stage this weekend, April 29 – May 5, as part of the Jose Limon Dance Festival. The world of golf returns May 5 – 8 to compete in the Canadian PGA’s Mexican PGA Championship. Later in June, surf pros from around the globe hang ten on Mazatlan’s big waves for the Quiksilver Surf Clasico Mazatlan.

“Tourism is very important to Mazatlan and its residents. The destination plays host to nearly 2 million visitors per year from all over the world and the number has increased steadily for the past five years” said Julio Birrueta, spokesperson for the Mazatlan Tourism Trust.

So basically, if they got rid of the drug lords and associated rapings, killings and so on, Mexico would be a great place to visit country-wide. Until then, Mazatlan, among other safe destinations, looks good.

Photo courtesy GoMazatlan.com

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Mazatlan to cruise lines: We want you back

Earlier this week, major cruise lines played it safe, skipping a port in Mexico, fearful of passenger safety when going ashore in Mazatlan. Attacks on passengers and crew caused Disney Cruise Line, Princess and Holland America to drop the city as a port of call on Mexican Rivera cruises. But Mazatlan tourism officials are not buying it.

“We highly value our long-standing relationships within the cruise industry, and are dedicated to ensuring that Mazatlan remains among the top cruise destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Mazatlan has hosted nearly 1.5 million cruise passengers since 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in Mexico.” said Julio Birrueta, spokesperson for the Mazatlan Tourism Trust.

Mexico says they have taken steps to insure the safety of cruise passengers and are taking that message on the road.

Tomorrow, state and local government and law enforcement officials along with tourism and port authority executives will meet with cruise industry leaders. On Monday, government officials will meet with executives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA).

“Tourism is very important to Mazatlan and its residents. The destination plays host to nearly 2 million visitors per year from all over the world and the number has increased steadily for the past five years” added Birrueta

Flickr photo by Renee Silverman