Mexico slapped with major tourism restrictions

Mexico slapped with major tourism restrictions

The US State Department has released a new set of restrictions on travellers heading to Mexico, with five states now ranked at highest possible risk.

The revamped restrictions see Tamaulipas on the U.S. border and Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan and Guerrero on the Pacific coast all placed under the “do not travel” banner, a phrase usually associated with war-torn countries like Yemen and Somalia.

The states are breeding grounds for drug warfare and gang violence and are home to highly travelled trafficking routes as well as drug-crop cultivation

They have been graded as “level 4” for tourists, the highest level of potential danger.

The restrictions follow an increase in violence in the area, with acts of homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robbery regular occurrences in the five states.

Mexico as a whole is graded “level 2” and the State Department urges tourists to “exercise caution” while travelling around the country.

According to statistics, 2017 was one of the most bloody years on record for Mexico, with the state of Jalisco estimated to have 83.3 killings per 100,000 residents, taking the title of the country’s highest homicide rate.

USA Today has revealed that 22,409 lives were lost to violence in Mexico in 2017 alone, the highest toll since statistics began in being released in 1997.

In November of last year, Enrique de la Madrid, Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, broached the subject of violence delicately as to not dissuade tourists from travelling to the country.

“I’m very respectful of what the State Department has to do … what I’m saying is those numbers aren’t necessarily to be considered for tourism purposes because they’re describing (a different) situation,” he told The Dallas Morning News.

“We just want to send a signal, which is true, that our destinations are a safe place to visit.”

As per USA Today, recent spikes in violence have taken a toll on Mexican tourism, currently a $20 billion industry which accounts for roughly 7% of the country’s GDP.

Latest News

  • Tour Operators

ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) announces enhancements to the ATAS complaints resolution process to allow for Non-Economic Losses after landmark High Court Case The changes were implemented after a recent High Court ruling (Moore v Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) that established that damages for “disappointment and distress” may now be available for breaches of […]

  • Cruise

Cunard previews new Queen Anne

The VIP experience included a series of expert panels, with key partners and collaborators across dining, design and wellness revealing how they brought Queen Anne’s headline concepts to life. Two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux hosted an intimate Q&A in the Queens Room. The acclaimed chef has created an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne‘s Queens […]

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland

Bunnik Tours has announced its latest exciting expansion with the small tour specialist’s new Discover Iceland tour. Taking travellers to a bucket list icon, the tour explores the rugged landscapes and stunning glaciers that make Iceland such a hotspot. Kicking off in the capital, Reykjavik the tour then heads along the famous Ring Road to […]

  • Destinations

Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25

Australia’s first ‘glamping’ property – Paperbark Camp on the NSW South Coast – has celebrated its milestone 25th birthday with a sumptuous, under-the-stars banquet. The deluxe eco retreat at Jervis Bay was opened on April 27, 1999, by Sydney couple Jeremy and Irena Hutchings who were inspired by the safari tents they saw on an […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tourism

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs

Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull is departing the agency with effect from Friday May 10. Over the past three years, Turnbull played an instrumental role in driving growth, with one of the agency’s most significant achievements being the increase in visitor spend. Under her leadership, Tourism WA achieved a record breaking $17.7 billion in […]

  • Travel Agents

DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign

DriveAway has launched its Brit-Euro Blitz: Explore the UK, Europe & Ireland campaign, designed to inspire travellers to uncover the beauty and diversity of those destinations during May and June. The campaign arrives amidst a surge in popularity for destinations across the UK, Europe and Ireland, with year-to-date increases averaging around 30%. Notably, cities such […]

  • Road & Rail

Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern

Great Southern’s Fly and Stay Free special offer will have travellers taking in the views along the east coast between Adelaide and Brisbane next summer. This bright orange locomotive chases the summer sun, sharing the incredible coastline with those who want to experience it by train. The journey reflects the best of Australia, from charming […]

  • Tourism

Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips

Gen Z travellers prefer to limit alcohol when overseas and have an increased reliance on TikTok when planning a trip, according to a report by StudentUniverse, the world’s largest online travel retailer for young people. The State of Student & Youth Travel Report for 2024 delved into the latest travel sentiments amongst those aged 18-25 […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]