Travel to Cancun & Riviera Maya..Press release from CEO Mexico DMC
Travel to Mexico
Cancun & Riviera Maya
I am writing you this email to address any concerns you may have about the safety of your groups, clients or family traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
I have seen some of the news reports coming out of the U.S. and they are really doing our destination a disservice. While there are problems in some parts of Mexico, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are as safe as they have ever been for tourists.
The violence that is being reported is very real, but it is primarily along the Mexican border with the U.S. The 5 major drug cartels in Mexico are at war with each other and with the federal authorities leading to more than 1,000 dead just in this year. Those being killed are drug dealers and traffickers of rival factions as well as authorities who are trying to bust up the cartels. It is a very dangerous place to be and I do not recommend anyone travel to these areas.
I do want to make you aware that there was a major military operation in Cancun several weeks ago. A retired high-ranking military general was contracted by the Major of Cancun to head a task force to curb the influence of the cartel in our area called Los Zetas. Soon after his arrival to Cancun, he, his bodyguard, and another companion were kidnapped and murdered. As the police were unable to solve the crime, and it seemed some crooked cops may have been involved, the military came in to clean house and oversee the investigation. They were successful in a very short time to capture 6 suspects believed to be the murderers along with millions of dollars and a cache of serious weaponry. Some of the weapons were police issue in fact leading to the detention of the Chief of Police who is now being interrogated in Mexico City for his role in enabling and protecting Los Zetas. Having achieved their mission and at the same time dealing a major blow to the cartel, the military presence in the area is reduced. Tourists during this period were only inconvenienced by strategic military roadblocks and extra patrols.
While I know it may be risky to reveal the dirty laundry of a resort destination, please keep in mind that Cancun has a population of 1,000,000 people and the Riviera Maya another 500,000 people and violence per capita is lower here than what you may find in Phoenix for example. Have you heard of any travel warnings to Phoenix? Thought not.
The U.S. media is guilty of painting Mexico with one broad brush. I was outraged yesterday morning watching Fox News interview two college-age spring breakers asking them how they dare to still go to Cancun with all the killing in Mexico. If there were major gang wars in Chicago would you not go to Florida because of it?
If you need more convincing that this destination is safe, my sister, brother-in-way and two nieces just left Saturday morning after a tremendous week-long vacation. Do you think I would let them come if it was in any way dangerous for them to do so? I will also be happy to connect you with any and all of my clients that have been here in 2009 if you need further assurance.
Friends and clients, please know you are welcome and safe in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Sincerely,
John Nedeau
President
CEO Mexico
john@ceo-mexico.com
Cancun & Riviera Maya
I am writing you this email to address any concerns you may have about the safety of your groups, clients or family traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
I have seen some of the news reports coming out of the U.S. and they are really doing our destination a disservice. While there are problems in some parts of Mexico, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are as safe as they have ever been for tourists.
The violence that is being reported is very real, but it is primarily along the Mexican border with the U.S. The 5 major drug cartels in Mexico are at war with each other and with the federal authorities leading to more than 1,000 dead just in this year. Those being killed are drug dealers and traffickers of rival factions as well as authorities who are trying to bust up the cartels. It is a very dangerous place to be and I do not recommend anyone travel to these areas.
I do want to make you aware that there was a major military operation in Cancun several weeks ago. A retired high-ranking military general was contracted by the Major of Cancun to head a task force to curb the influence of the cartel in our area called Los Zetas. Soon after his arrival to Cancun, he, his bodyguard, and another companion were kidnapped and murdered. As the police were unable to solve the crime, and it seemed some crooked cops may have been involved, the military came in to clean house and oversee the investigation. They were successful in a very short time to capture 6 suspects believed to be the murderers along with millions of dollars and a cache of serious weaponry. Some of the weapons were police issue in fact leading to the detention of the Chief of Police who is now being interrogated in Mexico City for his role in enabling and protecting Los Zetas. Having achieved their mission and at the same time dealing a major blow to the cartel, the military presence in the area is reduced. Tourists during this period were only inconvenienced by strategic military roadblocks and extra patrols.
While I know it may be risky to reveal the dirty laundry of a resort destination, please keep in mind that Cancun has a population of 1,000,000 people and the Riviera Maya another 500,000 people and violence per capita is lower here than what you may find in Phoenix for example. Have you heard of any travel warnings to Phoenix? Thought not.
The U.S. media is guilty of painting Mexico with one broad brush. I was outraged yesterday morning watching Fox News interview two college-age spring breakers asking them how they dare to still go to Cancun with all the killing in Mexico. If there were major gang wars in Chicago would you not go to Florida because of it?
If you need more convincing that this destination is safe, my sister, brother-in-way and two nieces just left Saturday morning after a tremendous week-long vacation. Do you think I would let them come if it was in any way dangerous for them to do so? I will also be happy to connect you with any and all of my clients that have been here in 2009 if you need further assurance.
Friends and clients, please know you are welcome and safe in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Sincerely,
John Nedeau
President
CEO Mexico
john@ceo-mexico.com
Comment
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Comment by Serenity J. Knutson on March 4, 2009 at 10:35am - Basic travel safety tips apply no matter where we are traveling. You're spot on, Keith - big cities aren't the only places where crime occurs. I've never had an incident in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago, or St. Louis, but someone broke into my car in Rapid City, South Dakota. It can happen anywhere, and we all just need to take basic precautions at all times when we're on the road.
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Comment by Keith Johnston on March 3, 2009 at 6:20pm -
I agree! I have taken groups to both Cancun and Riviera Maya and have found them to be well received by attendees. Safe and sound so the story goes. What everyone needs to be aware of is that like all places, you have to be careful. I do not advise my attendees to stagger around drunk in Cancun.....but I would also advise against it in New York, Miami and Lincoln Nebraska. One must take some responsibility for their safety when they are anywhere, including the streets of their own town.
What is important to remember is a point that John made, the crime statistics for Cancun are about that of Phoenix. You would go to Phoenix wouldn't you.
Here is what Lonely Planet has to say about Cancun safety "Cancún has a reputation for being safe, and the Zona Hotelera is particularly well policed and secure; however, it is always best not to leave valuables unattended in your hotel room or beside your beach towel."
Take a group to Cancun and have fun.
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Comment by John Nedeau on March 3, 2009 at 5:13pm - Thank you Serenity! I must give kudos to 60 Minutes for their report on Sunday night....it was spot on, and clearly defined the situation.
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Comment by Serenity J. Knutson on March 3, 2009 at 5:03pm
- Thank you for posting this, John! This is an important message for those who are considering bringing groups to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, and I'm glad you have shared it here. Many meeting and event planners in the U.S. have recently witnessed how big the difference can be between reality and public perception, and I hope everyone will take your words to heart.
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