Following roughly a week of cartel-related violence across Mexico—a response to the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”—tourists remain weary about traveling in and out of the country.
On Feb. 22, the US Embassy in Mexico issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens in parts of Mexico. Although the advisory was lifted on Feb. 25, several regions of the country remain at elevated risk levels. The states of Jalisco and Michoacan, for example, are currently categorized as Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ and Level 4 ‘Do not Travel.’
In Jalisco, where the initial military operation occurred, several cartel groups retaliated by setting up blockades in mainstream highways and setting fire to local airports, prompting flight delays and shelter-in-place advisories.
Tourists in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara—two major tourist destinations in Jalisco—are typically insulated from cartel violence because of their contributions to the region’s tourism economy. However, the unusual travel disruptions paired with growing tensions could affect the state’s robust travel economy.
As a major hub for international tourism, Jalisco accounts for roughly 7.4% of Mexico’s national tourism GDP. Concerned travelers could impact that figure if travel plans change.
Recent statements, however, issued by the US Department of State indicate conditions have largely stabilized, though travelers are still encouraged to remain cautious and monitor official advisories..
For some tourists, however, the recent events have not changed their plans..
“I believe travelers should always be aware of the current climate in the country they are visiting and utilize resources like checking the threat level,” said senior Vella Badforf, who plans to travel to Mexico for Spring Break. “My family has done our research and found the city we are traveling to be safe and we are excited for the trip. We plan on taking the same precautions as we would in any larger US city.”
Though tensions in Mexico appear to be easing, other global destinations have grown more dangerous.
Following a coordinated US-Israel strike on Iran’s regime, the conflict has expanded to surrounding regions, affecting both travel and tourism. Drone debris reportedly damaged parts of the Dubai airport—one of the busiest airports in the world—and additional missile strikes have damaged luxury hotels.
Senior Vaibhav Gandikota and his family were planning to visit Dubai for spring break but were forced to change their plans. “I was originally planning to travel to Dubai for spring break,” Gandikota said. “I woke up on Saturday morning and heard a war broke out in the middle east, and the entire airspace was closed. I’ve been wanting to visit Dubai for a long time. Originally, we tried to travel in March 2020, but COVID hit. This year, a war stopped us from visiting again.”
Beyond the cancellation of his travels to Dubai, Gandikota also cited specific troubles with global tensions as a whole “We’re currently looking at alternate destinations to visit, most likely in the US,” he said. “It just doesn’t seem like a good time to travel internationally at the moment.”
While it remains unclear how significantly these events will affect global tourism in the long term, rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts could continue to influence where travelers feel safe visiting in the months ahead.
