Recent Crime Localized to Northern Border Cities; Riviera Maya More Than 1,000 Miles Away, Same Distance as that between New York & Florida
RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO – (MARCH 16, 2010) – While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, the U.S. State Department recently issued a travel warning urging U.S. citizens to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the Northern border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros.
The Riviera Maya, located on the eastern coast of Mexico and stretching 81 miles along the Caribbean coast, is more than 1,000 miles from the regions specified in the State Department’s warning. Due to the region’s strong tourism industry, cities such as Playa del Carmen boast a 98 percent employment rate as well as prominent police forces, keeping crime to a minimum.
“The safety of tourists visiting the Riviera Maya is our number one concern,” states Javier Aranda, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. “However, it is important to ensure that the State Department’s warning is taken in proper perspective. While we always recommend tourists take normal travel precautions such as only visiting legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours and avoiding unknown areas, the Riviera Maya has been, and continues to remain a safe tourist zone. To address concerns, we’ve posted a variety of testimonial videos to our Web site. These videos are a series of interviews with U.S. tourists who recently visited Riviera Maya, addressing their personal experience in the region in specific regard to safety.”
The Mexican government is taking strong action to secure the affected states, deploying more than 45,000 soldiers across the country.
About the Riviera Maya
One of the world’s most desirable destinations, the Riviera Maya is situated along the eastern coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. Stretching eighty-one miles, Riviera Maya begins south of the Cancun International Airport in Puerto Morelos and extends through Sian Kaan, the first established Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a high priority of protection. The region features the tranquility of uncrowded beaches, a vast network of underground rivers, more than 100 cenotes and the action of eco-adventure sports including kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching, deep sea fishing and much more. The Riviera Maya offers a variety of lodging options from upscale hotels, all-inclusive properties and charming boutique hotels, all with excellent accommodations, first-class facilities and the warm hospitality of the local people. Many of Mexico’s most significant archeological sites are nearby, providing visitors with the chance to experience the fascinating Mayan culture. The Riviera Maya has been named a Top Destination in Mexico for five consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009), awarded with The Best Destination in Mexico by Crystal Apple Award 2008 and 2009; One of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008 and was awarded as the Sexiest Destination by Recommend Magazine.