Planning a trip to Playa del Carmen? Heed the warnings
But tourism board insists Mexican resort area safe
Travel experts say that as spring break approaches, a State Department warning against visiting Playa del Carmen in Mexico in light of an unspecified security threat is diverting tourists from the popular resort area.
“Passengers are definitely steering away and concerned about the destination,” said Olga Ramudo, CEO of Express Travel in Coral Gables, Fla.
But the experts say Mexico is a large country with many large destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta or Huatulco, that tourists could choose instead.
“Specifically related to Playa del Carmen, I would probably follow the State Department’s alert and suggestion and stay away for a while,” said Eric Olson, senior adviser to the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center and deputy director of the Latin American Program. “But there are tons of other places, wonderful places, to vacation in Mexico.”
The Mexico Tourism Board issued a statement acknowledging the United States’ right to warn travelers. But the board called the State Department
“I would probably follow the State Department’s alert and suggestion and stay away for a while. But there are tons of other places, wonderful places, to vacation in Mexico.” Eric Olson, senior adviser to the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center
warning “counterproductive” and said Playa del Carmen is safe for travelers, other than a recent ferry explosion.
“Messages like this, which imply safety issues without any basis in fact, are counterproductive to the goal of informing and educating travelers to Mexico and we strongly disagree with both this approach and the contents of this security message,” the board said.
The tourism board said steps the Mexican government and tourism in-