When the U.S. State Department updated its Mexico travel warning at the end of August, many in the industry criticized the decision. According to its website, the State Department is warning travelers “about the risk of traveling to certain parts of Mexico due to the activities of criminal organizations in those areas. U.S. citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in various Mexican states.”
We had previously covered the opinions of some in the industry, including Eduardo Carlos Gonzalez Cid, president of the Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic and Marisol Venegas Perez, Quintana Roo Tourism Secretary. The updated warning included Quintana Roo for the first time, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel.
Bill LaMacchia Jr., chief engagement officer with The Mark Travel Corporation, added a similar sentiment on the warning.
“As we have indicated in previous statements; The Mark Travel Corporation takes these [potential safety] reports very seriously,” La Macchia said in an open letter. “We are doing our best to secure factual information in regards to topics currently being covered by the press.”
He did, however, reassure agents that he remains confident in the suppliers that The Mark Travel Corporation is partnered with. From this, LaMacchia believes travel to Mexico can still be enjoyed—and safely.
“Mexico has been and will continue to be one of our top destinations, and we continue to send customers to the destination with confidence,” he said. “As we all know, this business is about people. As an organization we have trust in the people that represent each of our four travel brands, and care for each of our mutual customers each and every day.”
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