Tourism may grow in Mexico despite rising violence

Subject

Tourist security.

Significance

Mexico is suffering its most violent period, in terms of murder numbers, since records began. Some of the country’s most popular tourist areas have seen particularly marked spikes in violence, and holidaymakers have been caught in inter-gang crossfire on several occasions. While international visitor numbers appear surprisingly resilient in the face of such security problems, there are some indications that Mexicans themselves are less likely to travel to domestic locations where security is a concern.

Impacts

• Given the importance of tourism to the economy, any decrease in international visitors could hit Mexico’s employment rate.
• Dramatic improvements in the security situation are unlikely prior to general elections scheduled for 2018.
• Localised improvements and deterioration will depend more on gang politics than state security policies.