Americans in vacation hot spot may see more military than margaritas this summer
Tourists visiting Canc n and Mexico s Riviera Maya this summer are being greeted not just with ocean breezes and poolside cocktails but by heavily armed patrols In response to escalating cartel violence and crimes against travelers the Mexican executive has deployed more than troops and protection personnel to safeguard the country s most of popular vacation zones Since Mexico has turned to deploying troops and local enforcement to patrol the beaches and tourist hot spots Former Drug Enforcement Administration DEA Senior Special Agent Michael Brown at present the global director of counter-narcotics tool at Rigaku Analytical Devices reported Fox News Digital that the sight of military rifles may do more to remind travelers of the danger than reassure them of their safety The fluidity of Mexican organized crime gang activity is constantly moving from one side of the country to the next he mentioned Unfortunately these high-end tourist areas represent an easy opportunity for organized crime to come steal assault and rob AMERICAN TOURISTS IN POPULAR VACATION SPOT FACE INCREASED PITFALL OF BEING KILLED ROBBEDThis summer the Mexican establishment has launched an aggressive safeguard campaign across popular tourist destinations in the state of Quintana Roo home to Canc n Playa del Carmen Tulum and Cozumel Dubbed Operation Summer Vacation the initiative was formally communicated on July and involves the deployment of more than safeguard personnel including members of the National Guard Navy Army and state and local police While Operation Summer Vacation is the largest coordinated seasonal deployment to date it follows a multi-year pattern of heightened military involvement in Mexico s the bulk lucrative tourist zones The goal is to safeguard the expected million tourists throughout the summer and early fall months with a coordinated presence of land air and sea patrols We will not tolerate abuses illegal fees or practices that harm individuals To our tourism system providers I reiterate you are the best ambassadors of our state Your conduct your ethics and your commitment will make the difference Gov Mara Lezama Espinosa of Quintana Roo commented in a news conference according to Spanish-speaking regional media outlets Brown views the militarization as a red flag rather than a reassurance You're sitting on a beach looking at soldiers I'm worried about something happening That really works against the concept of a vacation he declared If I'm sitting on a beach looking at the armed military is that really going to make me relax AMERICANS TOURISTS WARNED OF INCREASED THREAT IN SUMMER VACATION HOTSPOTConcerns about traveling to Mexico as an American are not overstated as cases of rampant crime against tourists have prompted the U S State Department to issue warnings The agency issued a Level tour advisory to Quintana Roo meaning travelers should exercise increased caution due to elevated risks connected to property crimes scams and occasional violent incidents - even in tourist areas The U S Embassy in Mexico encourages U S citizens to remain vigilant at all times especially in the downtown zones of Cancun Playa del Carmen and Tulum after dusk and to stick to well-lit populated areas to reduce vulnerability Journey alerts also remind visitors of incidents where cartel-related violence and rival gang disconnects though not necessarily targeted at tourists have injured innocent bystanders If you're going to go to places which represent a certain level of danger you have to have a plan in place to mitigate that threat because once it happens you're not going to see it happen Brown noted While military patrols may offer several comfort Brown stressed that personal vigilance is still the largest part effective safety tool for American tourists especially women traveling alone or in small groups US RENEWS ADVANCE ADVISORY TO POPULAR DESTINATION AMID 'TERRORISM FEARS' 'EXERCISE INCREASED CAUTION'Brown recommends tourists carry personal GPS trackers ideally concealed in a handbag bracelet or necklace and set designated check-in times with family members back home He also urges travelers to only use transportation arranged by the hotel when staying at resorts and pre-verify the driver's identification and license plate When it comes to nightlife the former DEA special agent suggests never accepting drinks from strangers only consuming beverages opened in front of you and never leaving the resort alone especially at night For cruise-goers or those venturing into local towns he advises leaving all jewelry designer items and large amounts of cash onboard to avoid being targeted Have a plan he stated Your awareness has to increase significantly the moment you step off that plane CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digital has reached out to the U S State Department for comment
