Tourist in Mexico

Your article on the so-called dangers of Mexican vacations lacks the perspective needed to grasp the issue of the safety of Canadian tourists abroad, consequently rendering it not only uninformed, but tendentious ("Guns in the sun," National, June 4). Every year Mexico receives more than 21 million visitors from all over the world, roughly one million of whom come from Canada. Despite a few unfortunate incidents, most notably two in 2006 and two this year, they all return home safe and sound. While this is still a matter of deep concern among Mexico's government and society, these few cases should not be used to incite unfair judgments about a country that welcomes international tourists with open arms. Let us not forget the very unusual circumstances surrounding the untimely deaths of these four Canadian nationals. They have involved either the likely participation of international mafias or the immoderate consumption of alcohol and drugs, as the toxicological exams conducted in both Mexico and Canada have shown. None of them have been the result of a robbery or assault of any kind. It must also be made clear that in all four cases, local and federal authorities from both countries have co-operated thoroughly. Due to their bilateral nature, the solving of the pending cases takes time, but I can assure you that authorities from both countries have been working diligently on their respective lines of investigation.
The article also repeats figures on the number of Canadians "assaulted" abroad that should be broadened for further interpretation. Mexico is among the three destinations most visited by Canadian tourists. Mexico hosts as many Canadians as all the islands of the Caribbean and twice as many as all Asian countries. Furthermore, you would certainly agree with me that a destination becomes more or less dangerous depending not only on its general safety conditions but also on the behaviour of tourists. A reality must be faced and fought: tourists sometimes behave differently away from home. No place can guarantee safety for people willing to take incautious risks. Mexico offers many privileges, but expects some obligations: common sense, respect for local rules and customs and, above all, moderation. Mexico has indeed decided to crack down on organized crime once and for all. Combatting the problem will require time, resources and probably many human lives, but it is yielding positive results for the societies of the North American region in the fight against international crime and terrorism. So far this fight has not claimed any civilian's life. I find it highly unfair to Mexico to draw general conclusions from isolated events that could happen anywhere in the world. I find it petty and disappointing that poor-spirited interests are attempting to build a negative image of a nation that is friendly to Canadians and a strategic, economic and political partner for Canadian interests.

Goicoechea, E. (2007). Tourists in Mexico. Maclean's, 120(23), 6. Retrieved April 22, 2010, from OmniFile Full Text Select database.