Rising Violence Casts Shadow Over Mexican Beach Resort

Mexico, despite its reputation for violence and drug cartels, attracted 66 million tourists last year, with many flocking to beach resorts in Quintana Roo state, home to the popular city of Cancun. Among these visitors were 343,202 Brits in 2022, making them the fourth largest group of tourists behind Americans, Canadians, and Colombians.

Historically, Mexico's beach resorts were considered safe havens, free from the brutal gang violence seen in other parts of the country. However, this is changing as cartels exploit the growing demand for drugs among younger travelers.

The influx of young tourists seeking drugs has created a perfect storm in Cancun. Homicides have surged as cartels battle for control, with nearly 500 deaths recorded in the city in 2023. Tourists, although not the direct targets, often find themselves caught in the crossfire. In February, a Californian woman was killed in a shootout near a popular Tulum beach, highlighting the pervasive danger.

Tourists can be inadvertently drawn into violence simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Incidents can occur unexpectedly, such as rival cartel hitmen opening fire in a restaurant or mistaking a tourist for a rival due to their appearance or vehicle. The cartels, armed and numerous, often confront law enforcement without fear, as the police and military are typically outnumbered and outgunned.

In response to the escalating violence, authorities have increased security in the resorts. In 2023, 1,500 National Guard and Navy soldiers were deployed to patrol the streets and beaches, followed by an additional 2,100 troops from the Mexican Ministry of Defence. Despite these measures, the cartels continue to operate with impunity, often reaching tacit agreements with law enforcement.