US Travel Alert Threatens Mexico’s Top Destinations

Cancún, MX — The business sector of Quintana Roo has warned that a travel alert issued by the U.S. Department of State, which included 30 Mexican states under a warning that even mentions terrorism, could severely affect the economy of the state's destinations, particularly Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancún.

"If the arrival of visitors decreases, thousands of jobs and family businesses in hospitality, transportation, gastronomy, and tourist services will be at risk. Even though our zones maintain high security standards, inclusion in this alert severely damages our international reputation," stated Jovita Portillo, a representative of Coparmex.

According to the leader, during the first half of 2025, 23.4 million international tourists arrived in the country; however, a 2.9% drop in arrivals by air has already been reported.

She noted that in the face of this alert, Quintana Roo, home to destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is among the most exposed to this negative perception, as more than 85% of its economy depends on tourism.

In a statement, the Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX) and the National Tourism Business Council (CNET) stated that this travel alert classification for the country does not correspond to reality and directly affects Mexico's reputation in international markets.

"We consider that the inclusion of the term 'terrorism' in this alert does not accurately reflect the situation in the majority of Mexican states. While we recognize that significant security challenges and episodes of violence persist in various regions, equating them with terrorist acts implies a disproportionate characterization that can distort the international perception. Such a narrative could directly influence travel decisions and could undermine the confidence of global investors and tourism operators. The economic impact of an alert of this type cannot be minimized," the letter states.

The business sector called on the federal and state government to reinforce the international promotion of Mexico as a safe, reliable, and competitive destination, in addition to strengthening tourist security and communicating the real situation in each destination with factual data.

Tourism represents 8.6% of the national Gross Domestic Product and generates 4.9 million formal jobs. More than 99% of tourism businesses in Mexico are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, which makes protecting the country's image even more urgent.

"Collaboration between the public and private sectors is crucial to protect the country's image and safeguard the well-being of millions of Mexican families. Mexico remains a hospitable country full of culture, nature, and safe destinations. Defending its image is more than a diplomatic issue; it is about protecting its economic and social future," she concluded.