Cancun disagrees with DPS warning

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In response to Texas Department of Public Safety’s announcement urging spring breakers to avoid traveling to Mexico, Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau suggested otherwise.

On Tuesday, Texas DPS stressed drug cartel violence and other criminal activity is still present throughout Mexico, posing a threat to American visitors. 

• DPS: Avoid spring break trips to Mexico

The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau disagreed. It believes DPS advisory generalized safety issues throughout all of Mexico.

According to a recent statement by Quintana Roo Gov. Roberto Borge, Cancun and the entire state remain one of the safest zones in all of Mexico. He said no North American traveler has been affected in the entire Yucatan Peninsula by issues plaguing other parts of the country.

“Texas DPS alert may cause unnecessary fear to the more than 20,000 tourists that are scheduled to visit Cancun this spring break season,” said a representative from the bureau.

Cancun CVB stated that security is increased along Cancun’s public beaches in anticipation of heavy travel periods like Spring Break. Some precautionary actions taken by the bureau for added safety:

• Increased number of security rounds along the beaches
• Increased number of lifeguards stationed on public beaches
• Local authorities and Cancun International Airport distribute extensive information, including safety tips, as well as rules and regulations for appropriate behavior on Cancun's public beaches and entertainment areas
• Emergency units patrol the hotel zone and public beaches on a nightly basis to provide rapid emergency care and first aid should emergency situations arise
• In conjunction with the Aquatic Rescue of the Mexican Red Cross and the Mexican Association of Lifeguards, an aid and security watch station will be located directly on the public beaches

"Cancun prides itself for being a safe place to travel, and the #1 international tourist destination for Americans in 2011 as stated by Orbitz," said the bureau.