Tourists should be vigilant but should not be put off from visiting Mexico after the death of a British man in Cancun at the weekend, the Latin American Travel Association has said.
Ex-pat Chris Cleave, 54, was driving through Playa del Carmen on Saturday when he was ambushed and shot by two men on motorbikes.
It’s reported the local businessman had been threatened in the run-up to the killing.
In November 2021, a shootout between rival gangs resulted in the killing of two gangsters on a Cancun tourist beach and two weeks before that an American and German tourist were caught in the crossfire of a gang battle in Tulum and shot dead.
However, LATA has said tourists should not be put off visiting the region.
LATA CEO Danny Callaghan said: “We’re shocked to hear about this terrible incident, and our thoughts of course go to the victim’s family.
“Police reports suggest that this was not a random attack, and the victim was resident in Mexico rather than there as a tourist.
“There is no reason to think that anyone going to Mexico on holiday is at any risk from this sort of problem, and we would suggest that, other than being normally vigilant as one would anywhere in the world, Brits can go ahead and enjoy their holiday.”
The latest Foreign Office advice says: “The Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.
“However, since the beginning of 2021, there have been several clashes between rival criminal gangs in popular tourist destinations in Cancun and surrounding areas. Two foreign tourists were killed in Tulum, more tourists were injured during a shoot out in Puerto Morelos, and most recently there was a shooting in a hotel in Playa del Carmen in locations popular with tourists.
“There is currently an increased police presence in the Cancun area, including in the hotel zone. While tourists have not been the target, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected.
“If you are visiting any of these areas, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.
“There have been several instances of armed crime both within and outside tourist areas in Acapulco. If possible, travel by air if you are visiting a major tourist destination in Guerrero. Due to an increase in violent crime, you should be extra vigilant in Acapulco and surrounding areas.”