Business Owners in Puerto Peñasco Urge Tourists to Keep Spring Break Plans Amidst Cartel Violence Elsewhere
In the wake of cartel-related violence in parts of Mexico, tourism in Puerto Peñasco, commonly known as Rocky Point, remains unaffected. Business owners in this resort city are advocating for tourists to adhere to their plans, assuring them of their safety.
The situation escalated following the Mexican military’s operation that resulted in the death of a prominent cartel leader, leading to unrest in several areas, particularly affecting Puerto Vallarta. Tourists there faced roadblocks and flight cancellations due to the upheaval.
However, Puerto Peñasco, located nearly a thousand miles from the turmoil, remains calm. Despite the stability, some visitors from Arizona are reconsidering their spring break vacations.
Will Dunn, a local entrepreneur offering yacht charters, is actively addressing visitors’ concerns. “If a riot broke out in Florida, would us people in Arizona be concerned?” Dunn questions to reassure potential tourists.
While Dunn reported a single cancellation, Keith Allen from Encántame Resorts indicated that around 80 bookings were canceled following the disturbances in Jalisco.
Allen remains optimistic, stating, “Hopefully people will come to their senses and realize the distance and the fact that it’s extremely safe here.” No incidents or travel disruptions have been reported on the highway connecting the Lukeville border to Puerto Peñasco.
The U.S. State Department has rescinded all previous shelter-in-place advisories for Mexico. As stability returns, travel to previously affected areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta is gradually resuming.
In a bid to entice tourists back, Allen paints a picture of the current scene in Puerto Peñasco: “In Puerto Peñasco today it’s probably 72 degrees, sunny, no wind, beautiful beaches, everything is normal.”
