Last year fears of swine flu and concerns of violence kept tourists away from Mexico.
Now, this past weekend's attacks against several people affiliated with the US consulate in Cuidad Juarez has brought concerns of security along the US-Mexico border to the highest levels.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the US State Department has advised all Americans to delay travel to the border regions of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango states.
The violence against the consular employees has raised new concerns of security, since the victims seem not to have had any connection to the drug trade that is responsible for the vast majority of violence in Juarez. Assuming the drug gangs were indeed behind the killings, they are becoming scarily effective at sending the message that they can continue to operate with impunity.
With many colleges kicking off Spring Break, it's likely that the Mexican tourism industry will once again see a drop in visitors.
Of course there may be some hidden perks, such as a reduction in cross-border idiocy and Jessica Simpson singing.
Kidding aside, any hit to the Mexican tourism industry will deal a significant blow to an industry that represents the fourth largest source of foreign exchange for Mexico.
Online Sources: Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post, CNN, AFP, State.gov, Wikipedia
Image Source: Jessica Simpson at MTV Spring Break, Cancun
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