Cancun continues to be a safe place for tourists looking for a sun and sand getaway. The state of Quintana Roo is a safe destination for travelers and was part of a recent overall advisory issued for Mexico, which is considered protocol.

In their published advisory, the U.S. Department of State recommended increased caution due to crime when traveling to Quintana Roo. The U.S. Consul General out of Merida, Justin A. Thomas, says he considers the state a safe place for American travelers.

The September 6 travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State covered 30 of Mexico’s states. For Quintana Roo, the Department said “criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.

“While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders, including U.S. citizens. Violent crime, including homicides and assaults, has increased in Tulum.

“There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. Exercise increased caution after dark in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.”

Consul General Thomas says Mexico receives more than 12 million American travelers each year and they consider the state of Quintana Roo one of their favorite vacation spots.

“I believe that security strategies can always be strengthened since our goal is for tourists who travel to Quintana Roo to enjoy an excellent experience, not only in terms of security, but in every sense.

“For us, Quintana Roo is primarily a safe destination for the more than 12 million Americans who travel every year, so security is essential and we see that work is being done in that direction.

“The alerts are only protocols that must be followed and not necessarily to stop people from traveling,” he explained.

According to Thomas, as far as his government is concerned, Quintana Roo has correctly addressed security problems that have risen. He says the objective is to continue collaborating with the state administration to maintain and even strengthen the alliances between the American government through the embassy in Mexico and the government of Quintana Roo.

“There are strong and close relations between the United States and the state. I believe that the government of Governor Mara Lezama has been phenomenal in terms of collaboration.

“She has an excellent relationship with our ambassador and I want to maintain that good relationship as Consul here in the Yucatan Peninsula because she has an impressive development plan for Quintana Roo and on issues of women’s empowerment, the environment, which is very important for my government as well.

“I believe that her vision will be important for the experience of North Americans who come to visit or live here in the state,” he said.