How dangerous is Mexico right now?

This is a subject of endless debate.


A security guard patrols the beach in Cancun. In light of headlines about drug-cartel violence and kidnappings in Mexico, Cancun has added security personnel and tourist greeters to make sure that visitors stay safe. CAPTIONBy Kitty Yancey, USA TODAYThe Mexico Tourism Board says the country is having a great year and that nearly 100% of U.S. vacationers queried say they had a great time. However, the board has launched a $30 million ad campaign targeted at Americans, which tells you that it knows Mexico has an image problem in the USA mainly due to drug cartel violence.

Meanwhile, some in the U.S. travel industry are bullish on Mexico. Hard Rock International says it is moving into Mexico, re-branding three all-inclusive palace Resorts. And Wyndham Hotel Group just announced it has added the 68-room Las Villas Hotel at Estrella del Mar in the Mazatlan area to its portfolio.

RELATED: $30 million ad campaign says Mexico is safe

But this week comes news of the apparent kidnapping of a Mexican luxury car dealer from a restaurant not far from the tourist zone of Cancun. That popular resort area has added security guards and is generally considered a well-patrolled area where American tourists can wander safely.

A report on foxnews.com says that the car dealer and three companions were abducted after leaving the unnamed restaurant last Friday. It said families did not officially report the disappearances, and that ransom had been demanded.

Kidnappings and "a move toward extortion" are increasing problems in Mexico, says Charles Regini, a former FBI hostage negotiator who now is managing director of crisis response and planning for Kroll Associates Inc. Kroll bills itself as "the world's leading risk consulting company" and offers security and negotiating services.

Regini says that Kroll's sources in the Cancun area confirmed that the kidnap happened on the Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio in front of a mall named Plaza Pabellon Cumbres in Cancun. So far this year, Kroll has seen no Americans kidnapped in Mexico, but that certain parts of the country are lawless -- like "the Wild West," Regini says -- because drug cartels have taken over.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are considered "relatively safe," he says. But border towns, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallerta and Acapulco can be "extremely dangerous" once you leave the tourist areas, he says. "And overland travel in Mexico also is extremely dangerous" for Americans, he says.

"If you're going to Mexico, do some due diligence," Regini says. "Maintain awareness and don't put yourself in a position to be a victim." Leave the expensive watches and flashy jewelry at home, too.

While many tourists have positive and safe experiences, Regini is not high on Mexico right now. Trouble there is a big part of Kroll's business, he says. "Frankly," he adds, "I advise everyone I know not to go."

So readers, what do you think? Have any of you returned recently from Mexico? How was your trip?

P.S.: Just found out that Martha Stewart journeyed to Mexico City and offers a look at its culture, crafts, cuisine and more on today's The Martha Stewart Show on the Hallmark Channel. The episode was taped in Mexico City in July 2011 with support from the Mexico City Tourism Promotion Fund. You can watch the show on Stewart's website.

(sources :http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2011/11/how-dangerous-is-mexico/560394/1?csp=Travel)