Earthquake and swine flu: Double pummel for already distressed Mexico tourism

The longtime drug wars have significantly dented Mexico’s tourism industry, and spring break in hot spots such as Cabo and Mazatlan suffered. But in the first quarter of 2009, less crime was reported in Baja California, traveler feedback had been largely positive, and, well, it seemed like there was hope yet for south-of-the-border vacationing.

Now this — well, this and that.

First, swine flu has left at least 149 dead and close to 2,000 hospitalized in Mexico. See earlier post “Swine flu: 7 things travelers should know” for some essential info. If you were planning to visit Mexico soon, you’ve likely nipped that idea in the bud or are at least reconsidering the trip.

And now, the region has had another shake-up. This morning’s 5.6-magnitude quake in the state of Guerrero was centered near Chilpancingo, which is about 50 miles from Acapulco. In the resort town, tourists “streamed out of hotels” and “congregated on sidewalks and medians for several minutes,” according to the Los Angeles Times report.

The temblor also shook Mexico City, where people were seen wearing surgical masks as they evacuated buildings, according to the Times article.

A woman in Guerrero died of a heart attack, according to a Reuters report, but no other deaths, or injuries, have been reported.

The country’s currency has taken a hit from both crises, however. Reuters reported that the quake “briefly jolted” the Mexican peso, which has already suffered due to the swine flu crisis, according to the Wall Street Journal.

- Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Evacuees in Mexico City following this morning's quake. Credit: AP photo/Enric Marti]

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This entry was posted on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 3:22 pm by Susan Derby and is filed under Acapulco, Mexico, Mexico City, News, Tips & Advice, earthquake. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.