If you have concerns about traveling to Mexico because of recent media reports about violence associated with organized crime, our advice is to continue with your vacation plans to visit this beautiful country. It is safe to travel to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, the Yucatan Peninsula and many other parts of Mexico.

 

The state of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan

Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and other destinations in the state of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula as a whole have always been, and remain, among the safest places in the world for visitors. However, we live in a world where violent events happen in many cities. Nowhere is immune to violence associated with organized crime and sadly, Cancun has seen a number of homicides in recent days linked to drug gangs.

Security has been upgraded in the state of Quintana Roo this year and the authorities are working closely to ensure the safety of visitors and residents. Additional monitoring measures are being implemented and the number of police patrols in Cancun and Playa del Carmen has been boosted.

 

Mexico is one of the World’s most Popular Travel Destinations

The world’s 14th largest country, Mexico offers a world of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Its beautiful Caribbean and Pacific beaches, natural wonders and wildlife, ancient cultures, colonial cities, rich traditions, cuisine and the warm hospitality of its people have an enduring appeal.

Mexico welcomed 39.3 million international visitors in 2017 and is set to climb to No. 6 in the World’s Top 10 Travel Destinations. Millions of visitors from the US vacation in Mexico every year and enjoy their stay. More than one million US citizens also make their home here on a fulltime or part-time basis.

Leading international travel magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler and newspapers such as the New York Times included Mexican beach destinations and its World Heritage colonial cities in their must-visit lists for 2018.

Designated as the 2018 World Design Capital, the nation’s capital Mexico City is also attracting more and more visitors in search of its thriving arts scene, rich history and world-class cuisine.

The safety of visitors wherever they are in the country is a priority for the Mexican government and the authorities are extremely vigilant in all tourist destinations and major cities.

 

Travel advisories

The US State Department travel advisory system now classifies threat levels in countries around the world from 1 to 4, with 1 being the lowest threat level and 4 the highest. Mexico is in the Level 2 category, which is the same as many European countries such as France, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

The US State Department Mexico travel advisory places no restrictions on visiting Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos, some of the world’s most popular vacation spots.

Some Mexican states that have seen an upsurge in violence associated with organized crime are classified as having a higher threat level. In some of these cases, specific regions of the state that may be off the tourist track anyway are mentioned, for example, remote mountainous or border areas and certain highways, towns or city neighborhoods.

 

The Key to Safe Travel Anywhere is Common Sense

Major cities in the US and around the world have neighborhoods with a reputation for crime and gang violence and this is also the case in Mexico. Common sense is the key to safety wherever you travel, whether at home or abroad, and may we suggest that you take certain precautions, just as you would if you were going to a new city in your own country or elsewhere.

Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, stick to reputable restaurants, bars and other establishments in well-known tourist areas of the city and drink responsibly. Do not display expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash in public. Take care when visiting unfamiliar areas and avoid walking alone at night through poorly lit neighborhoods or isolated areas.

Don’t drive in isolated areas at night and use toll roads for longer journeys

The sale, possession and consumption of illegal drugs is a federal offence in Mexico.

 

Security at Royal Resorts

Royal Resorts has the security and comfort of its members and guests as its top priority. Security guards patrol the resorts and the beaches 24 hours a day. There are closed circuit cameras in public areas and other key locations. Electronic safes are also provided in all the suites and rooms for members and guests to store money, jewelry, passports and travel documents.

Go ahead with your Mexico vacation plans. You’ll enjoy your stay in Cancun and the Riviera Maya and discovering the wonders of the Yucatan.

For those of you who are longtime visitors to the Mexican Caribbean with strong ties to the community, there is no reason for you to change your travel plans. We look forward to seeing you soon in your resort home.

 

Further reading

https://amarfriendsfoundation.wordpress.com/2018/03/17/is-it-safe-to-travel-in-mexico/

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/impacting-travel/watch-mark-murphy-dissects-the-mexico-travel-advisory.html

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/mexico-remains-safe-amid-tourism-boom.html

 

 

Brian Bryington, member at The Royal Haciendas, was the winner of the monthly raffle for members attending Marketing events such as the Orientation Briefing, Taco Party or the Welcome Party. 

All members who go to the social events organized by the Marketing department during their vacation are eligible to participate in a monthly draw. The prize is a one-week stay for two in a room at The Royal Haciendas. The names of the lucky winners will be published in this Members News section each month.

Congratulations to Brian Bryington, the March winner

We would like to share several reports from members about suspicious emails and phone calls that they recently received from companies or individuals regarding their Royal Resorts membership.

Several members have informed us that they have received phone calls or emails from a company called Global Events Solution offering to buy their units. The individuals representing this company, which has a San Francisco address, have identified themselves as Robert Worton and Nannette Julia List. They claim that they have been hired by Royal Resorts. We would like to stress that Royal Resorts has no knowledge of this company or of these individuals and that this is a scam.

Another case that was recently reported to us concerns emails claiming to be from a Mexican government agency called SEIDO (Subprocuraduría Especializada en Investigación de Delincuencia Organizada) working with CONDUSEF to investigate timeshare companies. The letter comes with an authorization agreement for the email sender to act on your behalf and a claims form and is sent from the following address servicios@gobseido.mx. This is not an official Mexican government email address. These emails are clearly an attempt to obtain information under false pretenses and our recommendation is to take no action if you receive one.

In October 2017, we reported a similar scam involving bogus emails purportedly from the Mexican Procuraduria General de Justicia or Justice Department, which were sent from a domain called PROCURADURIAGOB.COM.

All official Mexican Government website domains and emails sent by different departments and agencies contain the words gob.mx therefore we would urge you to disregard any emails you receive from servicios@gobseido.mx or procuraduriagob.com. If the website domain or email address does not include the words gob.mx it is not genuine.

It is our policy to alert members of possible scams and we urge you to let us know if you are contacted by a person or company that seems suspicious so that we may warn others. Communication is key to protecting our members.

We have a strict privacy policy and have procedures in place to protect our members’ private information. We do not know how these individuals may have acquired phone numbers and emails, but are investigating further.

Follow these steps if you receive a suspicious email or phone call

• Check the source of the email if the company or individual claims to be associated with Royal Resorts. All Royal Resorts communications are sent from an official royalresorts.com email address, if this is not the case, then the email is not from Royal Resorts.
• Disregard the email or phone call if money is requested in advance for resale or other timeshare-related services.
• Do not supply personal data or the contact details of friends if referrals are requested.
• Do an online background check on the company to see if it is legitimate.
• Ask Royal Resorts if you are in any doubt, we are here to help you.

Above all, do not send any money. When companies contact you via email, the Internet or phone to offer resale, exchange or rental services and ask for cash in advance it is generally a good indication that they may not be genuine and if you pay it is very possible that you will not hear from them again.

Royal Resorts Personal Data Protection Policy

Royal Resorts takes your privacy very seriously and is in full compliance with the corresponding privacy laws. The personal details of our members and guests are strictly confidential. Royal Resorts does not sell and has never sold personal information to third parties. You can feel confident that Royal Resorts will continue doing everything possible to protect your personal information.

All member communications, updates, letters and promotions are sent from an official Royal Resorts email address.

We recommend that you avoid disclosing your personal information on forums, blogs and other open media venues and participation in Internet referral schemes that ask you to send the names and details of friends. When you provide your information to others in order to rent, sell or lend your unit please ensure that your information will be protected.

If you have received a phone call or email from a company that you suspect of misrepresentation or that may be engaged in possible fraudulent activity and would like to share the information with us, please feel free to contact us.