Two tourists shot dead at a luxury resort in Mexico

On Friday, January 21, 2022, two Canadian travelers were killed in a shooting incident at the five-star Hotel Xcaret located in Playa del Carmen, roughly 45 miles south of Cancun. A third tourist sustained injuries during the attack.

The shooting, which occurred in the afternoon, resulted from a dispute among guests near an outdoor dining area. A guest armed with a gun opened fire, causing chaos as others sought refuge. The suspect, identified on surveillance footage wearing a light blue tracksuit, is currently being pursued by local and federal police in Mexico.

One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. A third man was also shot but survived. According to the Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office, the two deceased Canadian men had prior criminal records, including drug trafficking offenses.

Such violence is rare in Quintana Roo, particularly on the Caribbean side of Mexico, where this event took place, making it generally a safe destination for tourists. However, there have been isolated incidents in recent years, such as the discovery of eight bodies over several days in Cancun in 2018.

Recently, there have been additional violent incidents in the Mayan Riviera, notably in November 2021, when the bodies of two alleged drug traffickers were discovered on a Cancun beach. Prior to that, an American and a German tourist lost their lives caught in a crossfire between rival drug gangs in Tulum.

Last month, the U.S. Department of State released a warning to reconsider travel to Mexico. While the primary reason for the Level 3 warning issued on December 8, 2021, was COVID-19, it also highlighted: "Violent crimes—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—are prevalent throughout Mexico."

According to that warning, Quintana Roo, located on Mexico's Caribbean coast, fell into the "exercise increased caution" category. This region, which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is a popular destination for tourists and is generally considered safe.

The government is enhancing security measures in tourist areas to ensure visitor safety. Currently, over 1,400 troops from the Mexican National Guard are patrolling regions of Quintana Roo.

Most experts concur that Mexico continues to be a safe destination for travelers. In a Washington Post article, Zachary Rabinor, the president and CEO of the travel planning firm Journey Mexico, stated that millions visit Mexico annually without issues, emphasizing that "violence exists globally, including in the U.S."