Nations of the world look to travel and leisure to turn a handsome profit each year.Mexico is no exception. The second-largest Latin American economy depends intensely upon an influx of tourists, the vast majority coming from the United States.To most tourists, a getaway in Mexico means something at a luxury beachfront resort.Reuters reports that the latest brand of Mexican excursion is far off the beaten path, nevertheless.”Danger tourism” that takes thrill-seekers into the maelstrom of sex, drugs and open violence of the current drug war is all the rage.
Risk tourism seriously isn’t for an average Joe
While numerous people are appalled by the thought of spending their hard-earned dollars on vacations that would place them in serious risk of bodily harm, macabre thrill-seekers discover travel agencies that offer the alternative of danger tourism.Specialty travel agencies give tourists the opportunity to watch Zapatista rebels work. Or, for those who prefer human trafficking and sex trade, there are places to see that, too.Places like the Tepito underground in Mexico City, for example. Drugs, underage prostitution and contraband are the stock in trade.Cesar Estrada, proprietor of Universal Travel, indicated to Reuters that despite the very real chance that tourists could be robbed at gunpoint, such danger tourist is quite popular.
“We tell visitors to dress simply. If they want pictures, our guides take them discreetly,” Estrada said.
See the ‘real’ Mexico today!
A German tourist by the name of Donata Von Salviati told Reuters the experience of danger tourist gives outsiders “the kind of insight into the real Mexico one could not get in a beach resort like Cancún”.All it takes is 200 pesos ($ 15) to hire a guide to run a tourist through the exact exact same experience as illegal migrants, complete with nighttime flight over dusty roads, sagebrush, bear traps, rivers and more.Food, water and other creature comforts are not allowed.Make a run for the border with all of speed, for many who lag behind are picked up by fake immigration trucks in violent fashion.
Does Mexico benefit from this?
Risk vacation is nevertheless a bit of a wild card for Mexico’s economy, as outlined by Reuters.When one considers that nine percent of Mexico’s overall economy depends upon travel and leisure dollars, hazard tourist couldn’t be anything other than a shot in the arm, despite the ravages of the drug war.The trail of money is much appreciated by America’s neighbor to the south.
Reuters
reuters.com/article/idUSN2463303
