Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Mexico's Ailing Tourism Hit by Swine Flu

Outbreak whacks industry already reeling from drug violence

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Apr 27, 2009 5:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – The swine flu outbreak is wreaking havoc on Mexico's tourism industry, already severely weakened by a worsening drug war. Tourism dropped 20% over the weekend, the head of a hotel association tells the New York Times. With most attractions closed, tourists already in the capital were seen in masks as they rode double-decker buses. Death toll estimates from the flu are now as high as 100, with more than 1400 sick.

Some tourists are finding early flights out of the country, worried they may be banned from home if the situation worsens. But there was no immediate rush of tourists at the airport, and others joked that traditionally busy sights are less crowded. The US embassy has issued a Mexico travel warning, and officials will suspend the processing of thousands of tourist visas to Mexico this week.

A family wearing surgical masks to ward off infection wait for a relative to arrive at the airport in Mexico City yesterday.
A family wearing surgical masks to ward off infection wait for a relative to arrive at the airport in Mexico City yesterday.   (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Airline passenger Maria Pia of Uruguay wears a protective face mask as she waits for her flight at the airport in Mexico City yesterday.
Airline passenger Maria Pia of Uruguay wears a protective face mask as she waits for her flight at the airport in Mexico City yesterday.   (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Vehicle traffic crosses from the US into Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego yesterday.
Vehicle traffic crosses from the US into Mexico at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego yesterday.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Mexico Devotes $92M to Luring Back Visitors

Mexico Hires PR Firm

15 Tons of Meth Seized in Mexico

15 Bodies Dumped at Mexico Gas Station

Mexico's Bloody Toll in 2011: 12K


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne