Leading Voice in Mexico Tourism Addresses Safety Concerns

Mr. Ernesto Coppel Kelly is a leading voice in Mexico’s tourism industry and is the founder and chairman of six internationally acclaimed Pueblo Bonito Resorts and Spas (Cabo/Mazatlan).  He has worked for decades with the private and public sectors to improve and expand Mexico’s tourism industry. As a philanthropist, he contributes to a wide range of community and environmental organizations.

Mr. Ernesto Coppel Kelly, CEO and Founder of Pueblo Bonito Resorts - Cabo / Mazatlan

Coppel’s philosophy is to give back to his employees and his community. He provides his staff educational opportunities and language training, among other benefits, so they can develop to their potential. He supports social programs, such as orphanages, that make a difference. And he has instituted green practices in his resorts and in the community to protect the environment.

Mr. Coppel recently addressed some questions with The MEXICO Report on safety in Mexico:

Many Americans are concerned about safety in Mexico. What would you advise them?

The violence caused by criminal gangs is confined and contained in certain specific areas of certain specific cities such as Reynosa, Matamoros, Ciudad Juarez and Monterrey – in certain barrios of the metro area. It is important to recognize that Mexico is a very large country, as large as Western Europe. And as such, distances from let’s say Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan can be as far as 700 miles from the points of conflict. From Cancun to the points of conflict, it can be as far away as 1,200 miles. So in a sense, the territories that are showing unrest are too far away from beach destinations.

What are the top misconceptions about travel to Mexico?

The number one misconception is that Mexico is not safe for travelers, including beach resorts. Mexico is a very large country, as large as Western Europe. Criminal acts are concentrated in certain cities in the Northern border like Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, Reynosa and certain parts of Monterrey.

Imagine, from Ciudad Juarez to Cancun, it’s more than 1,000 miles. It’s equivalent to the distance from New York City to Miami. Just ask the 5,000 American citizens that are permanent residents in Mazatlan alone. They can attest that safety is never a concern.

Another misconception is that Mexico does not have the quality and luxury as other vacation destinations. This is untrue, Mexico has resorts that have been voted some of the best in the world by experts in the field of Tourism such as Travel and Leisure Magazine. Mexico resorts compete with other properties around the world and are much less expensive.

Why is a Mexico an ideal location for vacationers?

Mexico is the nearest destination with nice weather and beautiful beaches from the United States. Mexico is also a great value for your money. The hotel rates and cost of living is lower which makes vacationing there a bargain compared to farther away places like Hawaii. In essence, your dollar buys a lot of pesos.

What do you find special about Cabo and personally what do you do there?

Cabo is an incredibly beautiful place. I love the weather and the contrast of the blue ocean with the desert. Cabo is a tranquil place, not a lot of people around you, which gives you the freedom to walk down the beach and not be bothered. Cabo is the capital of the world for Marlin fishing and also for world-class golf.  I like to just hang out by the pool and enjoy my latest book.

What would one do at a weekend at your hotel, from arrival to departure? 

Let me break it down by Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

In Mazatlan, you can enjoy the only colonial city located by the beach. Being a colonial city, you can enjoy a splash of culture such as ballet, the symphony, or an opera. Don’t forget to visit our great beer and coffee factories.

In terms of food, Mazatlan is the shrimp capital of the world so you can enjoy world-class food prepared by world-class chefs, especially with our luxury all-inclusive programs.

In Cabo San Lucas, you can play at some of the most beautiful gold courses in the world as well as some of the best deep-sea fishing around the globe. And of course, there will always be beautiful weather, warm service and full-service spas that will pamper you beyond compare.

Also you can just kick back by the pool, catch up on your summer reading and order a margarita.

What are the true crime statistics in your city?

The most common crimes are petty crimes that happen in the periphery of the city. These have nothing to do with visitors.

Cabo is thriving and we expect the best is yet to come.

 

Disclosure: This article is presented on behalf of my work for Mexico Today.  Although I’m being compensated for my work in creating content for the México Today program, all stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Mexico Today is an initiative of Marca País – Imagen de México, a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day.

 

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Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

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