TULUM | Spotting armed guards or fully-armed military personnel is a surprising yet common sight in many Mexican Caribbean resort hotspots. This week, officials announced that the country’s National Guard will deploy troops in Tulum, one of the most visited cities in Quintana Roo, in an effort to boost safety for travelers. Authorities are currently gearing up for a record number of travelers as the Mexican Caribbean heads into the busy spring season.
Mexico’s National Guard has deployed over 50 troops to patrol some of Tulum’s main attractions, including its popular beaches and Archeological Zone. According to an announcement made earlier this week, officials will be bolstering safety in the popular seaside destination, which has attracted negative headlines recently over rising crime rates.
The announcement comes as more and more travelers are eager to visit the Mexican Caribbean in search of sun, sea, and tropical hospitality. Tulum, located in the southern portion of Quintana Roo, is a hit among travelers thanks to its unique blend of ancient Mayan history and stunning verdant nature.
The newly-deployed troops have already begun patrolling Tulum’s primary tourist hotspots, especially its crowded resort beaches as well as the massive Tulum National Park. While Tulum is known among travelers for its rich history and some of the region’s best resorts, there’s no denying the city’s reputation has taken a hit following reports of organized crime and drownings.
Officials hope to turn things around by securing the city’s main beaches and deterring organized crime from taking hold of the seaside destination. According to local media reports, troops are also actively patrolling Tulum National Park in an attempt to conserve order, security, and tranquility for visitors and local employees.
According to Gabriel Bautista Tapia, a local officer in charge of the operation, “the presence of the National Guard will help comply with the organization’s main goal, which is to uphold public security for visitors,” the official was quoted as saying.
National Guard troops will also target drug traffickers and illegal street vendors who sell counterfeit products. While often not posing a threat to travelers, they can tarnish Tulum’s reputation among visitors and even land visitors in jail.
How Safe Is Tulum For Travelers In 2023?
Alongside heavyweights like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres, Tulum frequently ranks as one of the most popular destinations among travelers in the Mexican Caribbean. The resort hotspot is set to become even more popular with the completion of the Maya Train later this year, allowing thousands of travelers to visit the destination on a daily basis.
Despite growing popularity, safety and high crime rates are persistent issues that have aroused concern among travelers. Authorities, both at the national and regional levels, have taken several steps to bolster safety and put an end to crime.
This year, Tulum is generally expected to be a safe destination for travelers, especially after officials continue to deploy more troops. The Mexican Caribbean is currently under a Level Two travel advisory as per the U.S. Department of State, and visitors are urged to be cautious when visiting. Tulum’s seaside resorts are an excellent choice and feature around-the-clock security.
Travelers are also urged to follow some important safety tips while vacationing in Tulum and other Mexican Caribbean locations. It’s generally a good idea to stick to well-known areas, such as beaches, historical monuments, and resorts, where police are always on duty. Visitors should avoid venturing out alone at night when petty theft like pickpockets and drug traffickers are on the move.