By Bayleigh Koch
OMAHA, Neb. – Recent cartel-related violence in Puerto Vallarta is beginning to affect travel decisions, with Omaha travel agents and local workers in Mexico reporting a slowdown in tourism.
Puerto Vallarta has long been a popular destination for travelers looking for affordable beach vacations. But after the recent violence, some travelers are canceling trips or choosing other destinations.
Alicia Colonino, a travel agent in Omaha, said the impact was immediate.
“It the first couple weeks after people canceled, we lost about maybe 20, 25% of what we do, or people wanted to change their destination,” Colonino said.
Colonino said uncertainty plays a major role in travel decisions, especially when safety concerns are highlighted in the news.
“Every single day, if something in the news just mentions Mexico, we get phone calls,” Colonino said.
That hesitation is already being felt by workers in Puerto Vallarta who rely on tourism for their income.
Luz de Maria Ornelas Montiel, a concierge in Puerto Vallarta, said the city is unusually quiet for this time of year.
“Yes, we supposed to be, we supposed to be. Are we are in high season, but right now it’s lonely, nobody here,” Ornelas Montiel said.
Ruben Quiroz, a local worker, said the drop in visitors is directly affecting businesses.
“We lose business like 60, 70% truly, they’re coming, but not like before,” Quiroz said.
While travel experts say demand often returns after major events, the recent slowdown shows how quickly uncertainty can impact both travelers and the communities that depend on tourism.
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