TORONTO — The Mexico Tourism Board is working to reassure travellers and its industry partners that Cancun and all tourist destinations in the state of Quintana Roo are safe following an incident that took place on a Cancun beach.

According to reports, on April 19 a shot was fired by two men on jetskis towards a beach in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The target was allegedly a local man on the beach reportedly involved in the drug trade.

The Mexico Tourism Board says local authorities responded to an attempted assault perpetrated by individuals involved in criminal activities targeting a local Mexican resident of the area who sells goods on the beach.

There were no injuries to any tourists or local residents and authorities are currently conducting an investigation, says the MTB.

The MTB adds: “Despite recent media reports related to crime and violence in Quintana Roo, none of these statistics are related to international tourists. They are instead focused on incidents involving local Mexican residents. There are currently no travel warnings or alerts by the U.S. government recommending against travel to any tourist destination in the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Riviera Maya.”

The MTB says media reports have also recently confused the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory website, which currently ranks Mexico as a ‘level 2’ nation, the same ranking given to Germany or the UK, where only increased caution is recommended, as a travel warning or alert.

A number of public safety initiatives have been deployed in the state of Quintana Roo and these measures are spearheaded by state and local authorities and tourism industry leaders.

Recent efforts include increased police presence on roads, beaches and at ports, more investment in surveillance technology, and community service programs.

“The steps taken by the Mexico government and entire tourism industry have worked to ensure the safety and satisfaction of visitors coming to Mexico each year and are the reason why Mexico’s tourism industry has been growing at above industry-average levels for the last five years in a row,” says a statement from the MTB.

“Proof of this track record of safety and positive visitor experience can be seen in the fact that Mexico has climbed from the 15th most visited country in the world in 2012 to become the 6th most visited country in the world in 2017, a feat that was recently announced after a review of 2017 visitation figures. In 2017, Mexico welcomed more than 39.3 million international tourists, an increase of more than 12% over 2016.

“The Mexico Tourism Board and our partners throughout the country remain committed to welcoming more visitors to our country in 2018, and to ensuring the safety and well-being of all who wish to enjoy the variety of experiences Mexico has to offer.”