President Felipe Calderon of Mexico has more to celebrate this week than the 200th anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. While recent headlines persuade drug crime and threats to the country’s tourist industry, American visitors continue to head south.

“It’s no secret there has been the perception of security issues,” said Chris Calabrese, vice president and managing director of the J.W. Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and CasaMagna Cancun Marriott Resort. 

Calabrese went on to say that security problems exist mostly along the border, where most crime has taken place. “I’m here with my family. If I thought they might not be safe, I would pack my bags and leave.”

A majority of the crime in Mexico is related to drug-trafficking, and most of it is committed in areas where tourists do not reside.

Source: msnbc