The Quintana Roo government and hotel associations will require visitors to sign a medication “awareness” document declaring they understand the consumption and transportation of illegal substances are punishable by law.
Earlier this month, Quintana Roo Governor Carlos Joaquin González tweeted concerning the campaign, saying “around the occasion from the next high vacation season, along with businessmen, we launched an outreach campaign to warn tourists concerning the risks and consequences of drug abuse throughout their remain in Quintana Roo.”
The state government and the Tourism Secretariat have approved the document, that is part of the anti-drug campaign for that “Spring Breakers” season.
Tourists must sign it upon arrival at hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum, Chetumal, Mahahual and Riviera Maya, where it has already been implemented.
The main objective would be to combat the influx of holiday arrests that traditionally come with the Easter holiday.
“Upon arrival in the Breathless Soul (local hotel), we were inspired to sign several forms at check-in,” Elm Grove Travel's Amy Frank said. “The first form was a simple names, address, phone and email form. The 2nd was a detailed no drug use on property policy together with consequences outlined if violated. It stated that you simply be removed from the resort and no refund given.”
The document states the traveler “has read and it is aware of the legal consequences of drug purchasing in Mexico.”
The campaign, which is intended mostly for American tourists, has sparked controversy.
One of the very most common ads includes a woman imprisonment having a sentence in English that reads, “Don't turn your holiday right into a permanent stay.” Another ad in reads, “The coolest activity can land you in a cooler (refrigerator)” with a photo of two feet appearing out of a forensic refrigerator.
Local hoteliers believe this isn't the very best publicity for welcoming visitors, but Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, has backed the campaign “because many Americans believe drug abuse is allowed in Mexico.”
