Tourists avoid Mexico travel this spring

Travel

Photos of deserted beaches and empty businesses as Mexico suffers a severe decline in tourism.

EMPTY TABLES and an abandoned beach illustrate Mexico's drop in tourism. The economic crisis and the country's drug violence have resulted in a business decline for restaurants such as Papas & Beer in Playas de Rosarito, south of San Diego.

ROSARITO BEACH businessman Ignacio Zamudio (center) talks on his cell phone at his restaurant as the staff waits for customers. Zamudio closed two of his five businesses and cut his staff by two-thirds because of the tourism drop.

MUSICIANS SERENADE the few tourists on Playas de Rosarito's beach. In previous years, thousands of Americans flocked there.

KYRA ISREAL and Eline Kardoes, Dutch graduate students studying at San Diego State University, barter with a vendor in Playas de Rosarito. The women said they were aware of Mexico's violent reputation but felt safe in the tourist area.

POLICE OFFICER Roberto Casas patrols a massive but empty beach. Residents say the murder rate in Rosarito is lower than in some American destinations.

A FRUIT vendor awaits customers on the beach. The city recently launched an ad campaign targeting tourists from northern Mexico.

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EMPTY TABLES and an abandoned beach illustrate Mexico's drop in tourism. The economic crisis and the country's drug violence have resulted in a business decline for restaurants such as Papas & Beer in Playas de Rosarito, south of San Diego.

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