no Oaxaca for me in the immediate future, sadly enough
From today's New York Times:
Political Unrest Cripples a Mexican Resort Area
By JENNIFER CONLIN
The historic city of Oaxaca has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. But now, this picturesque mountain resort — known for its pre-Hispanic treasures and cultural traditions of music, dance and culinary arts — is considered a risky destination for travelers.
Because of civil unrest that started in the spring, the State Department posted an announcement on its Web site (www.travel.state.gov) on Aug. 24 cautioning potential visitors to Oaxaca that they “should consider carefully the risk of travel at this time.” The State Department also warned that protestors “may attempt to close local airport facilities and the main highway linking Mexico City and Oaxaca,” and further says that “vandalism, arrests and injuries continue.”
Sparked by a teachers’ strike over pay, the unrest in Oaxaca has escalated into widespread protests led by some 40,000 students, political groups and social organizations against Gov. Ulises Ruiz, whose party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party, has ruled the state for generations.
Protesters have occupied and closed various government offices, blocked off the city’s famous plaza, taken over radio stations and trapped tourists inside their hotels. At least two people have been killed in the spreading violence.
More than 1,000 hotel workers have lost their jobs since the protests began, and the hotel and motel association estimates that the tourist industry has lost $150 million in the last three months as visitors are canceling travel plans well into 2007.
Political Unrest Cripples a Mexican Resort Area
By JENNIFER CONLIN
The historic city of Oaxaca has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. But now, this picturesque mountain resort — known for its pre-Hispanic treasures and cultural traditions of music, dance and culinary arts — is considered a risky destination for travelers.
Because of civil unrest that started in the spring, the State Department posted an announcement on its Web site (www.travel.state.gov) on Aug. 24 cautioning potential visitors to Oaxaca that they “should consider carefully the risk of travel at this time.” The State Department also warned that protestors “may attempt to close local airport facilities and the main highway linking Mexico City and Oaxaca,” and further says that “vandalism, arrests and injuries continue.”
Sparked by a teachers’ strike over pay, the unrest in Oaxaca has escalated into widespread protests led by some 40,000 students, political groups and social organizations against Gov. Ulises Ruiz, whose party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party, has ruled the state for generations.
Protesters have occupied and closed various government offices, blocked off the city’s famous plaza, taken over radio stations and trapped tourists inside their hotels. At least two people have been killed in the spreading violence.
More than 1,000 hotel workers have lost their jobs since the protests began, and the hotel and motel association estimates that the tourist industry has lost $150 million in the last three months as visitors are canceling travel plans well into 2007.
posted by maestro @ 7:52 PM
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