Destination image and crime in Mexico: An analysis of foreign government travel advice

Authors

  • J. Carlos Monterrubio

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2013.11.036

Keywords:

destination image, crime, travel advice, Mexico, qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Destination image has been recognised as an influential component of travel decision processes. Although organic sources of information play an important role in shaping destination image, researchers have often ignored the types of sources and the information they deliver. In particular, official websites where government travel advice is given, especially in relation to crime, have been widely excluded from scholarly research. This paper analyses the relationship between crime-related travel advice given by foreign governments and Mexico’s destination image. Qualitative content analysis of official websites from the US, Canada, the UK and Spain reveals that the travel advice given relates largely to the violence and insecurity that Mexico is currently experiencing. “No advisory in effect”, “Exercise caution” and “Defer non-essential travel” are messages commonly found in the governments’ travel advice about Mexico.

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Author Biography

J. Carlos Monterrubio

Holds a PhD in tourism from the Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. He is currently a lecturer and tourism researcher at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Mexico. His research interests are the social aspects of tourism. He has published two books on tourism impacts and several journal articles on related topics.

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Published

2013-07-02

How to Cite

Monterrubio, J. C. (2013). Destination image and crime in Mexico: An analysis of foreign government travel advice. PASOS Revista De Turismo Y Patrimonio Cultural, 11(3), 33–45. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2013.11.036