Up until several months ago, Oaxaca had a blemish-free reputation as Mexico's foremost colonial city, a historic gem known for its silver jewelry, cooking classes, sweeping zócalo (plaza) and nearby archaeological treasures. The city has been transformed in the last five months, however, as street protests have escalated. Traditional Day of the Dead ceremonies in Oaxaca took a macabre turn; the tally of dead protesters now totals at least eight, possibly as many as 13, including the American journalist Bradley Roland Will, who was shot last week by police as he was covering a protest that turned violent. 
The protests began in May as a teacher's strike, and
spiraled into violence as additional protesters joined in the demands for the
ouster of Oaxaca's
governor, Ulises Ruiz, who they accuse of corruption and repression, as well as
rigging the previous election. As street blockades and peaceful marches
spiraled into car hijackings and arson, President Vicente Fox sent 4,500
federal police to quell the protests. Although the city is now under tenuous
control, rage still seethes underneath and no one pretends the problem has been
solved. Last Monday, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico,
Tony Garza, urged Americans to avoid traveling to the city of Oaxaca.
The Mexico Tourism Board stated, "Since Oaxaca City has
been the site of demonstrations recently, we recommend that visitors redirect
their travels to OaxacaState's other tourism
destinations, including the resort cities of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.
These destinations are located far from these demonstrations and have not been
affected by the current protests."
Due to the violence, some tour operators are having second
thoughts about Oaxaca.
Austin-Lehman Adventures canceled both their October and December Oaxaca programs.
"These trips were full when they were cancelled," says Dave Wiggins,
director of marketing and communications for Austin-Lehman Adventures.
"Participants understood the need for the cancellations. The word on the
street is that even though tourists are not targeted, Oaxaca is still a dangerous place to be at
this time, especially with federal troops in the city." Wiggins notes that
it's especially difficult for receptive operators, local guides, hotels and
restaurants. "These people depend on tourism for their livelihood."
Mexico
comprises about 10 percent of Pleasant Holidays' current annual passenger and
revenue volume, and this figure is growing at a rate of 30 to 35 percent a
year. "We are not currently selling Oaxaca
and have not since the civil unrest there became violent," says Ken
Phillips, staff vice president of corporate communications. "We have not
felt any repercussions in other parts of Mexico due to the difficulties in
that small destination, nor do we anticipate any changes in our offerings in
other parts of the country."
Oaxaca lies inland, 180
miles from the Pacific coast city of Escondido.
It appears that cruise lines are less affected by the violence in Oaxaca and in Acapulco.
"Nothing is affected so far," says Jennifer de la Cruz, Carnival
Cruise Lines' spokeswoman. She notes that the company's eight-day program is
currently running through Acapulco,
a Mexican destination that has recently seen a spate of drug-related violence.
"We have not had to alter the itinerary so far," says Cruz.
"Anytime a situation arises we keep an eye on it." Cruz notes that
Carnival employs on-site port agents to supply the company with accurate
information. Mexico
has seen a 3.8 percent dip in visitor arrivals.
