InfoAnda - Fear and fun in Acapulco for spring break

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

News Anchor Legend Walter Cronkite Dies At 92 | 20 July 2009
Seton Hall Student Dies After Frat House Shooting | 26 September 2010
Obama, Karzai renew goal of defeating Al-Qaeda | 13 May 2010

US looks to Shanghai Expo to help ease distrust | 14 March 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Fear and fun in Acapulco for spring break

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Fear and fun in Acapulco for spring break AFP - Wednesday, March 25 ACAPULCO, Mexico (AFP) - - A topless college student shook her hips in a Mexico beachside hotel pool to the delight of a screaming crowd as an armed guard watched from a distance, wiping sweat beads off his face. ADVERTISEMENT The security was meant to reassure students from across the United States who dared to travel to Mexico for their annual orgy of spring break fun despite media reports of headless bodies and warnings to stay home. Spiraling drug violence in the country -- in which more than 6,400 have died since the start of last year -- prompted the US State Department last month to issue a travel alert cautioning college students heading to Mexico, particularly to northern border areas. An escalation of US concern over drug attacks spilling over its southern border -- top of the agenda on visits to Mexico by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week and US President Barack Obama next month -- and sporadic gruesome gangland killings in other areas, including nine soldiers beheaded near the resort of Acapulco in December, have fuelled scare stories of all-out war. "There's news reports saying 'do not go to Mexico'," said 19-year-old Jason Lucas from the University of Maryland, lounging in the lobby of an Acapulco hotel. "We had one kid in our university whose parents paid him the 1,600 dollars he paid for the trip so he wouldn't come. Another one of my buddies came but left his mum in tears," he said. Sara Fox, 21, from New York University, nursed a hangover nearby. "We booked ages ago and then started hearing about kidnappings and decapitations. I was very nervous before we came. But we couldn't get a refund," she said. The fears appeared to have melted away as the bathing suit-clad students, cocktails and beers in hand, bustled through the lobby of the five-star beach hotel, which welcomed them with open arms despite their notoriously rowdy behavior. The spring breakers only represent a small slice of the 22-23 million foreign tourists, mostly from the United States, who descend on Mexico each year, but the hotel manager said they were an investment for the future. "It's important because spring breakers are young students who will soon be professionals, and they could be the future of tourism in Acapulco," said Jose Salgado Nava. Spring break trade in Mexico's legendary beach resort, now a sprawling high-rise shadow of its former self, was down 20 percent this year, said Salgado, president of Acapulco's hotel and tourism association. He denied the drop was due to fears linked to Mexico's drug violence, instead blaming the economic crisis and tough competition from Mexico's growing beach resorts, including the popular spots of Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Overall, Mexico's well-developed tourism industry -- the country's third source of foreign income -- is holding out well despite the bad press and empty pockets north of the border, said Carlos Behnsen, executive director of the national council to promote tourism. "The first two months of the year have been very successful in the main tourist destinations. In general terms I can say that we've experienced a slight increase over the same period last year," Behnsen said. "But our concern is for the future. There is a lot of misinformation and confusion in the United States and people are hesitant to travel to Mexico." Amid cancellations, Mexico's tourism professionals have contacted more than 2,000 travel agents in the United States and Canada to underline that no tourist has been affected by the drug violence. "The organized crime, the incidents have happened between members of drug cartels or between members of the police and drug cartels," Behnsen said. Even the border city of Tijuana, where 843 died last year in suspected drug attacks, last week launched a campaign to try to bring back visitors from the neighboring US city of San Diego. And despite reports of doom, many here still predict a bright future, as studies suggest cash-strapped North Americans will take shorter holidays to closer destinations, giving neighboring Mexico a competitive advantage, along with the tumbling peso. Some in Mexico see warnings from US universities, politicians and the media as just another barb in the age-old rivalry between the two neighbors. "In the tough economic times we're living they don't want Americans to leave the country on vacation and spend their money in other places than the United States," said Salgado. The US students partying on Acapulco's famous bay cited unlimited free booze and a lower drinking age limit as a key draw to spring break packages here. The most scary stories they reported were the security presence, as soldiers and military vehicles become a common sight in Mexico. "We got kind of freaked out when we saw police with machine guns standing in the hotel," Fox said. "But we feel safe. We stick with groups." Lucas agreed. "I don't want to go back home. I had one of the best weeks of my life," he said. "I feel bad for those who dropped out." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Binoche plans film with Chinese directorAFP - Thursday, March 26 Denise Richards booted from Dancing With the StarsAP - Thursday, March 26 Brits dust off their dancing shoesAFP - Thursday, March 26 `Idol' finalists savor group prize: concert tourAP - Wednesday, March 25 Haggard says he suggested divorce after scandalAP - Wednesday, March 25 Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Deutsche Bank might have to cut jobs: report Red meat raises death risk, white meat lowers it Airlines face losses of $4.7 billion Tuberculosis ravages HIV/AIDS patients: WHO Scientists in possible cold fusion breakthrough View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Assessment finds gaps in Darfur aid delivery: UN | International |
Turkey says not yet decided on next NATO chief | International |
UN envoy says Madagascar risks further conflict | International |
Czech government loses confidence vote | International |
BMW art cars by Warhol, others in New York exhibit | Entertainment |
George Lopez to launch TBS talk show in November | Entertainment |
Japanese designer Kenzo trades art for new life | Entertainment |
NATO can't measure Afghan war performance: general | International |
Sudan's President Bashir to visit Egypt
Violence-plagued Mexico sees hope in U.S. border plan | International |
U.S.'s Iran offer can aid Mideast security
U.S. changes stance on reporters held by North Korea | International |
Israel's Labor votes to join Netanyahu government
U.S.'s Iran offer can aid Mideast security: ElBaradei | International |
Obama to tout economic progress at press grilling
Irish firm and officers charged with sales to Iran
US seeks powers to seize non-bank financial firms
German unions find new allies in crisis | International |
Netanyahu enlists Labour Party into Israeli coalition
Economic downturn weighs on Filipino migrant laborers | International |
IMF reforms lending to ease credit amid crisis
Assessment finds gaps in Darfur aid delivery: U.N. | International |
Sources: Obama to roll out Afghanistan plan Friday
Deutsche Bank might have to cut jobs: report
North Korea warns against U.N. action on rocket | International |
Palestinians launch rocket into Israel
EU gives time to rein in ballooning deficits
Indonesian police act on parliament bomb threat | International |
Scientists in possible cold fusion breakthrough
Tuberculosis ravages HIV/AIDS patients: WHO
Obama, astronauts talk up green energy in call
Lawmaker: Global warming plan won't be in budget
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 597
Dell unveils new servers, storage for tight budgets | Technology |
North Dakota braces for record floods
T-Mobile USA unveils high-speed plans, new device | Technology |
Blockbuster aims beyond stores with TiVo deal | Technology |
US Embassy spills over onto Mexico City street
Obama to hold online question session Thursday | Technology |
Syrian leader: Syria to wait before judging Obama
Upstart OnLive takes aims at global console makers | Technology |
Upstart OnLive takes aims at global console makers
US overhauls strategy on Mexican drugs war
Obama to hold online question session Thursday
US: NKorea says US reporters will be treated well
U.S. online video viewing off 12 percent in February:ComScore
Hayfever robots help take the sting out of spring | Technology |
"Unafraid" China apparently fears YouTube
Microsoft's WorldWide Telescope to focus on Mars
Google search gets semantic
Second man charged with killing N Ireland police
EU travellers to get cheaper mobile messages
Second man charged with murder of N Ireland police
Radar deal paves way for new wireless system in Italy
France to finally compensate nuclear test victims
Forensics show Spector innocent of murder: lawyer | Entertainment |
Report: NKorea suspects US journalists were spying
HBO movie taking on Clintons, Blair | Entertainment |
North Korea warns against U.N. action on rocket
Motown drummer Uriel Jones dies in Michigan | Entertainment |
NKorea to treat detained journalists well: US
4 Dutch journalists detained in Indonesia's Papua
Supreme Court considers anti-Hillary Clinton movie | Entertainment |
Afghan TV station manager arrested over content
The Offspring hitting road after four-year break | Entertainment |
Nobel meeting postponed over Dalai Lama visa spat
Forensics show Spector innocent of murder: lawyer
Obama calls Rudd a partner for 'years to come'
Anne Hathaway tapped to play Judy Garland
Dutch journalists detained in Indonesian Papua: police
Indonesia military says no 'direct' payments from US miner
Scandal-hit Japan opposition chief fights on
NZ's consumer confidence slips in Q1-survey
S.Korea bonds fall ahead of gov't supply steps
Violence scars a scared community in 'Zooman'
Korea Hot Stocks
Forensics show Spector innocent of murder: lawyer
Japanese exports suffer another record plunge
An awkward romance sinks B'way's 'Impressionism'
Japan posts first trade surplus in 5 months
The Offspring hitting road after four-year break
Seoul shares open lower; banks take a breather
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings
S.Korea fin min says to let market decide won
`Dancing' inching up on Fox's `Idol'
World hotel prices slump: survey
South Korean March consumer sentiment ticks down
China's proposal on launching a global currency 'serious'
George Lopez to launch TBS talk show in November
China raises prices of diesel, gasoline
"Wallace & Gromit" in episodic computer game
Phil Spector's attorney: Actress killed herself
Indonesia seeks 20 years for terror suspect
Netanyahu pledges to pursue peace with Palestinians | International |
U.S. drone kills at least 7 in Pakistan tribal area | International |
AP IMPACT: It's fear that keeps Baghdad's peace
Two Afghan farmers shot dead by NATO-led troops: police | International |
Czech leftists say will not back any Topolanek government | International |
Explosion in southeastern Turkey seen killing one
Netanyahu pledges to push Mideast peace
Israel unlawfully used shells in Gaza: rights group | International |
Boost for Netanyahu as Labour votes to join govt
German Ifo confidence index falls to record low
North Korea places missile on launch pad: report | International |
Seven killed in Afghan bus attack: ministry
Snacking during labour is OK, study finds
Sudan's Bashir visits Egypt despite ICC warrant | International |
Madagascar's Rajoelina seeks talks to calm crisis | International |
Seven Afghans killed in bus bomb: government
Cool welcome for Iraq's returning academics | International |
Zimbabwe must clear arrears to get IMF help: Fund | International |
Violence-plagued Mexico hopes for U.S. border plan
Urban League asks Obama to address black issues
UK must pry on data to block threats: ex-spy boss | Technology |
11-year-old faces life sentence for murder: report
Road rage goes virtual on Aussie motoring website | Technology |
Road rage goes virtual on Aussie motoring website
General says NATO can't measure Afghan war performance
YouTube confirms website blocked in China
Nokia invests in mobile money firm Obopay | Technology |
US to 'do more' against Mexican drug cartels
Hayfever robots help take the sting out of spring
Facebook vows 'improvements' after user backlash
T-Mobile USA unveils high-speed plans, new device
Mexicans praise US border security measures
Teenage hacker takes on cyber-crime for NZ telco
Dell unveils new servers, storage for tight budgets
Google executives get one-dollar paychecks in 2008
Nokia invests in mobile money firm Obopay
"Cloud-based" console takes aim at Wii, PS3, Xbox 360
Thai fireman dresses as Spiderman to rescue boy
Minister: Guide may have led Americans into NKorea
Cambodia says Thai troops crossed border
Doubling space station crew will further research
Japan readies N.Korean rocket launch response
China fights gerbil plague with 'the pill'
Filipino militants threaten to behead hostage
HBO movie taking on Clintons, Blair
N.Korea preparing for rocket launch: report
Pakistani police clash with protesters; 1 killed
Bomb kills 10 civilians in eastern Afghanistan
Brits dust off their dancing shoes
Top Chinese banks warn on outlook as profits soar
`Idol' finalists savor group prize: concert tour
Philippines warns budget deficit may exceed limit
It's a dog's life for India's growing pet industry
Korean official: G-20 stimulus must be ambitious
Haggard says he suggested divorce after scandal
S.Korea unveils measures to ease bond supply shock
Fear and fun in Acapulco for spring break
Japan not ruling out another rate cut
HBO movie taking on Clintons, Blair
POSCO to convert some of bond proceeds into won-official
Indonesia releases Dutch journalists in Papua
PetroChina 2008 net profit falls 28 pct
Indonesian minister wants to review vaccinations
Taiwan dollar closes at week low, more weakness seen
Chinese stocks fall after 7-day advance
China shares fall after week-long rally
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01