18K Arizonans expected to head to Mexico for spring break

PHOENIX — What could be a combination of the economic recovery and lessened anxiety about heading south for spring break equals great news for the northern Mexico tourism industry.

According to officials in the Mexican state of Sonora, the tourist town of Rocky Point should be expecting upwards of 18,000 people to hit the area for spring break.

“Spring break is huge for us,” said Enrique Franco, Sonora’s liaison to Arizona. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit: Kino Bay, San Carlos and of course Rocky Point is very popular and very safe.”

Franco said that what many tourists don’t realize is that Sonora is actually the safest state on the border.

“Historically, there have been instances of violence,” said Lawrence Lucero, President of the Arizona-Mexico Commission. “However, not nearly to the scale we have seen in other parts of the country.”

Lucero said the Mexican government is taking steps to ensure the safety of American tourists in cities like Rocky Point.

“It’s a reaction from both the state and federal government, to assure there is a police presence whether it’s federal, state or local. They make sure [law enforcement] are well-trained, well-equipped and very visible.”