REGINA — A Regina resident currently vacationing in Puerto Vallarta has felt extremely safe despite the current situation in the Mexican city.
On Sunday, Mexican state of Jalisco erupted into violence after the leader of a major drug cartel was killed in a government operation. The situation in the city escalated as vehicles and buildings were burnt down in response by the cartel.
Chad McCormick said he first noticed smoke outside his resort Sunday morning after he woke up early to watch the Canadian-U.S. gold-medal game.
“We just didn't really think anything of it [and] continued to watch the game.”
Staff later told McCormick and others that a major incident happened with the cartel leader, leading to fires throughout the city.
Hearing the news hadn’t worried McCormick.
“We, from start to finish, have felt extremely safe. We have to give credit to our resort.”
McCormick is staying at the Fiesta Americana until Saturday, as his flight from Puerto Vallarta was cancelled.
“Our flights were cancelled, and currently we can't rebook anything until Saturday, February 28.”
Regina has flights directly to and from Puerto Vallarta during the winter months, which were cancelled on Monday.
Regina Airport Authority CEO James Bogusz on Monday encouraged all travellers to check for any further cancellations or re-booking policies.
For now, McCormick said he will continue to follow guidance from local officials and stay indoors until advised otherwise.
As of Monday, the Canadian government has put travel advisories for all of Mexico. The federal government says there are over 26,000 registered Canadians in Mexico.
The trip to Mexico was McCormick's first to the country. He said the incident won’t change his mind about coming back.
“I had such an amazing experience and such an amazing time down here.”
He added, “I have never felt unsafe once throughout the entirety of our trip. And while I was looking forward to it, I'll rebook next year and come back down.”
