Local business people say Cozumel is as safe as ever, despite recent bad press about Mexico in North America.

They point out that the 'drug war' is on the northern border, some 1,800 miles (3,000 kms) away.

Mexico has been in the U.S. news a lot recently, both in connection with President Obama's visit and drug related violence.

Unfortunately, the erroneous impression has often been given that Mexico is dangerous for vacationers, but one local company said last week that local tourist zones are "14 times safer" than some in the U.S.A.

Today, the Mexico Tourism Board and Canadian online leisure travel retailer, itravel2000, announced an innovative program to address the confusion created by recent media reports about Mexico.

Top US newspaper, USA Today, reported today on its blog that there are no plans by cruise lines to cancel calls in Mexico due to swine flu.

The popular daily spoke to several major cruise lines and found none of them intend to cancel cruise stops in Mexico.

ASUR, the operator of Cozumel International Airport, said yesterday that developments at the airport worth some $23.8 million between now and 2023 have been approved.

They plan to invest $595 million in total for all 9 of their airports in south-east Mexico over the next 15 years.