Central American tourism has grown over the last couple of years; this growth, however, belies a tenuous and worsening security dilemma, exacerbated by organized crime, drug trafficking, and street gangs. It remains to be seen how Central America?s burgeoning tourism industry will continue to coexist with this growing and virulent crime problem.

Crime in Central America

Central America is experiencing some of the worse crime problems in the Western hemisphere. Crime has supplanted war as the principle cause of fear for many Central Americans. After years of civil war, many hoped peace would usher in economic prosperity, integration, and stronger civil and political institutions. It seems the opposite has occurred. Central America continues to bear the scars of civil war, including corruption, gang warfare, drug smuggling, and urban poverty.

Violent gangs (Maras) are a factor in the high crime rates across Central America. Honduras , Guatemala , and El Salvador , comprising the so-called ?northern triangle,? are at the center of the gang crisis and, consequently, have some of the highest murder rates in the world. Among the most notorious and powerful gangs operating in the region are Mara Salvatrucha and the rival MS-18 .

Although the origins of these groups are the source of intense debate, there is resounding consensus that the gang problem is getting worse and is having a negative economic impact. According to a study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the cost of violence to El Salvador in 2003 was $1.7 billion, approximately 11.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

Despite its negative impact on civil society, politics, and economic infrastructure, Central America?s growing crime problem has yet to impact its profitable tourism industry.

A Tourism Hotspot

Tourism in Central America is popular and continues to grow. A recent AP report noted, ?Central America has become a tourism hotspot. [The region] is better known for its culture and wildlife than its war-torn past.?

Tourism statistics reveal a considerable spike in visitors in the last two years. In 2004, some 5.7 million people visited the region and spent more than $4 billion. Recent reports estimate 6.5 million tourists visited Central America in 2005. A recent World Trade Organization?s World Tourism Barometer report for 2005 pointed to Central America as the subregion with the largest growth in tourism.

Several factors have contributed to Central America?s growth as a preferred vacation spot since 2000. The rising popularity of eco-tourism has greatly benefited the region, which is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rich cultures. Several travel experts point to the 9/11 attacks as a significant motivator in travel to the region. Maria Rivas, Nicaragua?s tourism minister, believes the attacks encouraged American tourists to seek ?closer and safer? alternatives to traditional European vacations. In addition, international health concerns, such as SARS in China , have encouraged many tourists to explore Central America as a vacation option.

Tourism is an essential form of foreign revenue in Central America. For El Salvador and Guatemala, tourism has become the countries? second largest source of income. In 2005, Costa Rica welcomed 1.6 million visitors and $1.5 billion in tourism revenue.

Examining the Paradox

Central America presents a puzzling conundrum for observers: a thriving tourism industry coexisting alongside a growing violent crime problem.

There are several reasons why these aspects of Central American life are able to coexist. One is that main tourism spots are often far removed from crowded urban centers, which are breeding grounds for violence and gang recruitment. While shantytowns, poor government services, and weak law enforcement often burden large cities, tourism resorts are virtual oases, often buttressed by both local police and private security firms. Accordingly, the tourism industry is a manifestation of the Central America chasm between rich and poor.

Crime and a lucrative tourism industry cannot coexist indefinitely. It is unlikely this short-term trend is sustainable. Several Latin American leaders have reiterated this view. In a September 2006 speech, Colombia?s Vice President Francisco Santos pointed to violent crime as the most serious threat to Latin American democracy. He predicted it would ?hinder tourism, investment and threaten democracy.?

Furthermore, the growing criminality crisis threatens to resurrect some of Central America?s most feared ghosts. As countries adopt aggressive anti-gang laws (also known as the mano dura approach (WAR Report and WAR Report)) in fighting the Maras, the laws risk further blurring the line between police and military forces in the region.

An unchecked crime problem threatens not only Central America?s tourism industry. If the crime problem is not addressed adequately, criminal violence may acquire a political agenda. In a region where the government and security services have an uneasy past, this does not bode well for the future of security in Central America.