Mexican officials expect 500,000 tourists for Holy Week despite violent reputation

by Marisela Ortega / El Paso Times
Posted: 04/22/2011 04:35:09 PM MDT

Up to 500,000 tourists from Mexico and all over the world are expected in the state of Chihuahua during Holy Week despite its bad reputation as a violent region.

"We are looking forward to welcoming these 500,000 visitors in this season," Chihuahua Gov. Cesar Duarte said in a statement. "Happily, our state is peaceful."

In order to keep the appropriate environment of safety and security for travelers and visitors, Duarte said, local, state and federal officials set up stands to educate the public about the H1N1 flu virus.

Police will be on alert along highways and resorts, and "Ã