Cancun Cancer: The Dark Side of the Spring Break Capital of the World Journeyman Pictures
go to original March 26, 2015

Cancun, the famous resort and Spring Break capital of the world has become a magnet for mass tourism. But with a threatened environment and marginalized employees, this party comes at a price.

The golden beaches of this Mexican resort attracts around 12 million tourists every year. American students go wild, celebrating the end of exams; here anything goes. Yet behind the scenes workers endure challenging conditions in order to support their families.

"They allow themselves to do what they would never do at home", says housekeeper Raquel. With tourists staying within the bounds of their hotels, local commerce has collapsed.

The ecological system is also under threat, with 50% of mangroves being replaced by building sites. "In 50 to 60 years, the turquoise color of the sea that we see today will disappear", warns an environmental expert. For how long will this tropical paradise retain its allure? As Raquel’s grandfather describes "Life is not sweet in Cancun. Life is hard".

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