Michoacan is a violent state; other impacts

There's been a lot of violence in Michoacan, and in Morelia in particular, and I can understand the reluctance of tourists to visit there. Though the Mexican media has covered those terrorist acts thoroughly they've not seen all that much coverage in the foreign media ... from what I've observed. When you get away from the border war zone, Michoacan has probably seen more horrible violence than any other state in Mexico. I enjoy visiting Patzcuaro, but I think most foreign visitors will find it a bit too difficult to get to for whatever "reward" they'll find there for a short visit.

Regarding the general, or maybe more specific topic of this discussion ... the Mexican tourism industry, overall, does a horrible job of self-promotion. The federal government's tourism promotion campaign isn't much better. That's been the same for many years.

Airlines will offer service where there's an indication of sufficient demand. Don't blame them.

Remember, too, that there are more competing destinations for USA/Canadian travelers. Mexico may be close and very convenient to visit - but it needs to fight harder to compete.

The multi-battlefront war underway in Mexico does have a negative effect on tourism, even though the federal government continues to deny it. Word of mouth amongst travelers advising against visiting Mexico is powerful. A poor USA economy is a factor, too, but not the principal one keeping people away.

If it weren't for the strong domestic travel market destinations such as Zihua would really suffer, more.