Major travel booking sites are offering reservations at a high-end resort in Mexico that has been subject to U.S. government sanctions due to alleged connections with a drug cartel.
Luxury Resort Under Sanctions
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Grand Luxxe resort, located in Nuevo Vallarta, in 2021. Authorities allege that the property is operated by individuals associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. The sanctions prohibit U.S. citizens and companies from conducting business with the resort.
Travel Sites Continue Listings
Despite the sanctions, popular travel websites such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com continue to list the Grand Luxxe for reservations. These platforms allow users to book rooms and vacation packages at the resort, with no mention of the U.S. government’s restrictions on transactions involving the property.
Government Warnings and Platform Responses
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued warnings that Americans who engage in business with sanctioned entities may face penalties. When contacted for comment, representatives from Expedia and Booking.com stated that they are reviewing the situation and working to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. No further details were provided regarding any changes to their listings.
Background on Sanctions
The sanctions against the Grand Luxxe are part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to target assets linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The cartel is considered responsible for significant drug trafficking activities and violence in Mexico and abroad. The Treasury Department’s action aims to disrupt the financial operations of the organization by restricting access to international markets.
Ongoing Availability
As of this week, the Grand Luxxe remains available for booking on several major travel platforms. The resort’s website also continues to accept direct reservations. There has been no indication from the resort regarding the impact of the sanctions or any planned changes to its operations.
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