(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) High-profile incidents in Playa del Carmen in recent weeks have prompted new travel warnings from the US government. The incidents come amid spiraling violence on the peripheries of one of Mexico's most popular tourist areas. Criminal groups in the area thrive on tourist traffic — and corruption, weak institutions, and social conditions have facilitated their activity. The calm in Playa del Carmen was shattered on February 21, when a blast erupted from the side of a ferry, injuring more than 20 people. That was followed by the March 2 discovery of explosives on a ferry off the island of Cozumel, another tourist hub in the state of Quintana Roo.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: This beautiful aerial footage of Cancun is absolutely stunning See Also:These were the 50 most violent cities in the world in 2017US ambassador to Mexico unexpectedly resigns amid increased tensions under TrumpTrump's rocky dealings with Mexico could have consequences much more severe than a few canceled visitsSEE ALSO: The US has barred government workers from traveling to a popular tourist area after a bombing — but the investigation is getting more complicated