A recent survey reveals that gun violence in the United States significantly shapes perceptions among travelers from Southeast Asia. Over 90% of respondents indicated that the prevalence of guns influences their decision to visit the U.S. The survey, commissioned by CNBC Travel and conducted by Milieu Insight, encompassed 6,000 international travelers from six Southeast Asian countries. It highlighted both the concerns surrounding gun violence and the ongoing interest in traveling to the U.S.

The data indicates that while a significant majority express worries about gun violence, many are still inclined to visit. For instance, 56% of those surveyed indicated they are likely to travel to the United States in the coming years. This figure rises to 59% among those who have previously visited the U.S. Interestingly, 74% of repeat visitors believe that gun violence is a more pressing issue today than in the past. Antarika Sen, an associate research director at Milieu Insight, noted that “this suggests that firsthand experience, while heightening awareness of issues, doesn’t necessarily deter future visits.”

However, this dichotomy becomes more pronounced when considering the types of events travelers are willing to attend. Nearly 80% of respondents stated that their likelihood of attending mass gatherings, such as concerts or music festivals, would be greatly or moderately affected by the number of guns in the U.S. This highlights a cautious approach to large public events, where the perception of safety is paramount.

Country Variances in Concern

The survey results reveal distinct differences in attitudes towards gun violence among Southeast Asian nations. Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Filipino travelers expressed the highest levels of concern regarding gun violence influencing their travel plans, with 79%, 76%, and 76%, respectively, indicating that gun prevalence significantly impacts their travel intentions. Despite these concerns, interest in visiting the U.S. remains relatively high, with 73% of Vietnamese, 70% of Indonesians, and 69% of Filipinos likely to visit in the near future. Conversely, only 24% of Singaporean respondents expressed intentions to travel to the U.S. soon, highlighting a stark contrast in perspectives among different countries.

A significant two-thirds of all respondents disagreed with the notion of gun ownership in the U.S., a sentiment that grew stronger in Singapore, where 91% opposed it. Singaporeans, accustomed to a low-crime environment, were notably less inclined to view gun violence as less of a problem than in the past, with only 3% holding that belief. This highlights the broader cultural and societal attitudes towards crime and safety, shaped by the experiences within their own countries.

Interestingly, while half of the respondents reported having visited the U.S. before, this prior experience did not significantly reduce concerns about gun violence among Singaporeans. Only 4% of Singaporean respondents claimed that their previous visits had decreased their apprehensions about gun-related violence, compared to a more favorable perception among travelers from other Southeast Asian nations.

Impact of U.S. Politics on Travel Intentions

Political factors also play a significant role in shaping travel intentions among Southeast Asian respondents. More than a quarter indicated that the outcome of the U.S. presidential election would influence their travel plans, with 49% suggesting it might have an effect. Notably, 23% stated they would be less likely to visit if Donald Trump were to win, while 9% expressed similar sentiments regarding a Kamala Harris victory.

These statistics reflect the intertwined nature of politics and tourism, as perceptions of the political climate in the U.S. can affect decisions to travel. The term “migrant crime,” popularized by Trump as part of his anti-immigration rhetoric, has also penetrated public consciousness, with over two-thirds of respondents acknowledging awareness of the term. However, the reality, as reported by major-city police departments, shows no substantial evidence supporting a surge of crimes committed by migrants, which may indicate a disconnect between perception and reality.

Interestingly, around 27% of Southeast Asian respondents identified “migrant crime” as a major issue significantly influencing their decision to visit the U.S., underscoring the complexities of how political narratives can shape public perception and travel behavior.

Concerns About Personal Safety and Racial Violence

Beyond gun violence, Southeast Asians also express heightened fears regarding personal safety, particularly concerning race-based violence. Nearly three-quarters of travelers reported being “very” or “somewhat” concerned about experiencing violence based on their race while in the U.S. Filipino respondents demonstrated the highest levels of concern, with 81% expressing apprehension. Alarmingly, only 4% of respondents indicated they were not concerned about physical violence at all, reflecting a pervasive sense of vulnerability among these travelers.

Moreover, respondents shared similar levels of anxiety regarding verbal abuse tied to their racial backgrounds. Many indicated that the risk of both physical and verbal abuse had escalated since the Covid-19 pandemic, with two-thirds believing it to be a “much bigger issue” or “somewhat more of an issue than before.” This perception further complicates the notion of safety, highlighting that beyond gun violence, travelers are increasingly wary of the social environment they may encounter.

The primary sources of information regarding safety and crime in the U.S. for Southeast Asians are social media and international news, with 61% and 55% relying on these platforms, respectively. Sen pointed out that “countries with higher reliance on these sources often show greater concerns.” For instance, 66% of respondents from the Philippines depend on social media for information, correlating with their heightened concern over racial violence.

The Need for Enhanced Safety Measures

As the survey indicates, the interplay between perceptions of safety, gun violence, political factors, and personal experiences creates a complex landscape for Southeast Asian travelers considering a trip to the United States. While many travelers express a desire to visit, their apprehensions regarding gun prevalence, personal safety, and race-based violence underscore a critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness campaigns aimed at addressing these concerns.

In a world where perceptions often shape reality, addressing these issues will be crucial for the U.S. to foster a welcoming environment for international travelers, particularly from regions where safety concerns are paramount. Building trust and ensuring safety for all visitors could significantly influence future travel trends and the overall relationship between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to mitigate fear and promote a more positive image for potential travelers.

(Adapted from CNBC.com)