Travelers from Southeast Asia Share Concerns About Gun Violence in the US
A recent survey of 6,000 international travelers from six Southeast Asian countries reveals that gun prevalence in the United States is a significant factor in their decision to visit the country. Despite this concern, over half of the respondents (56%) are still likely to visit the US in the next few years.
Hawaii was perceived as the safest state in terms of gun violence, while Texas was seen as the least safe. However, respondents who had previously visited the US were more likely to return, despite their concerns about gun violence.
The survey also found that nearly 80% of respondents would be deterred from attending large gatherings, such as concerts or music festivals, due to the prevalence of guns in the US. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents disagreed with gun ownership in the United States, with Singaporeans being the most opposed (91%).
Other concerns among Southeast Asian travelers included physical violence based on race, with nearly three-quarters expressing concern about experiencing race-based violence. The threat of verbal abuse was also a significant worry, with many respondents believing that these issues have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Social media was cited as the top source of information about safety and crime in the US, followed by international news. The Philippines, which relies heavily on social media for information, showed the highest concern for racial violence.
Despite these concerns, many Southeast Asian travelers remain interested in visiting the US, with Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines showing the highest levels of interest. However, Singaporeans were the least likely to plan a trip to the US in the near future.
The outcome of the US presidential election was also seen as a factor in travel plans, with over a quarter of respondents saying it would affect their decision to visit the country.
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