Latest news with #GlobalRescue
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
These tourist hotspots are too crowded to enjoy this summer
Do I really need to show you pictures of Dubrovnik, Croatia, when there's a cruise ship in town, or of the Trevi Fountain in Rome on a hot day, to prove travel has never been as crowded as it is this summer? Probably not. A recent survey by Global Rescue found that 73% of travelers are worried about overtourism, and more than half are actively avoiding popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, and Thailand. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! 'Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources,' said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. 'It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it's a natural disaster or a surge in crime.' But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And what places should you avoid – or not avoid? Are crowded summer travel destinations more dangerous? Traveling to a popular and overcrowded destination can be risky. A combination of political tensions, environmental challenges, and crime concerns requires travelers to be more diligent in planning, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Many destinations that were once considered relatively safe now face multiple interlinked problems that heighten the risks for travelers," he added. "Travel is certainly more complex." Even with all the crowds, you might be perfectly safe. But that doesn't mean you'll have a positive experience. There's a growing backlash against mass tourism in some destinations, so you might feel unwelcome. "This backlash results in new restrictions on tourism or a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers," explained John Rose, the chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company. "It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing or more challenging to navigate." One way to avoid the chaos is to ask a professional for advice. A competent travel adviser will help ensure that you don't end up standing in a long line this summer. But what does your travel adviser know that you don't? Places you should skip this summer Some destinations are just too hot – literally and figuratively – to handle this summer. Here's where experts say you should think twice before booking: ◾Thailand: Thailand's tropical islands have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability. But now there are too many tourists. Experts are advising their clients to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. 'Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining," says Alonso Marly, a travel adviser at Skylux Travel. Alternate: Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room – and better shopping. ◾Croatia: Thanks to its starring role in "Game of Thrones" and its popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe's most overcrowded cities. With just 41,000 residents, it's struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible. Alternate: Check out Split, which also has an impressive historical inner city (with fewer walls), or head to Zagreb, which is less crowded but still offers a classic Croatian experience. ◾ Greece: Santorini's brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches have made it a bucket-list destination. But with over 3.4 million visitors annually, the island is buckling under the pressure. Locals are protesting the large influx of tourists, which is making the city unlivable during high season. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, have also been hit hard. Alternate: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can get busy during the summer, but a little less frenzied than the Greek islands. ◾Europe's tourism capitals: You know what I'm talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you've got a recipe for a miserable trip. Alternate: Get off the beaten path – even just a little – and you could have a much saner experience. I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn't so bad because many residents leave town for a month. This is by no means the full list. Chances are, if you want to go somewhere that's popular, it might be too full. For example, if you're thinking of visiting Rome this summer, remember that it's a Jubilee year, so it's going to be extra crowded. Safer bets: Where to go instead So, where should you go? The safest destinations are the ones marked in the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system as a Level 1 or Level 2, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security program Medjet. "But even then, be wary," he added. "Be careful where you go and whom you trust. Do research on the safest and least safe parts of town because every town has parts you probably should not be walking alone in at night." Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases a report of the safest destinations every year, and it's widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP's research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues and flight delays. On this list this year: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand. 'After years of conducting this research, patterns have emerged and certain countries and cities, like Switzerland and Singapore, have become mainstays,' said Carol Mueller, BHTP's head of marketing. But you don't have to be a security expert to know that some places are riskier than others. I've been traveling around the world for years, and the BHTP list is my go-to for a safe and relatively uncrowded place, even during the summer. Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, it's winter in Australia and New Zealand, which means it's low season, unless maybe you're going skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kind of mass tourism you find in Barcelona or Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated. Be a contrarian this summer The takeaway is the same: If you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer, be a contrarian. When everyone else goes north, head south. When they flock to popular destinations, stray off the beaten path. And yes, I will be in Europe this summer, but my itinerary is taking me to the places where fewer tourists go. Reykjavik, Prague, Luxembourg, Munich and my ancestral hometown of Amykles, Greece. It's close to the chaos, but not too close. Maybe I'll see you out there. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
These tourist hotspots are too crowded to enjoy this summer
Do I really need to show you pictures of Dubrovnik, Croatia, when there's a cruise ship in town, or of the Trevi Fountain in Rome on a hot day, to prove travel has never been as crowded as it is this summer? Probably not. A recent survey by Global Rescue found that 73% of travelers are worried about overtourism, and more than half are actively avoiding popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, and Thailand. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! 'Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources,' said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. 'It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it's a natural disaster or a surge in crime.' But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And what places should you avoid – or not avoid? Are crowded summer travel destinations more dangerous? Traveling to a popular and overcrowded destination can be risky. A combination of political tensions, environmental challenges, and crime concerns requires travelers to be more diligent in planning, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Many destinations that were once considered relatively safe now face multiple interlinked problems that heighten the risks for travelers," he added. "Travel is certainly more complex." Even with all the crowds, you might be perfectly safe. But that doesn't mean you'll have a positive experience. There's a growing backlash against mass tourism in some destinations, so you might feel unwelcome. "This backlash results in new restrictions on tourism or a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers," explained John Rose, the chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company. "It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing or more challenging to navigate." One way to avoid the chaos is to ask a professional for advice. A competent travel adviser will help ensure that you don't end up standing in a long line this summer. But what does your travel adviser know that you don't? Places you should skip this summer Some destinations are just too hot – literally and figuratively – to handle this summer. Here's where experts say you should think twice before booking: ◾Thailand: Thailand's tropical islands have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability. But now there are too many tourists. Experts are advising their clients to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. 'Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining," says Alonso Marly, a travel adviser at Skylux Travel. Alternate: Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room – and better shopping. ◾Croatia: Thanks to its starring role in "Game of Thrones" and its popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe's most overcrowded cities. With just 41,000 residents, it's struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible. Alternate: Check out Split, which also has an impressive historical inner city (with fewer walls), or head to Zagreb, which is less crowded but still offers a classic Croatian experience. ◾ Greece: Santorini's brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches have made it a bucket-list destination. But with over 3.4 million visitors annually, the island is buckling under the pressure. Locals are protesting the large influx of tourists, which is making the city unlivable during high season. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, have also been hit hard. Alternate: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can get busy during the summer, but a little less frenzied than the Greek islands. ◾Europe's tourism capitals: You know what I'm talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you've got a recipe for a miserable trip. Alternate: Get off the beaten path – even just a little – and you could have a much saner experience. I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn't so bad because many residents leave town for a month. This is by no means the full list. Chances are, if you want to go somewhere that's popular, it might be too full. For example, if you're thinking of visiting Rome this summer, remember that it's a Jubilee year, so it's going to be extra crowded. Safer bets: Where to go instead So, where should you go? The safest destinations are the ones marked in the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system as a Level 1 or Level 2, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security program Medjet. "But even then, be wary," he added. "Be careful where you go and whom you trust. Do research on the safest and least safe parts of town because every town has parts you probably should not be walking alone in at night." Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases a report of the safest destinations every year, and it's widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP's research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues and flight delays. On this list this year: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand. 'After years of conducting this research, patterns have emerged and certain countries and cities, like Switzerland and Singapore, have become mainstays,' said Carol Mueller, BHTP's head of marketing. But you don't have to be a security expert to know that some places are riskier than others. I've been traveling around the world for years, and the BHTP list is my go-to for a safe and relatively uncrowded place, even during the summer. Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, it's winter in Australia and New Zealand, which means it's low season, unless maybe you're going skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kind of mass tourism you find in Barcelona or Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated. Be a contrarian this summer The takeaway is the same: If you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer, be a contrarian. When everyone else goes north, head south. When they flock to popular destinations, stray off the beaten path. And yes, I will be in Europe this summer, but my itinerary is taking me to the places where fewer tourists go. Reykjavik, Prague, Luxembourg, Munich and my ancestral hometown of Amykles, Greece. It's close to the chaos, but not too close. Maybe I'll see you out there. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Yahoo
These tourist hotspots are too crowded to enjoy this summer
Do I really need to show you pictures of Dubrovnik, Croatia, when there's a cruise ship in town, or of the Trevi Fountain in Rome on a hot day, to prove travel has never been as crowded as it is this summer? Probably not. A recent survey by Global Rescue found that 73% of travelers are worried about overtourism, and more than half are actively avoiding popular destinations like France, Spain, Italy, and Thailand. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! 'Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources,' said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. 'It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it's a natural disaster or a surge in crime.' But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And what places should you avoid – or not avoid? Are crowded summer travel destinations more dangerous? Traveling to a popular and overcrowded destination can be risky. A combination of political tensions, environmental challenges, and crime concerns requires travelers to be more diligent in planning, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Many destinations that were once considered relatively safe now face multiple interlinked problems that heighten the risks for travelers," he added. "Travel is certainly more complex." Even with all the crowds, you might be perfectly safe. But that doesn't mean you'll have a positive experience. There's a growing backlash against mass tourism in some destinations, so you might feel unwelcome. "This backlash results in new restrictions on tourism or a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers," explained John Rose, the chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company. "It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing or more challenging to navigate." One way to avoid the chaos is to ask a professional for advice. A competent travel adviser will help ensure that you don't end up standing in a long line this summer. But what does your travel adviser know that you don't? Places you should skip this summer Some destinations are just too hot – literally and figuratively – to handle this summer. Here's where experts say you should think twice before booking: ◾Thailand: Thailand's tropical islands have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability. But now there are too many tourists. Experts are advising their clients to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. 'Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining," says Alonso Marly, a travel adviser at Skylux Travel. Alternate: Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room – and better shopping. ◾Croatia: Thanks to its starring role in "Game of Thrones" and its popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe's most overcrowded cities. With just 41,000 residents, it's struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible. Alternate: Check out Split, which also has an impressive historical inner city (with fewer walls), or head to Zagreb, which is less crowded but still offers a classic Croatian experience. ◾ Greece: Santorini's brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches have made it a bucket-list destination. But with over 3.4 million visitors annually, the island is buckling under the pressure. Locals are protesting the large influx of tourists, which is making the city unlivable during high season. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, have also been hit hard. Alternate: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can get busy during the summer, but a little less frenzied than the Greek islands. ◾Europe's tourism capitals: You know what I'm talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you've got a recipe for a miserable trip. Alternate: Get off the beaten path – even just a little – and you could have a much saner experience. I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn't so bad because many residents leave town for a month. This is by no means the full list. Chances are, if you want to go somewhere that's popular, it might be too full. For example, if you're thinking of visiting Rome this summer, remember that it's a Jubilee year, so it's going to be extra crowded. Safer bets: Where to go instead So, where should you go? The safest destinations are the ones marked in the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system as a Level 1 or Level 2, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security program Medjet. "But even then, be wary," he added. "Be careful where you go and whom you trust. Do research on the safest and least safe parts of town because every town has parts you probably should not be walking alone in at night." Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases a report of the safest destinations every year, and it's widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP's research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues and flight delays. On this list this year: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand. 'After years of conducting this research, patterns have emerged and certain countries and cities, like Switzerland and Singapore, have become mainstays,' said Carol Mueller, BHTP's head of marketing. But you don't have to be a security expert to know that some places are riskier than others. I've been traveling around the world for years, and the BHTP list is my go-to for a safe and relatively uncrowded place, even during the summer. Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, it's winter in Australia and New Zealand, which means it's low season, unless maybe you're going skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kind of mass tourism you find in Barcelona or Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated. Be a contrarian this summer The takeaway is the same: If you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer, be a contrarian. When everyone else goes north, head south. When they flock to popular destinations, stray off the beaten path. And yes, I will be in Europe this summer, but my itinerary is taking me to the places where fewer tourists go. Reykjavik, Prague, Luxembourg, Munich and my ancestral hometown of Amykles, Greece. It's close to the chaos, but not too close. Maybe I'll see you out there. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges
The Herald Scotland
12-08-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges
Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! "Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. "It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it's a natural disaster or a surge in crime." But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And what places should you avoid - or not avoid? Are crowded summer travel destinations more dangerous? Traveling to a popular and overcrowded destination can be risky. A combination of political tensions, environmental challenges, and crime concerns requires travelers to be more diligent in planning, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. "Many destinations that were once considered relatively safe now face multiple interlinked problems that heighten the risks for travelers," he added. "Travel is certainly more complex." Even with all the crowds, you might be perfectly safe. But that doesn't mean you'll have a positive experience. There's a growing backlash against mass tourism in some destinations, so you might feel unwelcome. "This backlash results in new restrictions on tourism or a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers," explained John Rose, the chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company. "It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing or more challenging to navigate." One way to avoid the chaos is to ask a professional for advice. A competent travel advisor will help ensure that you don't end up standing in a long line this summer. But what does your travel advisor know that you don't? Places you should skip this summer Some destinations are just too hot - literally and figuratively - to handle this summer. Here's where experts say you should think twice before booking: ? Thailand: Thailand's tropical islands have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability. But now there are too many tourists. Experts are advising their clients to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. "Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining," says Alonso Marly, a travel advisor at Skylux Travel. Alternate: Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room - and better shopping. ? Croatia: Thanks to its starring role in "Game of Thrones" and its popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe's most overcrowded cities. With just 41,000 residents, it's struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible. Alternate: Check out Split, which also has an impressive historical inner city (with fewer walls), or head to Zagreb, which is less crowded but still offers a classic Croatian experience. ? Greece: Santorini's brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches have made it a bucket-list destination. But with over 3.4 million visitors annually, the island is buckling under the pressure. Locals are protesting the large influx of tourists, which is making the city unlivable during high season. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, have also been hit hard. Alternate: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can get busy during the summer, but a little less frenzied than the Greek islands. ? Europe's tourism capitals: You know what I'm talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you've got a recipe for a miserable trip. Alternate: Get off the beaten path - even just a little - and you could have a much saner experience. I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn't so bad because many residents leave town for a month. This is by no means the full list. Chances are,iif you want to go somewhere that's popular, it might be too full. For example, if you're thinking of visiting Rome this summer, remember that it's a Jubilee year, so it's going to be extra crowded. Safer bets: Where to go instead So, where should you go? The safest destinations are the ones marked in the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system as a Level 1 or Level 2, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security program Medjet. "But even then, be wary," he added. "Be careful where you go and whom you trust. Do research on the safest and least safe parts of town, because every town has parts you probably should not be walking alone in at night." Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases a report of the safest destinations every year, and it's widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP's research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues and flight delays. On this list this year: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand. "After years of conducting this research, patterns have emerged and certain countries and cities, like Switzerland and Singapore, have become mainstays," said Carol Mueller, BHTP's head of marketing. But you don't have to be a security expert to know that some places are riskier than others. I've been traveling around the world for years, and the BHTP list is my go-to for a safe and relatively uncrowded place, even during the summer. Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, it's winter in Australia and New Zealand, which means it's low season, unless maybe you're going skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kind of mass tourism you find in Barcelona or Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated. Be a contrarian this summer The takeaway is the same: If you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer, be a contrarian. When everyone else goes north, head south. When they flock to popular destinations, stray off the beaten path And yes, I will be in Europe this summer, but my itinerary is taking me to the places where fewer tourists go. Reykjavik, Prague, Luxembourg, Munich and my ancestral hometown of Amykles, Greece. It's close to the chaos, but not too close. Maybe I'll see you out there. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
Travel Weekly
30-07-2025
- Travel Weekly
Countries that fall off the map
Arnie Weissmann The company Global Rescue, which provides a range of risk- and crisis-management services, just released the results of its Summer 2025 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey, based on the responses of 2,900 current and former customers. The questionnaire asked respondents to share how global events have impacted their travel plans. American travelers are notoriously skittish, and that nervousness showed in differences between results from U.S.-based and other travelers. But it also revealed wariness on the part of non-U.S. travelers about visiting America. The contrast in attitude between U.S. and non-U.S. travelers was, in some instances, striking. U.S. travelers are significantly more likely to avoid Mexico than non-U.S. travelers (37% vs. 22%), with a similar gap in sentiment regarding the Dominican Republic (32% vs. 19%). Double-digit disparities also existed for potentially visiting Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kenya and Guatemala. Jamaica, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Jordan had smaller gaps but still in the high single digits. In some instances, it seemed clear that bilateral politics play a role. In the greatest variance, only 25% of non-U.S. travelers indicated they would avoid China, but 51% of U.S. travelers said they would. The frosty relations between our two countries is one likely explanation. But why the gaps for Mexico and the Dominican Republic? It may have to do with government travel advisories. The Global Rescue survey found that more than 62% of Americans say that government travel advisories influence their destination choice "a great deal," "a lot" or "a moderate amount." The U.S. State Department advisory on Mexico breaks down the country by state and, in some cases, delineates areas of safety (or caution) down to the street and highway level. While there are just a handful of states where travel is strongly discouraged, only two fall under the mildest category, recommending that travelers need only take standard travel precautions. As for the Dominican Republic, the first line of the State Department advisory might have something to do with reluctance to visit: "Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists." In some areas surveyed, like the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict and whether recent earthquake or volcanic activity impacted respondents' choice of destination, travelers both in the U.S. and abroad tracked fairly closely. There's likewise only a small gap in the results when U.S. and non-U.S. travelers were asked about the impact of U.S. governmental activity on travel: 28% of U.S. travelers and 32% of non-U.S. travelers said that U.S. international policy initiatives or announcements have impacted their willingness to travel. Twenty-two percent of non-U.S. travelers indicated that they have actually changed their travel plans as a result. When asked how the U.S. political climate is impacting plans to visit America, 20% of nonresidents said they're reconsidering travel here, 10% have already postponed trips and more than 15% have canceled trips. Asked how U.S. policy has impacted the way that Americans are perceived abroad, 61% of U.S.-based travelers and 65% of travelers from outside the U.S. said "Americans will be perceived more negatively" (5.6% and 3.4%, respectively, believe Americans will be perceived more positively). Guidance in government advisories regarding travel to the U.S. did change earlier this year for Germany, the U.K., Finland and Denmark as a result of changes in our passport gender designations. That change is unlikely to be the sole reason that people are forgoing a visit to America, but neither is it disconnected. It, as well as stories of visitors being detained at the border, refused entry or having their social media channels examined, all combine to send the message that the U.S. is not as welcoming as other countries. I've written before about the challenges that countries have in recovering from events that motivate travelers to look elsewhere for visitation. Typically, those events are transitory: an earthquake, a hurricane, a terrorist attack, riots. For a period, these destinations have fallen off the tourist map but tend to get back on it once stability returns. Has the U.S. fallen off the tourist map? The Global Rescue survey aligns with a corresponding drop in visitation to the U.S. and may in some ways suggest the worst is yet to come, with 45% of potential visitors reconsidering, postponing or canceling trips here. I have to believe that this, too, is transitory -- the U.S. is just too attractive a destination to stay off the map forever -- but I also worry the road back to our previous stature may be a long one. The key element that's impacting us is that we're not perceived as a welcoming destination in a world filled with countries that are. Once visitors get past immigration formalities, they will find us very welcoming indeed. The question is, will we get the chance to prove it?
