Why Southeast Asian Tourists Are Losing Interest in Traveling to the U.S.

Ohana Caroline — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:54:10 +0000

Ohana Magazine – A new survey shows that almost 80% of Southeast Asian tourists feel the United States is losing its charm as a travel destination. The main concerns include discrimination, gun violence, and high travel costs. These factors have made many travelers reconsider visiting the U.S., according to CNBC Travel.

Survey Details and Key Findings

The survey was conducted by Milieu Insight from May 22 to June 10, 2025. It involved 6,000 respondents from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. About one in four participants said their desire to visit the U.S. had dropped in the past six months.

Interestingly, concerns over safety and social issues outweighed even the high financial cost. Respondents cited worries about gun violence, discrimination, and American politics, particularly under Donald Trump’s administration.

Gun Violence and Discrimination Drive Fear

Recent years have seen a rise in mass shootings and gun-related crimes across the U.S. This has caused many international travelers to view the country as unsafe. Furthermore, fear of racial profiling has made Asian tourists feel unwelcome. These concerns are now more influential than ever when choosing a travel destination.

Singapore: A Notable Drop in Interest

Travelers from Singapore showed a sharp decline in interest. Around 55% said they are less likely to visit the U.S. now compared to November last year. Only 7% said they’re more interested in visiting. These figures highlight a significant shift in travel attitudes within the country.

Vietnam and the Philippines: A Different Story

Despite the overall trend, Vietnamese and Filipino tourists showed increased interest. 57% of Vietnamese and 49% of Filipinos reported a growing desire to visit the U.S. This could be due to strong family ties and the continued influence of American pop culture in these countries.

Cultural and Family Connections Still Matter

According to Zilmiyah Kamble, a lecturer at James Cook University, family connections and cultural influence remain strong motivators. “Many still dream of visiting the U.S. because of family or the appeal of its culture,” she said. These factors can outweigh even the most serious safety concerns for some.