Reasons Some Travelers Are Avoiding Visiting The United States
Reasons some travelers are avoiding visiting the United States. After her recent experiences in the United States, Uneaka Daniels decided to stay away for a while.
Author:Velma BattleReviewer:Michael RachalFeb 19, 20246.4K Shares129.8K Views
Reasons some travelers are avoiding visiting the United States. After her recent experiences in the United States, Uneaka Daniels decided to stay away for a while. Originally from Bermuda, Daniels found herself in Atlanta in 2019 and decided to visit a salon for a hair appointment. Along the way, she approached a man to ask for directions. Suddenly, everyone around them ducked as a drive-by shooting occurred.
“„I could actually see the gun and see it being fired. The people on the street acted…as if it didn't happen, and I'm here trying to crouch behind a tree. I said, 'You guys are not afraid of this,' and he said, 'It happens so often.'- Uneaka Daniels
During her most recent trip to the U.S. in 2023 for a medical procedure, Uneaka Daniels decided to spend some time recuperating. She ventured to the park across the street from her hotel to soak up some sun. However, she felt uneasy due to the presence of individuals she perceived as sketchy, who either solicited her for money or made her uncomfortable. "It was too much," she remarked.
For the past four years, she's avoided travelto the U.S. "I love the United States, I love going there. I love the people, I loved everything about it, but I’m veering away now," she said. "Not saying I won’t come back."
Apart from her personal encounters, Daniels has been discouraged from visiting the U.S. further due to the surge in mass shootings, particularly concerning as she is a school teacher herself, and the high rates of homelessness. "Seeing the things on the United States newswas scary," she expressed. "My friends were telling me things have changed."
Daniels is not the only one feeling hesitant. A growing number of international travelers are choosing to avoid trips to the U.S. The country's travel industry continues to struggle to recover from the pandemic, with a recent study by the U.S. Travel Association and EuroMonitor International revealing 12 million fewer visitors in 2023 compared to 2019.
The U.S. ranked 17th out of the top 18 travel markets, slightly ahead of China. Safety concerns, along with visa processing times and the strength of the U.S. dollar, are significant factors contributing to this trend. From 2019 to 2021, the United States dropped four spots on the World Economic Forum's Safety and Security Index. This decline was attributed to concerns regarding the reliability of police services and fears of gun violence.
“„There's no doubt that for all travelers, safety is a concern.- Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association
Velma Battle
Author
Travelling Expert
Michael Rachal
Reviewer
Travelling Expert
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