Thailand Joins with Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia Shifting in Cancelling Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and France Visits and Choosing More Easy Trips, The Hidden Agenda Unveiled

In recent years, Southeast Asia has experienced a notable shift in travel preferences, with many travelers from countries like Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia steering away from traditional European destinations. The once-popular spots in Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and France, including iconic locations like Santorini, Mykonos, Barcelona, the Canary Islands, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Amsterdam, and the Louvre in Paris, are seeing a decrease in visitors from these countries. Instead, travelers are increasingly opting for nearby, more accessible destinations within Asia.

This trend marks a dramatic departure from the past, where European cities and coastal destinations were often seen as the ultimate travel experience for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and leisure. Historically, destinations like the Greek islands, the romantic canals of Venice, the picturesque streets of Barcelona, and the cultural landmarks in Paris were bucket-list locations for tourists from Southeast Asia. However, as 2025 unfolds, the allure of these destinations seems to be waning, while the appeal of regional travel is on the rise.

In the case of many European countries, including Greece, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and France, the U.S. Department of State typically assigns a Level 1 or Level 2 advisory status. This means that the countries are generally considered safe for tourists, though travelers are advised to be cautious in certain areas. For example:

• Greece: The advisory is typically Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), but certain areas may experience sporadic civil unrest or protests, which could affect travel.
• Spain: Spain is generally a Level 2 destination (Exercise Increased Caution), with advice around pickpocketing and petty crime, particularly in crowded tourist areas.
• Italy: Like Spain, Italy often falls under Level 2, where the risks involve petty crime and some risk in specific regions related to organized crime or natural disasters like earthquakes.
• The Netherlands: Generally rated at Level 1, but travelers are reminded to exercise caution in certain areas with higher crime rates, such as major cities.
• France: France typically holds a Level 2 status due to risks such as terrorist activity and civil unrest in some areas, particularly in cities like Paris and other large urban centers.

These advisories, although generally not alarming, still caution travelers to remain vigilant about common risks such as crime or civil disturbances. The presence of terrorist attacks in some European cities in recent years has further contributed to the heightened sense of caution.

While the advisory system provides broad guidelines, it should be noted that these advisories do not constitute an outright ban on travel. Instead, they serve to inform travelers of potential risks so they can take appropriate precautions before and during their trip. Despite this, these advisories are often cited by other governments worldwide, including Southeast Asia, when formulating their own travel guidelines.

Influence of Travel Advisories in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, often reference or rely on international travel advisories, especially from the U.S., the European Union, and Australia, when creating their own travel advisories. These countries tend to align their travel recommendations with the assessments of risk in popular destinations, as these international advisories are seen as reliable sources of information.

While the governments of Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia do not currently issue formal travel advisories that discourage travel to these European destinations, the influence of global advisory systems can subtly shape travel behavior. The travel advisories provided by these countries’ ministries of foreign affairs often echo or align with international perspectives, especially if there are specific warnings related to health risks (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, flooding), or social unrest.

Absence of Formal Discouragement for European Travel

Despite the prominent role travel advisories play in shaping travelers’ perceptions, there is currently no direct evidence of Thailand, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, or Cambodia officially discouraging travel to these European destinations. In fact, European countries remain some of the most popular long-haul destinations for travelers from Southeast Asia, and these governments generally do not issue any advisories that outright discourage visits to Greece, Spain, Italy, France, or the Netherlands.

The absence of direct formal discouragement does not mean that travelers from Southeast Asia are unaware of potential risks. It simply reflects that, even though there may be a perception of relative safety in these countries, travelers are still weighing other factors—such as accessibility, affordability, and convenience—that influence their travel decisions.

Accessibility Challenges and Regional Preferences

While European destinations like Greece, Spain, Italy, and France remain popular among Southeast Asian tourists, the reality is that many travelers from Southeast Asia view these regions as more challenging to navigate compared to nearby countries within the ASEAN region. These challenges include:

1. Longer Flight Times: The distance between Southeast Asia and Europe is significant, with flight times of 12+ hours. Many travelers from Southeast Asia may prefer shorter flights, especially for short vacations or holidays.
2. Higher Costs: Traveling to Europe often involves higher airfare costs, expensive accommodations, and an overall higher cost of living. Countries within Southeast Asia offer more affordable options for similar cultural and natural experiences.
3. Language Barriers: While Europe offers rich cultural experiences, language differences can be a barrier for many Southeast Asian travelers. English proficiency is higher in some European destinations, but it is not universal. In contrast, many Southeast Asian countries share cultural and linguistic similarities, which make travel within the region more accessible.
4. Visa and Entry Requirements: The European Union has strict visa requirements for travelers from Southeast Asia. In comparison, many countries in Southeast Asia offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival options, making travel more convenient for their citizens.

As a result, while there is no formal government-issued discouragement against traveling to Europe, the combination of these factors—along with travel advisories that suggest caution in certain regions—contributes to a growing trend of Southeast Asian travelers opting for regional destinations instead. These emerging local destinations offer cultural richness, ease of access, and affordability, which can often match or even exceed the offerings of European countries.

In case of the US, where people are declining to go there are several factors:

Aggressive Immigration and Border Policies
The Trump administration’s stringent immigration measures, including mass deportations and a travel ban on 12 countries, have led to a 2.5% decrease in foreign air arrivals from January to April 2025. Notably, Canadian visits fell by 15% in April, and overall international visitor numbers are projected at 66 million for the year, down from earlier expectations of 79 million.

Rising Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Increased tariffs on countries like Canada, China, and Mexico have prompted foreign backlash and travel boycotts. For instance, Canadian travelers have been deterred by perceived hostility and border issues, leading to a 15% decline in visits in April.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
The enactment of laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights has raised concerns among international travelers, particularly affecting transgender and nonbinary individuals. Some countries have advised their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the U.S. due to potential risks of detention or discrimination.

Travel Advisories and Safety Concerns
Several nations have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to reconsider visiting the U.S. due to safety concerns, including the risk of wrongful detention and the hostile environment at U.S. borders. These advisories have contributed to a 12% year-over-year decline in overseas visitors in March 2025.

Economic Uncertainty and Reputational Damage
The combination of political tensions, aggressive rhetoric, and policy changes has damaged the U.S.’s global image, leading to a 17% drop in visitors from Western Europe in March 2025. Countries like Ireland, Norway, and Germany experienced over 20% decreases, with travelers citing fears of a hostile U.S. border environment.