Gun Violence in the U.S.: An Alarming Trend Impacting Travel
The issue of gun violence in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, creating ripples that extend far beyond the country’s borders. A shocking statistic reveals that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered over 6,600 firearms at airports last year, most of which were loaded. Notably, airports such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport topped the list for firearm discoveries. This alarming trend has prompted international travelers to reconsider their plans, with some minimizing or avoiding travel to the U.S. due to safety concerns associated with gun violence.
International Concerns: A Shift in Travel Sentiment
Concerns surrounding gun violence are not unfounded. Travelers from abroad are increasingly reluctant to visit the United States. Countries including Canada and Australia have issued warnings to their citizens about the risks associated with gun violence in the U.S. The fears are particularly pronounced among international travelers and former residents.
Take, for instance, Christina Kooi, a mother of two who left the U.S. in 2017 due to escalating school shootings. Kooi expressed her anxiety about raising children in an environment where gun access is rampant, citing her disquiet over potential encounters with unsecured firearms. Such testimonies illustrate a broader trend: a growing wariness among potential tourists, particularly families.
Stories of Discontent
Cheryl Jessamine and her partner made the decision to cancel an RV trip along the coast of Oregon following the election of Donald Trump in 2024. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, they felt especially vulnerable amid reports of discrimination and targeting of their group. Gun violence weighed heavily on their decision, with Jessamine acknowledging that the frequent discussion of U.S. gun violence in the media heightened their apprehensions.
The National Travel and Tourism Office recently revealed a significant drop in visitors from Canada, with approximately 1.8 million fewer travelers in the first half of the year compared to 2024. A combination of rising gun violence and political tensions has contributed to this decrease, with many potential visitors now viewing the U.S. as a less safe destination.
The Impact of Events on Travel Decisions
September saw multiple high-profile shootings in the United States, further intensifying concerns for travelers like Jessamine. High-profile incidents, such as the murder of activist Charlie Kirk and a school shooting in Colorado, have reinforced fears about safety in the U.S. These events directly impact travel decisions, as individuals reassess the risks associated with visiting the country.
Following the cancellation of a planned trip to New York City, Jessamine revealed that her family opted for a trip to Mexico instead, demonstrating how deeply gun violence influences travel choices.
Tourism Economics: The Numbers Speak
Tourism Economics projects a decline in U.S. tourism growth, revising its expectations from a 10% increase to an 8.2% decline. This marked shift in outlook reflects not only gun violence but also the evolving political landscape in the U.S. According to a survey conducted in Southeast Asia, over 90% of travelers indicated that the prevalence of guns in America influenced their decision to visit. While the survey found that 56% of respondents remained keen on visiting the U.S. in the coming years, many noted an increasing perception of gun violence as a significant issue.
Gun Violence Statistics: A Dark Reality
The data surrounding gun violence in the U.S. paints a grim picture. The Gun Violence Archive recorded 302 mass shootings in 2025 alone, marking a notable increase from past years and solidifying the United States’ reputation as a hotspot for gun-related incidents. In comparison, the firearm homicide rate in the U.S. stands at 4.5 per 100,000 people—a sobering statistic compared to Canada’s 0.6 and the Netherlands’ 0.2.
Global Advisories: A Broader Perspective
Governments worldwide are taking note of the dangers associated with gun violence in the U.S. Canada, Australia, and the U.K. have included advisories about gun crime in their travel guidance for citizens. These warnings emphasize the potential risks of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Future Travel Plans: Uncertainty Looms
As families like Kooi’s prepare for future travels, many face a paradox. Despite aspirations to explore picturesque regions such as Arizona and Nevada, concerns around safety and gun violence loom large in their decisions. The sentiment shared by Jessamine’s family echoes this uncertainty; they too are weighing their options carefully regarding future trips to the U.S.
This growing trend illustrates a concerning reality: as gun violence persists, many travelers are feeling not only uneasy but outright unwilling to invest their time and money into visiting the United States. Instead, destinations that promise safety and security are becoming more appealing as the specter of gun violence looms large over American tourism.
The impact of gun violence on travel sentiment not only highlights a nation’s internal issues but also its influence on global perceptions, compelling potential travelers to rethink their itineraries and priorities. This shift paints a compelling picture of how domestic issues can have international ramifications, reshaping travel as we know it.