Singapore named one of the world's safest holiday destinations

People gather for photograph next to the Merlion statue at Marina bay waterfront in Singapore on March 18, 2024. — Photo: AFP

From the weather to the cost of accommodation to local activities and transport options, many factors are taken into account by travellers when considering their next destination. But safety is another significant aspect, even if it’s harder to measure.

Political instability and terrorist attacks are notorious for scaring tourists away. In 2015, the terrorist attack in Sousse was devastating for the Tunisian tourism sector, whose losses were estimated at €450mil (RM2.265bil) as a result of vacation cancellations alone.

At the time, Tunisia was already suffering significant economic damage as a result of the Jasmine Revolution.

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Between 2010 and 2015 alone, the number of foreign tourists welcomed over the year had fallen from seven to five million.

Research by Forbes Advisor will be of great interest to travellers who dream of visiting exotic destinations without putting their safety at risk. The analysis focuses solely on security aspects, taking into account metrics including the travel safety rating provided by the United States State Department, the crime risk per city from Numbeo, and personal security risk data from The Economist (i.e. how at-risk travellers are from crime, violence, terrorist threats, natural disasters and economic vulnerabilities).

The research compares 60 destinations worldwide.

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According to data from the United States, Yangon in Myanmar is the third least safe city for travellers. — AFP

Singapore emerges as the world’s safest city destination.

In terms of the assessed risk level, Singapore scores 0 out of 100, according to Forbes Advisor. Conversely, Caracas in Venezuela, scores 100 out of 100, topping the list as the most risky city for tourists.

But not everywhere in Asia scores so well. Karachi in Pakistan is the second least safe city for tourists (93.12), and Yangon in Myanmar is third, with a measured risk of 91.67 out of 100.

Europe, on the other hand, is not considered a dangerous destination. The top riskiest destinations don’t appear until the 26th position, with Italy represented by Milan (26th) and Rome (28th). Paris, France, is 31st.

However, other European cities, such as Zurich, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, are ranked among the safest in the world. – AFP Relaxnews

Most risky cities in the world for tourists:

1. Caracas (Venezuela)
2. Karachi (Pakistan)
3. Yangon (Myanmar)
4. Lagos (Nigeria)
5. Manila (Philippines)
6. Dhaka (Bangladesh)
7. Bogotá (Colombia)
8. Cairo (Egypt)
9. Mexico City (Mexico)
10. Quito (Ecuador)

Least risky cities in the world for tourists:

1. Singapore
2. Tokyo (Japan)
3. Toronto (Canada)
4. Sydney (Australia)
5. Zurich (Switzerland)
6. Copenhagen (Denmark)
7. Seoul (South Korea)
8. Osaka (Japan)
9. Melbourne (Australia)
10. Amsterdam (Netherlands)