BANGKOK – Thailand is entering 2026 with cautious confidence. Tourism officials there, echoing counterparts across Southeast Asia, say the region is well positioned to draw more American travelers, even as unrest and political uncertainty dampen arrivals from India, long one of its most reliable markets.
According to regional tourism authorities and U.S.-based travel analysts, destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines are seeing renewed interest from the United States, driven by favorable exchange rates, expanded air connectivity, and sustained marketing campaigns aimed at long-haul travelers. Airlines serving trans-Pacific and trans-Asian routes report steady advance bookings for late 2025 and 2026, reinforcing optimism that American demand will remain resilient.
Safety Concerns Alter Indian Travel Patterns
The outlook is less buoyant when it comes to India. Tour operators in Bangkok and Siem Reap report a noticeable drop in Indian bookings during what is typically a peak festive travel period. Industry groups in India cite concerns over safety, sporadic unrest, and political instability in parts of Thailand and Cambodia as key factors behind the slowdown.
“Indian travelers are becoming far more risk-aware,” said a senior executive at a Mumbai-based travel agency. “When there is uncertainty abroad, they quickly pivot to destinations where they feel secure and in control.”
That pivot has increasingly favored domestic travel within India. Popular destinations such as Goa, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands are benefiting from the shift, offering beaches, cultural experiences, and resort infrastructure comparable to Southeast Asian alternatives, but without the complications of international travel.
A Broader Shift in Global Travel Priorities
Tourism economists say the diverging trends highlight a broader recalibration in global travel behavior. While long-haul leisure travel from the United States remains driven by pent-up demand and curiosity, regional travelers in Asia are placing greater weight on safety, accessibility, and convenience.
For Southeast Asian governments, the challenge now is twofold: sustaining momentum in Western markets while rebuilding confidence among regional travelers. Officials in Thailand and Cambodia have emphasized enhanced security measures and crisis management planning, hoping to reassure visitors ahead of future peak seasons.
Whether those efforts will be enough to win back Indian tourists remains uncertain. What is clear, analysts say, is that in an era of rapid information flow and heightened risk awareness, perceptions of stability can be as influential as price or scenery in shaping where travelers choose to go next. (hb)