Tourism and Geopolitics: how conflict and politics influence travel

International conflicts, political tensions, and perceptions of safety are increasingly impacting travel choices. In an analysis of the relationship between tourism and geopolitics, Claudio Visentin, a professor in the Master in International Tourism programme at USI, examined how wars, controversial governments, and social dynamics are transforming how we travel.

According to Claudio Visentin, the link between tourism and politics has always existed, but today it takes on new and more complex forms. Conflicts and instability directly influence international mobility, often through state-issued travel advisories or insurance limitations. "Many people lose their motivation if they know a destination is riskier," observes the professor, noting that practical safety considerations often drive travellers' choices.

Visentin then tackles the theme of "responsible and conscious" tourism, recalling how, in the past, certain destinations were subject to boycott campaigns linked to human rights violations and the risk of "fuelling" controversial political regimes. Among the most significant examples is Burma in the mid-nineties. Today, however, the approach has shifted: "At present, it is more important to keep doors open, maintaining contact and communication channels even with countries facing such difficulties." In this sense, tourism can become a tool for connecting with local populations by prioritising independent facilities, small-scale accommodations, and local businesses, thereby supporting the people rather than necessarily the authorities.

A significant part of the analysis focuses on the United States, where Visentin suggests a "silent boycott" is currently underway. "Since Donald Trump was re-elected to the presidency, there have been notable effects on travel to the USA," he explains, noting the decline in international arrivals recorded in recent months—approximately 4.5 million international arrivals out of about 70 million visitors. Beyond politics, this decline is driven by a widespread feeling of no longer being welcome—a sentiment fueled by social media profile checks and the perception of a less open climate for foreign visitors.

For Visentin, the way these dynamics emerge has also changed compared to the past: "There are no longer structured campaigns by large organisations with appeals to the public. Now the process has changed: boycotting is something that runs more through social media, starting from the citizens themselves." In parallel, the contemporary traveller appears more aware of the world's cultural and political complexity. "Today, tourists are more conscious of the fact that not everyone follows the same rules," Visentin concludes, highlighting how tourism remains a space to engage with different realities, even in an increasingly unstable international context.