From political stability and the weather to the cost of accommodation 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.
Research by Forbes Advisor will be of great interest to those 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 US State Department, the crime risk per city from analysis site Numbeo, and personal security risk data from The Economist (how at-risk citizens are from crime, violence, terrorist threats, natural disasters, and economic vulnerabilities).
Out of 60 destinations surveyed worldwide, Kuala Lumpur ranks No. 29, with a score of 55.36 out of 100 in terms of assessed risk level.
Singapore, meanwhile, emerges as the world’s safest city destination, ahead of Tokyo (Japan) and Toronto (Canada). Our southern neighbour scores 0 out of 100, while 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 Burma 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, the location of the Olympics, is 31st.
Other European cities, such as Zurich, Copenhagen and Amsterdam, are ranked among the safest in the world.
The top 10 least risky cities in the world for tourists:
Singapore
Tokyo (Japan)
Toronto (Canada)
Sydney (Australia)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Copenhagen (Denmark)
Seoul (South Korea)
Osaka (Japan)
Melbourne (Australia)
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
The top 10 most risky cities in the world for tourists:
Caracas (Venezuela)
Karachi (Pakistan)
Yangon (Burma)
Lagos (Nigeria)
Manila (Philippines)
Dhaka (Bangladesh)
Bogotá (Colombia)
Cairo (Egypt)
Mexico City (Mexico)
Quito (Ecuador)