Canada has once again secured the top spot in the Global Rescue Autumn 2026 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey, reinforcing its reputation as the most secure destination for international travellers. The survey, which polled experienced globetrotters between 6 and 10 October 2026, placed Mexico at the opposite end of the spectrum, ranking it as the least safe country.
Following Canada in the safety rankings were New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Switzerland. On the flip side, Mexico was followed by South Africa, France, Brazil, and Egypt as the least safe destinations. The findings underscore a persistent perception gap that travel industry stakeholders should monitor when crafting itineraries and marketing campaigns.
Perception drives traveller confidence
Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, emphasised the commercial weight of safety perceptions. "Feeling safe is one of the most powerful ways travellers remember a destination," he said. Richards attributed Canada's consistent high ranking to the predictability of its environment and the welcoming treatment of visitors. For tour operators and travel advisors, these insights can inform destination recommendations and risk communication.
The survey revealed notable divergences between US and non-US respondents. While both groups agreed on Canada's leadership, their subsequent choices differed. US travellers ranked New Zealand, the UK, Japan, and Argentina next, whereas non-US respondents favoured Singapore, Japan, Switzerland, and Norway. Interestingly, non-US travellers were nearly six times more likely to select Singapore as a safe destination compared to their American counterparts—a data point that could influence how Asian destinations position themselves in different source markets.
Gender and safety perceptions
Gender also played a role in the rankings. Men placed Canada first, followed by New Zealand, Japan, and the UK. Women, however, ranked New Zealand above Canada, with the UK rounding out the top three. Mexico was consistently viewed as the least safe by both genders, though men were more than twice as likely to choose it as a risky destination. These nuances offer actionable intelligence for airlines, hotel groups, and destination marketing organisations tailoring safety messaging to specific demographics.
The survey's emphasis on current destination intelligence and contingency planning aligns with broader industry trends. As travel demand evolves, providers are increasingly integrating safety data into their offerings. For instance, risk map updates help agents and operators adjust itineraries in real time. Similarly, shifting visitor demand in key markets underscores the need for agile safety communication.
For travel professionals, these findings are more than a popularity contest. They highlight the importance of proactive risk management and transparent communication. Whether it's a hotel group in Mexico addressing security concerns or a tour operator promoting Canada's predictable environment, the survey offers a roadmap for building traveller confidence.
As the industry looks ahead, the data from Global Rescue serves as a reminder that safety is a competitive advantage. Destinations that invest in visitor security and clear messaging are likely to see sustained demand, while those perceived as risky may need to work harder to attract international travellers.
