A top travel concern for 2025 is the risk of travel disruption and delays (74pc), closely followed by losing essential items such a phone, laptop, or passport (72pc), and by being a victim of crime (65pc), cybersecurity threats (62pc) and geopolitical instability (59pc). That’s according to a survey by a firm offering travel safety services.
Almost half (47pc) of UK business travellers feel less safe travelling for work than they used to, with a majority (60pc) believing business travel comes with more risks than it did. More than half (55pc) also describe business travel as increasingly unpredictable and volatile, according to a new survey by Opinium of 500 UK business travellers, on behalf of World Travel Protection, part of the insurer Zurich. Four in ten (43pc) say that they are less willing now to travel for work.
Kate Fitzpatrick, pictured, Security Director EMEA, at World Travel Protection said: “We’re managing multiple emergencies every month, and the need for risk mitigation in business travel is more critical than ever. Last year alone, we saw a 17pc rise in emergency evacuations and repatriations, while severe weather disruptions surged by nearly 50pc, impacting a growing number of World Travel Protection travellers compared to the previous year.
”It’s essential that business travellers feel their employer is supporting them and looking out for the best interests while they’re away. To mitigate risk and alleviate concerns, organisations should ensure that travelling employees are provided with the most up-to-date information on destinations and travel routes, and consider using a travel assistance company with a live travel app that provides assistance updates in real-time.”
Health issues while travelling are a concern, as 59pc say they’re worried about experiencing a medical emergency and 58pc citing mental health issues, including depression, high anxiety or panic attacks. Younger business travellers (under 34s) are particularly affected, as nearly two-thirds (63pc) say they’re concerned about mental health, compared to 34pc of those over 55.
Women’s risks
Women express greater concern about business travel than men across every category measured. While harassment and discrimination are a major concern for 56pc of respondents, women (66pc) are significantly more worried than men (51pc). Sexual assault is also a concern, with 63pc of women expressing fears compared to 46pc of men.
Kate Fitzpatrick said: “Women business travellers face distinct safety and cultural challenges and enhancing their safety needs to be a priority for all organisations. Dedicated risk assessments for women travellers must include a thorough understanding of a destination’s social and cultural norms, its transport infrastructure with regards to safety considerations as well as any geopolitical risks and tensions.”
Business travellers aren’t just worried about their own safety – many (54pc) are more concerned about the safety of their colleagues than their own. This feeling is particularly strong among senior leaders, with 68pc of board members expressing concern, compared to 39pc of managers, and 35pc of workers. Additionally, almost six in ten (59pc) business travellers would prefer to travel with a colleague rather than alone. This preference is stronger among younger travellers, with 63pc of under-34s preferring a travel companion compared to just 39pc of those over 55. Some two thirds (68pc) of business travellers agree that their organisation is taking travel risks more seriously.
Visit www.worldtravelprotection.com.
