Business travelers taking proactive measures to ensure safety on the road
According to an Expedia Corporate Travel survey of 1,000 U.S.-based business travelers, an overwhelming 87 percent of respondents rank safety and security “somewhat” or “extremely important” when traveling on business.
The survey shows that in addition to safeguards such as not carrying valuables and utilizing hotel safes while on business trips, business travelers also are taking extra precautions prior to departure, including monitoring weather conditions, major world events and the U.S. State Department’s travel warnings list.
Expedia Corporate Travel says that business travelers often are thought to be more travel-savvy then the average person and, in the wake of recent national security concerns, these travelers are taking proactive measures to quickly adapt to the changing travel landscape.
According to the survey, almost 65 percent of respondents believe that the Middle East poses the highest safety and security risk when traveling, while 14 percent of respondents feel that North America poses the largest safety risk. The Middle East and North America are followed by Africa, South America, Asia and Europe in order of regions viewed by respondents as having the highest risk.
In light of recent world events, companies are broadening the scope of their travel policies to include guidelines for safety and security while traveling. The survey says that more than 93 percent of business travelers responding believe that it is important for their company to take proactive measures related to traveler safety. However, more than 54 percent were unaware of any such measures or policies at their respective companies.
Expedia Corporate Travel provides travel managers with education, help and direction during a crisis through its Emergency Preparedness program, run by a diverse team that continuously monitors the travel landscape for potentially significant incidents.
A key process called Travel Tracker can locate a traveler that may be in an impacted area and has proven to be useful during critical weather and business events such as Hurricane Katrina.
The company also partners with TranSecur, a global security information provider, to offer tracking tools and access to intelligence services to proactively monitor traveler safety. As part of the service TranSecur provides, travel managers are able to access a graphical map of the world with the location of each traveler and detailed threat level. Additionally, an intelligence service provides an analysis of emerging issues that could be of concern to travelers
“Expedia Corporate Travel is not only an extension of our client’s travel management department, but a partner in the quest to keep employees safe and secure while they’re on the road,” says Rob Greyber, senior vice president of North America for Expedia Corporate Travel. “We are committed to arming travelers and travel managers with the tools they need to make smart, informed decisions prior to and during each business trip.”