Perception vs. Reality: Ipsos MORI Study Reveals Latest Business Decision-Makers Views on Travel Risks

72% believe travel risks have increased over the past year ; 57% anticipate further rise in risk levels 

1/3 of organisations modified travel itineraries due to country risk ratings

Nearly half (48%) report an increase in investment to mitigate risks

International SOS and Control Risks, two of the world’s leading medical and security specialists, today launched the industry leading Travel Risk Map for 2017.  Providing a comprehensive overview of risks by destination, the Travel Risk Map helps organisations and their mobile workforce in their travel risk mitigation efforts. Last year this resulted in almost ⅓ (32%) of decision-makers changing corporate travel plans. 

Rob Walker, Security specialist at International SOS and Control Risks commented: “It is essential for decision-makers to have a reliable source of objective information to help them implement travel risk policies and individual travel plans. The extent of the preparation and support employees need could be determined either by medical or security risks, or by a combination of both. Companies need to take a comprehensive view when preparing their employees for travel and assignments abroad.”

“Events of 2016 have resulted in a sense of increasing challenges in travel to places once thought secure. While risks are changing, organisations must ensure their actions to mitigate those changes are proportionate, and based on reality and not perception.  Issues like healthcare provision and road safety, which account for over 70% of the assistance services we have provided in the past year, can often be obscured by more prominent, but less likely issues.  With many organisations increasing their business travel activity, it is essential for decision-makers to be able to communicate that objective advice to their people, including in an actual crisis.”

“Keeping informed and taking into account all risk factors will enable business travel to proceed successfully, resulting in a protected workforce and business continuity.” 

The Travel Risk Map 2017 is launched alongside a comprehensive Ipsos MORI survey of over 1,000 business decision-makers, responsible for their organisation’s travel risk mitigation in 75 countries, representing in excess of 500,000 travellers globally.

Organisations Challenged to Take Control

Despite an increased perception of risk (72% of respondents), 44% reported a rise in business travel activity in the past year and over half expect further increase in 2017.  

80% of organisations modified travel itineraries in the past year due to health and security concerns.

Almost half of respondents (48%) say their organisations investment in travel risk mitigation has increased over the past year, and 47% believe this will increase further in the coming year.  The top risk mitigation activities were:

Business decision-makers report the greatest challenges in mitigating travel risks are:

Security Risks Higher on the Corporate Agenda than Healthcare

Dominating concerns on a global level are potential terror attacks (71%), followed by the Zika virus (49%) and civil unrest (46%), with inadequate healthcare and road accidents both at 15%.  However, these lesser considered, but more common, issues should also be taken seriously.

Dr Irene Lai, Medical Director of Information and Analysis for International SOS, said: “It is vital for companies to familiarise themselves and their travellers with the health risks associated with travel and take measures to reduce those risks.  While the Zika virus has had extensive media coverage this year, common medical issues which don’t make the headlines, such as traveller’s gastric issues or running out of regular medication, are more likely and can destroy a business trip.”

“Road accidents are also a major issue and one of the top five causes of medical evacuation. A number of countries showed significant improvement in deaths from road accidents in the past year, but organisations should be mindful that they remain a common major risk.”

Respondents take the following actions to mitigate risk when they travel:

Rob Walker concludes, “Travellers are much less likely to encounter unexpected or avoidable problems if they plan ahead. Using objective advice to prepare travellers, and by staying up to date on any changes and how they might affect plans, will further reduce, both the likelihood of people experiencing problems, and the extent of the impact.“

International SOS and Control Risks will host webinars based on the key global issues and emerging trends in December 2016. The webinars are open to the public and you can register here.