With an increases to the volume of content circulated by global news, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. The reality is that, as a society, our awareness and understanding of risks is improving.
The scale and nature of business travel related risk is constantly changing, and the pace of that evolution shows no signs of slowing. Especially with travel volumes on an upward trajectory.
Although traveller health and wellbeing are at the heart of most travel programmes, in 2025 the biggest risks to business travellers are emerging threats like cyberattacks, extreme weather events, misinformation, scams, and kidnapping.
Collectively, these threats reinforce the importance of prioritising Duty of Care and ensuring travel programmes mitigate new as well as established risks.
Emerging threats
As the digitalisation of travel grows, so too does the sophistication of cyberattacks. Mobile devices and public Wi-Fi networks are prime targets for hackers, so many companies are encouraging the use of Virtual Private Networks(VPNs), encrypted devices, and multi-factor authentication during travel.
Misinformation campaigns also pose a growing risk for travellers. This is forcing companies to educate employees on the importance of relying upon genuine sources like government travel advisories.
Severe weather disruptions have seen a 47% increase in incidents compared to 2023. With 92% of travellers saying they would decline a trip if they felt unsafe. So, the onus is on organisations to understand the specific travel-related risks posed by climate change, such as the increased intensity, frequency and geographic scope of storms, wildfires, and extreme temperatures, and more importantly support travellers when they undertake travel in affected locations. Companies must conduct thorough risk assessments for high-risk destinations and develop security plans to support their employees.
At Clarity, we ensure that customers are equipped with our risk management tools to ensure that the right information and communications get to the right travellers at the right time, as well as ensuring that organisations have a comprehensive understanding of where there people are should disruption hit.
Bridging the gap
Despite traveller safety being the avowed number one priority for companies when evaluating a travel programme, there can often be a gap between policy and practice.
70% of business travellers acknowledge that their company recommends a travel assistance app, but only 30% have downloaded one. 42% of international travellers take extra safety precautions when on a trip, compared to 26% of domestic travellers.
Expecting the unexpected means companies have to provide real-time support during emergencies, whilst employees must be familiar with contingency plans, and the support tools available to them.
The key here is that organisations need a tactile and multi-channel approach to supporting their people. Whether it's providing pre, during and post-trip communications to ensure travellers are informed throughout their journey, or systems that track traveller whereabouts and allow for travellers to be located.
The way forward
Travel risks will continue to be a top concern for businesses, with a focus on proactive measures like comprehensive risk management strategies and duty of care for employees.
The truth is that one-size-fits-all policies no longer cut the mustard in the modern business travel landscape. Tailored or personalised risk management solutions are essential to addressing the diverse needs of travellers.
Only by providing personalised training, specific risk assessments, and customised tech can businesses prepare their travellers.
Essential resources for upgrading travel risk management resources include traveller tracking or Incident management solutions that can provide real-time travel information, robust communication lines and emergency assistance.
Make your first action talking to a TMC with the understanding of risk management, the experience and technology to give you peace of mind. Contact us today.
