Business travel agency Portman Travel has launched a new security accreditation scheme to encourage hotels to improve security of their guests.
The move follows research by the company showing 95% of businesses are failing to equip their employees with clear safety guidelines when travelling.
A survey of 500 business travellers revealed many fear for their safety when they travel at home and abroad. The results showed 30% feared being mugged or raped while travelling, while a quarter were concerned about robbery.
Portman’s new scheme, the Portman Seal, will recognise and award hotels for taking taking steps to improve the security of their guests.
The seal will be awarded to hotels meeting a specific security criteria, including the provision of CCTV cameras, safes, secure check-in procedures and room allocation.
Portman Travel marketing and development director Bob Govan said: “Many people travel on business alone and in our survey lone female travellers felt particularly vulnerable.”
The scheme will initially only apply to UK hotels.
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