Terrorism and security threats are among the top concerns for companies when staff take business trips, new research reveals today (Tuesday).
More than half (60%) of managers highlighted worries over terrorism or security-related issues, but only 6% stated that their staff had actually encountered problems.
Natural disasters or severe weather conditions (18%), health or medical issues (15%) and problems organising correct entry documents (13%) were the key issues faced by business travellers, the study by Abta found.
Just over half of managers (51%) said that none of their staff on business trips over the last 12 months had encountered any difficulties.
A quarter (24%) were concerned about potential disruption to travel arrangements due to geopolitical volatility such as political demonstrations; although just 7% of managers reported that their staff had encountered problems due to these kind of issues.
Accessibility for staff with a disability was a concern for almost a third of managers (30%) and 11% went on to say that their staff had actually encountered problems in this area over the last 12 months.
Harassment or violence against travellers on business was also concern for 44% of managers with 7% saying their staff had suffered from this.
Misunderstanding of local culture was a worry for more than a third (37%) with 9% stating their staff actually encountered problems.
Abta brand and business development director Victoria Bacon said: “We live in an increasingly unpredictable world, and managers understandably have a wide range of concerns for their staff when travelling on business trips.
“There is a clear split between particular areas of concern for managers and the actual risk of problems occurring.
“Abta has a range of ways that we help TMCs to support their clients with accurate information and advice on how to prepare for and manage any risks when travelling overseas.
“Managers are particularly worried around terrorism and security threats, and the support offered by Abta in areas such as operational updates, sharing of Foreign Office advice and online training and crisis support are particularly relevant.”
