Top travel concerns for UK travellers in 2025
Travel disruptions, cybersecurity threats, and geopolitical instability top the worry list for UK business travellers, according to a new Opinium survey
A new Opinium survey, commissioned by World Travel Protection, reveals that 60% of UK business travellers believe business travel has become riskier, with 43% now less willing to travel for work.
Travellers’ biggest concerns for 2025 were travel disruption and delays, losing vital personal possessions, exposure to crime, cybersecurity threats and geopolitical instability.
Health problems were also high up on the list, with over half of respondents fearing a medical emergency abroad and a similar percentage reporting mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Concerns about mental wellbeing were especially prevalent among younger travellers (under 34s).
Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection, commented: “We’re managing multiple emergencies every month, and the need for risk mitigation in business travel is more critical than ever. Last year alone, we saw a 17% rise in emergency evacuations and repatriations, while severe weather disruptions surged by nearly 50%, impacting a growing number of World Travel Protection travellers compared to the previous year.”
Across all categories, women were more worried about business travel than men, particularly regarding the risks of harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault. Fitzpatrick stated: “Women business travellers face distinct safety and cultural challenges, and enhancing their safety needs to be a priority for all organisations. Dedicated risk assessments for women travellers must include a thorough understanding of a destination’s social and cultural norms, its transport infrastructure with regards to safety considerations, as well as any geopolitical risks and tensions.”
Business travellers are not only concerned for their own safety – over half said they worry more about their colleagues, especially senior leaders (68%). Many also prefer not to travel alone, with younger travellers most likely to favour having a colleague by their side.
A comprehensive approach to risk mitigation
On a positive note, the majority agreed that their companies were taking travel risks more seriously than previously. “It’s essential that business travellers feel their employer is supporting them and looking out for the best interests while they’re away,” said Fitzpatrick. “To mitigate risk and alleviate concerns, organisations should ensure that travelling employees are provided with the most up-to-date information on destinations and travel routes, and consider using a travel assistance company with a live travel app that provides assistance updates in real time.”
Fitzpatrick added: “The concept of duty of care has also evolved. Beyond travel insurance, business travellers are now demanding a more comprehensive approach to risk mitigation – one that integrates security expertise, medical support, and pre-travel intelligence to ensure smooth and safe journeys. Whether it’s advising LGBTQI+ travellers on navigating less tolerant regions or securing alternative accommodation during unexpected crises like the CrowdStrike IT outage, organisations must prioritise proactive traveller support.”
In this month’s Assistance & Repatriation Review, Sebastien Bedu from International SOS looked at supporting business travellers and international assignees abroad, ensuring their safety during emergency situations.