Travel threats impacting low-risk destinations
International SOS has highlighted some of the low-level threats facing travellers in the current climate
James Wood, Head of Security Solutions for International SOS, noted: “The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly affected how businesses and individuals perceive travel. We began with high travel anxiety but over time, travel risk management regulations have considerably reduced travel anxiety and increased confidence in travellers. Additionally, entry requirements in most countries have been relaxed. It is also very important than in these times, as well as times of crisis, that employees are protected. Recent global events highlight this importance. However, there are also other risks that you should be aware of that may affect travellers.”
The threats travellers are facing, as highlighted by International SOS, are cyber, logistical, socio-economic, environmental, and resource responses.
Cyber threats pose a risk especially as global digitalisation continue to advance
Cyber threats are becoming one of the biggest global threats we face. Business travellers face the more advanced and brazen cyber criminals trying to exploit individuals and workforces.
Phishing campaigns, the impact of social media, behavioural influencing and profiling also pose a threat to businesses and countries. Coupled with the potential impact of state actors and the continued increasing use of technology in business and travel, the challenges facing business travellers are evolving on an almost daily basis.
Logistical challenges have impacted travel between low-risk destinations
In 2022 alone, we have seen a spate of logistical interruptions at international transport hubs across the globe. Industrial action, visa control, quarantine and testing procedures have resulted in lengthy delays. These logistical challenges have also impacted how people travel to and from low-risk destinations.
Socio-economic factors can exacerbate threat levels for travellers
Since the pandemic, there has been an upsurge of unemployment, austerity measures and inflation. The pandemic has exacerbated already fragile socioeconomic environments in some of the hardest hit countries. Coupled with the cost-of-living and energy & climate crises, the situation continues to be challenging and has led to an uptick in activism and, in some instances, civil unrest. The cost-of-living crisis engulfing the globe has the potential to significantly contribute to increases in protest activity and anti-government sentiment which exacerbate the travel threats to individuals travelling abroad as well as the businesses operating internationally.
Environmental catastrophes are also a major concern
Climate change is a concern affecting the global population. From flooding, bush fires, tropical storms, and hurricanes, our ability to travel freely, both domestically and internationally is impacted. Understanding and preparing for such events is critical both at an organisational and individual level. Knowing what risks, you may be exposed to (which can be seasonal and geographically focussed in nature and location, so allow for some prior planning) and what to do in the event of an incident is key.
Response times are challenged by more limited resources
Unexpected travel threats place pressure on emergency resources. Since the pandemic, some countries have seen their resources placed under greater pressure. This shortfall may impact the efforts of services responsible for the safety of the international and domestic travelling population.