Travellers’ confidence masks rising holiday risks, Safer Tourism report finds

UK holidaymakers may feel confident about their safety abroad, but new data suggests their optimism is masking real and rising risks, according to the Safer Tourism Foundation’s 2025 Travel Behaviour Risk Index.

The annual Index combines anonymised incident reports from UK travel operators, covering more than 10 million trips, with biannual surveys of 2,000 travellers to track what goes wrong on holiday and how travellers perceive risk.

The report shows that while safety is now a major factor in destination choice, concern often fades once the trip is booked. “As the holiday planning moves from macro (where shall I go?) to micro (what shall I book for the Tuesday afternoon?), travellers’ safety concerns fade… we assume the key safety decision has been made and we switch off a bit more,” said Safer Tourism CEO Katherine Atkinson.

Yet incidents are rising. Recorded health and safety issues increased 15% overall, with the likelihood of a UK traveller experiencing a reported incident climbing from one in 263 to one in 217. Travellers report significant harm abroad: 39% suffered heat-related illness, 32% required medical attention for illness, 26% sustained injury, and 9% said they, or someone they were travelling with, experienced an allergic reaction to food, a 29% rise from last year.

The report highlights emerging risks in a changing travel landscape. Extreme heat, ageing travellers, and undisclosed pre-existing conditions amplify dangers, particularly for older adults, who are overrepresented in falls, heat stress, and dehydration incidents. Overconfidence persists in areas such as ocean swimming, e-bikes, and adventure activities, leading to preventable accidents. Reports of harassment, sexual assault, and mental health incidents are also increasing.

Despite the heightened risks, travellers often underprepare: only 38% research crime levels at their destination, 30% check local medical provision, and just 7% pack a carbon monoxide alarm. Optimism bias remains strong, with a third of UK travellers still travelling without insurance.

The travel industry is responding through the Safer Tourism Pledge, which encourages operators to share data, raise safety standards, and implement practical measures. Examples include CO alarm installation, retraining local bike suppliers, and improved briefings to reduce falls among older guests.

Safer Tourism’s 2025 Index underscores the need for an adaptive, evidence-led safety culture. As risks evolve, collaboration across operators, insurers, and destinations is essential. “Safety must remain pre-competitive… shared data, insight, and good practice are essential if the industry is to keep pace with rising risks,” the report concludes.