Recently conducted research by Carlson Wagonlit Travel found that while more than one-third (37%) of European travelers are concerned about safety and security, their counterparts from other regions worry more. Travelers from the Americas say that they worry about safety and security nearly half of the time (47%), while Asia Pacific travelers worry the most (56%).
Terrorism only ranks fifth (35%) among safety concerns, despite the high visibility of terrorist attacks. “Forgetting something needed for work” ranked higher (40%), as did “losing something important” (38%), “being robbed or attacked” (37%) – and even “weather conditions” (37%).
The CWT Connected Traveler survey of more than 1,900 individuals found that two-thirds (67%) of business travelers believe travel is safer today than in the past, as they have more tools to mitigate safety concerns. Seven out of ten travelers use at least one of their employer’s security protocols, such as traveler tracking or emergency contact profiles. And more than two-thirds (68%) buy travel insurance.
Regional differences
The study revealed some intriguing regional differences between the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). For example, only 7% of APAC travelers said they were “not concerned” about personal safety while traveling for business. That percentage rose to 12% for Americas travelers and 21% among EMEA travelers. This is reflected in the fact that APAC travelers appear to be better prepared. For example, more than half (52%) of APAC travelers maintain an up-to-date emergency contact profile compared to 38% in the Americas and only 34% in EMEA.
APAC travelers are also more likely to sign up for notifications of real-time risks (41%). Only 33% do in the Americas, while only 29% do from EMEA. APAC travelers were also more likely to know ahead of time about local medical or security services providers. More than a third (35%) of APAC travelers planned for these services ahead, versus 25% in the Americas and 20% in EMEA.
