According to International SOS, there was a 16% increase in security and medical alerts from January to November 2023 compared to the previous year.
This surge not only highlights growing risks but also highlights the increasing importance of gathering sensitive traveller information.
Dr Chris van Straten, a global health adviser, emphasised these rising threats and said that climate change was not only affecting weather patterns but also increasing health risks.
“For instance, warmer and wetter conditions in winter are intensifying malaria risks in Africa, and dengue fever in Asia and even Europe. Emerging diseases like mpox also pose new challenges for travellers,” said Van Straten.
According to Bonnie Smith, general manager of Corporate Traveller, as these risks continue to evolve and escalate, understanding individual traveller profiles and vulnerabilities has become more critical.
She said this meant our approach to travel risk management also needed to shift, and a human-centric approach was crucial.
“With travel risks becoming increasingly complex, having detailed information about our travellers isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for their safety. However, gathering this sensitive data requires a delicate balance of trust and transparency,” said Smith.
Van Straten also emphasised the importance of empathy in this process and said it was vital to build trust with your travellers and approach their personal information with care. “When travellers feel supported, they’re more likely to share crucial details that can impact their safety,” he said.
Smith said that as a travel manager, you need to know things like if a traveller is pregnant, if they identify as part of any minority groups, or if they have chronic health conditions.
“This information is crucial for tailoring risk management strategies, but it’s also highly personal and sensitive,” she said.
Smith offered 5 ways that businesses could balance traveller privacy and safety.
Prioritise transparency
Clearly communicate what data is being collected and why. Travellers are more willing to share when they understand how the information protects them.
Train for empathy
Equip travel managers with the interpersonal skills to discuss sensitive topics. The ability to approach these conversations with empathy is becoming as important as technical know-how.
Create two-way communication channels
Establish easy ways for travellers to update their information and express concerns. Giving travellers a voice in the process builds trust.
Personalise risk assessments
Use the data collected to provide tailored risk-management strategies. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to each traveller’s well-being.
Incorporate mental health support
Recognise the psychological impact of travel, especially in high-risk situations. Offering mental health resources shows travellers that you care about their overall well-being, not just their physical safety.
Smith said effective risk management wasn’t just about having the right data.
“It’s about creating an environment where travellers feel valued, understood, and protected. That’s the key to not only gathering the necessary information but also fostering a positive travel culture in these challenging times,” she said.