Travel managers and corporate security teams must be more prepared to address travel risk and duty of care in the new year, according to the risk committee of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). As more business travelers are hitting the road, according to the committee, it is critical to be aware of the changing threat landscape and how this might impact travelers and their unique travel habits.

In recent years, said the committee, there has been a rise in crimes against individuals, and many popular travel destinations are now being classified as countries of concern by Department of State travel advisories. In addition, FBI Director Christopher Wray recently told Congress the terror threat facing the US has reached unprecedented levels.

As travel managers and security professionals, said the committee, “we must be mindful of conflicts taking place around the world and how they might impact flights, hotel bookings and ground transportation for our travelers.”

Planning and preparation are the keys to success when overseeing business travel security and safety, said the committee. Arming travelers and/or customers with the necessary travel tools, including safety guidelines, security standards and current crime data for their destination, is an important step to ensuring a safe and secure trip.

Safety and security traveler checklists are another important piece of the planning process and can provide travelers with additional peace of mind. Providing travelers with a checklist allows them to better prepare for the unexpected. Among the things to consider for a list, according to the committee, are:

• Pre-trip advisories (Travel briefs)
  • Official announcements that contain advice, information or warnings in relation to a specific location
• Travel documents
  • Government identification, international vaccination certification
• Safety products
  • Medication, bandages, door alarms, portable CO2 sensors, luggage tracker (AirTag)
• Budget
  • Cash needed
• Health
  • Medical facility locations, Teladoc number
• Weather
  • Check forecast

Finally, said the committee: “Don’t forget to check in with your travelers after a trip. Any business travel, successful or otherwise, deserves attention and can help inform and advance your travel risk program.”