Preparing for the Unpredictable: International SOS Calls for Heightened Business Travel Risk Management in 2024
In a recent report by International SOS, the world's leading health and security risk services company, a 59 percent surge in international travel and a 48.4 percent increase in domestic travel were recorded in October 2023 compared to the beginning of the year. This comes in tandem with The International Air Transport Association reporting that global air traffic reached 97.3 percent of pre-COVID levels at the end of 2023.
Despite this positive momentum, concerns are growing regarding the escalating complexity of risks associated with international travel. The data, released by International SOS, reveals a 16 percent increase in security and medical alerts issued to clients from January to November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Michael Rogers, Chief Security Analyst at International SOS, highlighted the evolving global security environment, emphasising the need for comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for both travellers and organisations. He stated, "More and more organisations are finding comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for their mobile workforce to be of utmost importance."
Geopolitical events, natural disasters, and other developments have complicated the travel security landscape. Rogers urged travellers to remain informed of prevailing risks and take necessary mitigation measures. Beyond traditional concerns, emerging diseases, social unrest, and evolving crime dynamics require increased vigilance.
The impact of climate change, including extreme weather events and natural disasters, adds an additional layer of risk to global travel. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, temperatures are projected to rise by 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within the next two decades, leading to a surge in climate-related hazards.
In July and August of 2023, natural disaster-related reporting accounted for 20 percent of International SOS' medical and security alert volume—a 5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. This surge aligns with the peak of hurricane and tropical cyclone season, emphasising the heightened risk associated with climate-related events.
Michael Rogers emphasised the importance of robust and integrated health and security travel policies for organisations, stating, "With climate change exacerbating existing travel risks, it is important for organisations to have robust and integrated health and security travel policies that safeguard employees from potential impacts of climate change during travels." He further suggested incorporating the ISO 31030 standard into organisational policies to ensure preparedness for a changing travel security landscape.
