Seasoned travellers know it's not a question of if things go wrong, but when. From flight delays to lost luggage, travel is full of unexpected hiccups.
In extreme situations, a missed connection could be the least of your worries. And as travel starts to surge again post-pandemic, so too do the risks. Health and security risk management outfit International SOS recorded a 16 per cent increase in security and medical alerts issued in 2023 compared to 2022.
"The resurgence in global travel comes at a time in which the travel security landscape is increasingly complicated by geopolitical events, natural disasters, emerging diseases, social unrest and evolving crime dynamics," says Michael Rogers, chief security analyst at International SOS. "Today, more than ever, travellers need to remain informed of prevailing risks and mitigation measures." Risk and security management companies act as both morbid fortune teller and guardian angel.
Analysts pore over forecasts and trends to assess existing and emerging risks, and create strategies to mitigate against these threats and enable business travellers to get their jobs done. Should things hit the fan, they are also poised to execute emergency protocols that cover everything from hostage situations to volcanic eruptions.
Saskia Veldhuizen, senior security coordinator at international risk management firm Healix, explains: "Our job is different every day. One day we might be providing intelligence reports on political elections, the next we're conducting full-scale evacuations from Khartoum or dealing with a kidnapping in Haiti."
BE PREPARED
Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to risk. Experts stress the importance of doing your background research and having situational awareness. Are there any political tensions? Is it monsoon season? Are there cultural or religious dress codes to be observed?
Esta historia es de la edición May/June 2024 de Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.
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Esta historia es de la edición May/June 2024 de Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.
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Our guide to... VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
We all know that online activity needs to be private and secure. If you suspected that the business-critical information you're about to share with a colleague is at risk of being seen much more widely, you would hesitate to send it.
Raffles London at The OWO
BACKGROUND The first Raffles hotel in London, owned by the Hinduja Group and operated by Accor, opened in September 2023. It is housed in The OWO, a legendary Edwardian Baroque-style building, with the guest experience built around its exceptional history. The Grade II Old War Office was built for the British Army in 1906.
Hilton Colombo
BACKGROUND Hilton Colombo has been operating in Sri Lanka's capital since 1987. Given its long-standing status and rather dated design, renovations of its guest rooms are underway, with all 345 set to be complete by the time of going to press. Hilton has three more properties in Sri Lanka, including Hilton Yala Resort (see page 44).
The Leela Palace Bengaluru
BACKGROUND The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts operates 12 properties in India, in locations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and Udaipur, with hotels to follow in Hyderabad, Agra and Sikkim. The group is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, and Preferred Hotels and Resorts.
Air France Boeing 777-300 premium economy PARIS-NEW YORK
BACKGROUND Air France has been upgrading its Boeing 777-300 aircraft with its latest premium economy product, already seen on its A350. The 777-300 features 48 seats in the premium economy cabin, arranged in a slightly staggered 2-4-2 formation.
Qatar Airways A330-300 business class DOHA-COLOMBO
BACKGROUND Qatar Airways has eight Airbus A330-300 aircraft in its fleet, which are often used for the carrier's medium-haul services such as this Doha-Colombo flight.
Pre-flight checks
There's a familiar list of announcements when boarding a plane, but what do they actually mean? Our undercover pilot shines a light on pre-flight procedures
Auckland
Thrill-seeking activities, mind-bending art - and performing the haka
Yearning for Yala
Searching for leopards and nibbling wild sage in Sri Lanka's Yala National Park
RISKY BUSINESS
Business travellers need their wits about them more than ever these days - with strategies in place should the worst happen
