Global Travel Soars Amid Evolving Risk Landscape: International SOS Calls for Enhanced Risk Management
Global travel has experienced a significant rebound throughout 2023, with fluctuations indicating a promising trajectory. However, the evolving global landscape has raised concerns about the increasing complexity of risks that travelers and organizations must navigate. International SOS, the world’s leading health and security risk services company, has emphasized the urgent need for enhanced risk management strategies.
According to data from International SOS, international travel has seen a remarkable 59% increase and domestic travel a notable 48.4% increase in October 2023 compared to the beginning of the year. These findings align with a recent report from The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which highlights the resurgence of global travel. The IATA reported that global air traffic had reached 97.3% of pre-COVID levels by the end of 2023. Despite economic and political uncertainties in some parts of the world, the IATA anticipates that this positive trend will continue into the New Year, especially with the holiday season approaching.
Michael Rogers, Chief Security Analyst at International SOS, expressed concern about the rising complexity of the travel security landscape, given geopolitical events, natural disasters, and other developments. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive risk mitigation strategies for mobile workforces, stating, Today, more than ever, travelers need to remain informed of prevailing risks and attendant mitigation measures.
International SOS has observed a 16% increase in the volume of security and medical alerts issued to clients from January to November 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This increase underscores the evolving global security environment and emphasizes the value of timely and verified information and analysis in ensuring workforce safety.
Climate change has added an additional layer of risk to global travel, including extreme weather events, natural disasters, and environmental changes. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts a likely rise of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within the next two decades, leading to numerous unavoidable climate hazards worldwide.
Natural disaster-related reporting accounted for 20% of International SOS’s medical and security alert volume during July and August 2023. This represented a 5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, highlighting the heightened risk of natural disasters during the peak of hurricane and tropical cyclone season.
Considering climate change’s exacerbation of existing travel risks, Michael Rogers stressed the importance of robust and integrated health and security travel policies for organizations. He recommended incorporating the ISO 31030 standard into these policies, as it provides a framework for preparedness in the face of a changing travel security landscape.
As global travel continues to rise, ensuring the safety and security of travelers has become paramount. International SOS, with its comprehensive risk management solutions, stands ready to support organizations in fulfilling their Duty of Care responsibilities. By partnering with International SOS, organizations can protect their employees, enhance business resilience, and promote continuity and sustainability.
International SOS, founded in 1985, is trusted by 9,500 organizations worldwide, including Fortune Global 500 companies, mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. With over 13,000 experts in security, medical, logistics, and digital fields located in 90 countries across 1,000 locations, International SOS delivers customized health, security risk management, and well-being solutions to support organizational growth and productivity.
In conclusion, global travel has experienced a significant rebound in 2023, but the evolving risk landscape calls for enhanced risk management strategies. Organizations must prioritize the safety and security of their mobile workforces, considering geopolitical events, natural disasters, climate change, and emerging diseases. International SOS offers comprehensive solutions to protect employees and support business resilience in the face of increasingly complex travel risks.
