“The only constant in life is change” – Heraclitus
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that disruption is rarely anticipated and organisations must ensure their teams are prepared to respond.
In today’s world, change is not only constant, it’s accelerating. For organisations with people on the move, the ability to anticipate and adapt has never been more important. Whether it’s a cyberattack that locks systems mid-trip, civil unrest that closes borders overnight, or extreme weather that leaves travellers stranded, the unexpected is no longer unusual – it’s inevitable.
Situational awareness matters more than ever
Business travel is about far more than getting from A to B. It’s about safety, resilience and cultural intelligence. Every organisation carries a legal and moral duty of care to protect its people, by ensuring they can return home safely at the end of the day.
And the risks are rising
In 2024, 78% of business travellers experienced disruption, according to TravelPerks[1]. But delays and cancellations are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath that lies far greater threats:
- Cyber threats: Malicious attacks nearly tripled in early 2024, yet 45% of mobile users still lack basic mobile security measures.[2]
- Health emergencies: World Travel Protection reported a 17% increase in emergency evacuations and an 18% rise in assistance calls in 2024 compared to 2023[3].
- Natural disasters: Severe weather incidents affecting travellers rose by 47% in 2024, driven by climate change[4].*
- Civil unrest and violence: These accounted for around 20% of all travel-related incidents tracked globally since 2019.[5]
- Terrorism and kidnapping: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) found that 45% of business travellers ranked terrorism as their top safety concern, followed by street crime (15%), illness (13%), theft (12%), and kidnapping (8%)[6].
- Credit card fraud and data theft: 1 in 6 business travellers are affected[7]. Despite the risks, 84% of business travellers admit to connecting to public Wi-Fi[8], exposing themselves to data theft.
These aren’t just statistics, they represent real people caught in difficult moments.
Situational awareness is not optional. It helps travellers anticipate threats, make informed decisions and maintain their composure when things don’t go as planned.
Expect the unexpected
Situational awareness training equips people to:
- Observe and interpret their surroundings
- Recognise potential threats early – before they escalate
- Respond calmly and effectively, even under pressure.
It is not just mental resilience, but confidence. Ultimately, travel safety isn’t just about survival; it’s about feeling in control, wherever you are in the world.
Preparation begins long before the journey starts. Before travelling, employees should receive:
- Country-specific briefings covering legal, cultural and geopolitical factors
- Shared itineraries with designated points of contact
- Emergency protocols and communication plans.
These proactive steps don’t just minimise the likelihood of incidents; they ensure that if something does go wrong, responses are swift, coordinated and effective.
The cost of complacency
Some see traveller safety as a tick-box exercise, but lack of preparation comes with a price: reputational damage, operational disruption, legal exposure and loss of employee trust and morale.
Proactive risk management must become part of the culture.
It’s a mindset that says: “We prepare our employees because we value our people. Risks ignored today become crises tomorrow.”
Shared responsibility, shared safety
Duty of care doesn’t rest with one side alone. Employers must provide the tools and training, and employees must use them. When both do their part, safety becomes a shared responsibility – and a shared strength.
In today’s world, adaptability isn’t just a survival skill. It’s a competitive advantage. Businesses that invest in their people’s safety are doing more than protecting individuals. They are also safeguarding their future.
Keep your people safe. Protect what matters
At Inverroy, we believe that true safety starts with people.
That’s why we developed Prepare2Go, a security and situational awareness training programme built by experts who have lived what they teach. If you travel for work or manage travelling teams, this online programme equips you with the tools, awareness and confidence to stay safe – wherever you are.
Across 10 modules, you will learn:
- How to spot threats early and act decisively
- Understanding of local culture and laws
- Emergency planning and communication
- Real-world stories from the field and practical advice that applies to you
Designed by security professionals who have experienced high-risk environments.
Prepare2Go helps organisations shift from reactive to resilient. It’s not just about protecting travellers; it’s about reshaping travel culture altogether.
Because in the age of adaptation, preparation is power.
To find out how we can help ensure your teams are prepared, protected and empowered, email: prepare2goenquiries@inverroy.com
[1] https://www.travelperk.com/uk/blog/business-travel-chaos-survey/
[2] https://worldtravelprotection.com/travel-insights/these-are-the-top-5-risks-business-travellers-face-in-2025/
[3] https://worldtravelprotection.com/travel-insights/these-are-the-top-5-risks-business-travellers-face-in-2025/
[4] https://worldtravelprotection.com/travel-insights/these-are-the-top-5-risks-business-travellers-face-in-2025/
[5] https://www.bcdtravel.com/blog/travel-risk-outlook-7-threats-your-business-travelers-might-encounter/
[6] https://www.gsaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Business-Travel-Key-Risks.pdf
[7] https://www.businesstraveller.com/news/alarming-trend-1-in-6-business-travelers-falls-victim-to-credit-card-fraud/
[8] https://www.gsaglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Business-Travel-Key-Risks.pdf