Dr. Chris van Straten, a global health advisor, highlighted these escalating threats during the GBTA Southern Africa Conference 2024. He remarked, “Climate change is influencing not only weather patterns but also amplifying health risks. For example, warmer and wetter winters are heightening malaria risks in Africa and dengue fever in Asia and even Europe. Additionally, emerging diseases like mpox present new challenges for travelers.”
As these risks evolve and intensify, understanding the profiles and vulnerabilities of individual travelers has become increasingly vital, according to Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller. She asserts that this necessitates a shift in our approach to travel risk management, advocating for a human-centric strategy. “Given the complexity of travel risks, having comprehensive information about our travelers is not merely beneficial – it is essential for their safety,” Smith stated. “However, collecting this sensitive data requires a careful balance of trust and transparency.”
Van Straten stressed the significance of empathy in this endeavor: “Building trust with travelers and handling their personal information with care is crucial. When travelers feel supported, they are more inclined to share important details that can affect their safety.”
Smith further detailed the type of information that travel managers should seek: “As a travel manager, it is important to know if a traveler is pregnant, identifies with any minority groups, or has chronic health conditions. This information is essential for ensuring their safety.”
For organizations striving to find the right equilibrium, Smith offers the following recommendations:
- Emphasize transparency: Clearly articulate what data is being gathered and the rationale behind it. Travelers are more inclined to share their information when they comprehend how it contributes to their safety.
- Foster empathetic training: Equip travel managers with the skills necessary to engage in discussions about sensitive issues. The capacity to handle these conversations with empathy is becoming as crucial as technical expertise.
- Develop two-way communication channels: Create straightforward methods for travelers to update their information and voice their concerns. Allowing travelers to participate in the process enhances trust.
- Customize risk assessments: Leverage the collected data to formulate personalized risk management strategies. This reflects a sincere dedication to the well-being of each traveler.
- Integrate mental health support: Acknowledge the psychological effects of travel, particularly in high-risk scenarios. Providing mental health resources demonstrates that you care about travelers' overall well-being, beyond just their physical safety.
Smith advocates for a pragmatic approach for businesses handling sensitive data: “Always consider, ‘Is this information critical for traveler safety?’ If the response is affirmative, ensure that you have the appropriate systems and training to manage it responsibly.”
“Successful risk management goes beyond merely possessing the right data,” she concludes. “It involves cultivating an environment where travelers feel appreciated, understood, and safeguarded. This is essential not only for collecting necessary information but also for nurturing a positive travel culture during these challenging times.”