Cybersecurity threats and geopolitical risks top business travel concerns

Almost half of those surveyed say they don’t feel safe travelling

The majority of UK business travellers believe corporate travel comes with more risks than in the past and almost half feel less safe travelling for work than they used to, according to a new survey.

The survey of 500 UK business travellers, conducted by Opinium was conducted on behalf of global travel risk management organisation World Travel Protection. 

More than half (55%) also describe business travel as increasingly unpredictable and volatile. Four in 10 (43%) are less willing now to travel for work.

The top travel concern for 2025 is the risk of travel disruption and delays (74%), closely followed by losing essential items such a phone, laptop, or passport (72%), closely followed by being a victim of crime (65%), cybersecurity threats (62%) and geopolitical instability (59%).

Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director of EMEA, World Travel Protection said: “We’re managing multiple emergencies every month, and the need for risk mitigation in business travel is more critical than ever. 

“Last year alone, we saw a 17% rise in emergency evacuations and repatriations, while severe weather disruptions surged by nearly 50%, impacting a growing number of World Travel Protection travellers compared to the previous year.

“To mitigate risk and alleviate concerns, organisations should ensure that travelling employees are provided with the most up-to-date information on destinations and travel routes and consider using a travel assistance company with a live travel app that provides assistance updates in real-time.”

Health issues while travelling are also a significant concern, with 59% worried about experiencing a medical emergency and 58% citing mental health issues, including depression, high anxiety or panic attacks. 

Younger business travellers (under-34s) are particularly affected, with nearly two-thirds (63%) concerned about mental health, compared to just 34% of those over 55.

Women express greater concern about business travel than men across every category measured. While harassment and discrimination are a major concern for 56% of respondents, women (66%) are significantly more worried than men (51%). Sexual assault is also a serious concern, with 63% of women expressing fears compared to 46% of men.

 “Women business travellers face distinct safety and cultural challenges and enhancing their safety needs to be a priority for all organisations. Dedicated risk assessments for women travellers must include a thorough understanding of a destination’s social and cultural norms, its transport infrastructure with regards to safety considerations as well as any geopolitical risks and tensions,” Fitzpatrick said.