What are the risks faced by minority groups when traveling? We delve into the travel risks faced by minority groups, including the LGBTQ community and lone women travellers. We also explores the risks when travelling to and from emerging markets.
Business travelers always need to be aware of their surroundings en-route to the airport, in transit and especially at their destination. Traveling on business is risky for a variety of reasons. The most obvious risks when traveling to unfamiliar environments are accidents, injuries, illness, disease, crime or theft. Furthermore, travel disruptions due to weather or natural disasters, can cause schedule and productivity problems, resulting in missing important meetings or events.
For minority groups, business travel can be an even riskier proposition – especially for women, members of the LGBTQ community, and travelers to and from emerging markets. Therefore, it’s important that employers take steps to protect these vulnerable groups when they travel on company business.
Women Travelers
Women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault when travelling abroad. According to the World Economic Forum, women are 1.4 times more likely than men to experience sexual harassment or violence while travelling. In emerging markets, this figure jumps to 2.6 times more likely; in rural areas it rises exponentially to three times more likely; and if you’re going somewhere with low levels of gender equality (such as Saudi Arabia), your chances go up even further – to five times greater than for male travellers.
LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ travellers may face discrimination, harassment, or violence in certain countries or regions where societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals are less accepting. Corporations must ensure that they meet their Duty of Care responsibilities in protecting vulnerable employees required to visit countries that are considered to be extremely dangerous for this traveler group. It is important to conduct necessary research of local laws and cultural attitudes and that the correct steps are taken to protect employees while traveling on business.
Travel to Emerging Markets
The risk of disease, crime, and safety issues are higher in emerging markets than developed countries. Companies should perform a comprehensive risk analysis of their travelling population. They should also provide appropriate training so that employees who travel to emerging markets know how to protect themselves.
How Take2Eton Supports Clients
The first step we take is to help our clients understand where the potential gaps may be in their existing travel risk management programme. Take2Eton will then help to develop or update the necessary plans, processes and tools as required to improve practices.
By working with Take2Eton our clients are then able to benchmark, build or modify their travel risk management programs.
Take2Eton’s Approach:
Identify travel risks through Gap Analysis
- Create a Travel Risk Matrix by traveler group
- Policy and Pre-Trip Approval Guidance
- Steps to Mitigate Risk
- Guidance on Safety and Risk Standards
- Tracking and Reporting
For more information on Travel Risk Management for Minority Groups contact us.
