Safety a priority for North American business travellers, survey finds

According to a survey commissioned by World Travel Protection, most North American business travellers feel their employers are falling short when it comes to travel safety.

Nearly six in 10 U.S. business travellers (59%) and more than half of Canadian travellers (57%) believe their employer could do more to protect them on work trips, highlighting the growing responsibility of employers to strengthen their duty of care obligations.

In the survey, World Travel Protection found that more than two-thirds of U.S. travellers (68%) and over seven in 10 Canadian travellers (71%) said they would decline a business trip if they did not feel confident their safety and well-being were being prioritized.

Meanwhile, 65% of U.S. respondents and 64% of Canadian respondents said they would consider leaving their job if they felt travel safety was not taken seriously.

Younger employees are especially likely to feel under-protected. Among those under 34, six in 10 (60% U.S.; 63% Canada) said their employer could do more to keep them safe, compared to just 36% of those over 55 in both countries.

This younger cohort was also more likely to want frequent check-ins, with 68% of U.S. respondents and 66% of Canadian respondents under 34 saying they wanted more regular contact while travelling, compared to just 58% % of older travellers in U.S. and 51% in Canada.

And while most business travellers reported receiving some support for work trips, such as access to emergency helplines, pre-travel briefings, government-issued advisories, or travel risk management providers, the survey revealed a gap between what is offered and what employees want.

Only 7% of U.S. and 14% of Canadian respondents said they received no support at all, but the majority expressed a desire for more proactive engagement, clearer guidance, and regular reassurance while away from home.

Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director, Americas, of World Travel Protection, said that: “Travel preparation is essential. Travellers need comprehensive pre-trip briefings, clear information about local risks, and the confidence of knowing exactly where to get help while abroad. Insurance only steps in after an incident, but it does nothing to prevent medical or security issues or to support employees when they need help most.”