Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Survey finds 85 percent travelers have safety concerns

Respondents find family and personal travel more concerning

THE CORONAVIRUS EMERGING out of China has had an effect on international travel, but it is only one of many safety concerns by travelers reveled in a survey by travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. They include fears of cybercrime and travel in dangerous regions, with levels of concern differing according the age of the traveler.

At the same time, the survey also found that most respondents are not cancelling their trips.


Around 85 percent of people responding to the 2020 Annual Global Rescue Travel Safety Survey expressed concerns over travel safety. The survey, conducted between Jan. 22 and 28, found that over 95 percent are likely to travel in 2020, either domestically or internationally, while 35 percent are “concerned” or “very concerned” about their travel safety in 2020.

The Middle East is the region most troubling to travelers with 56 percent reporting they would be “very concerned” making a trip there. Trips to Asia and Africa were the next most worrisome for travelers.

A majority, 64 percent, found North America or Australia as the safest destinations without any concerns while 13 percent of respondents are “not concerned” at all about travel safety.

“I think the Middle East gets a bad rap,” said Matt Napiltonia, a Global Rescue Operations expert and former Navy SEAL. “There are places you just can’t go like Syria and Iraq. But Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Israel, the UAE, and other areas there are great. The Middle East is a good place.”

Compared to business travel, people find family and personal travel nearly three times more concerning.

“If I’m involved in an incident or accident on family travel, it will likely affect not only my safety but that of my family members,” a survey respondent said. “On a business trip, my family, of course, will be affected by my injury or death, but they likely will not be with me and will not be involved directly in the calamity.”

Men are about 50 percent more concerned about family travel than women.

The survey further finds older travelers less worried about health or medical issues than their younger counterparts with 40 percent of travelers under age 40 saying health/medical issues are the greatest threat while touring and exploring, compared to just 29 percent in the 40-60 years age group.

However, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus emerged as the biggest safety concern in the New Year and significantly affected the industry with Baird/STR Hotel Stock Index for January dropping to 7.7 percent to 4,863.

More for you

U.S. travelers using mobile devices to book independent boutique hotel stays with personalized offers and smart tech in 2025

Study: Personalization boosts independent hotel bookings

Summary:

  • Around 95 percent of U.S. travelers are more likely to book independent hotels with personalized offers, according to TakeUp.
  • 59 percent plan more travel in 2025, with 78 percent favoring weekend getaways and 65 percent domestic trips.
  • Top booking deterrents are few reviews at 39 percent, unclear cleanliness or quality at 38 percent and inflexible cancellations at 29 percent.

PERSONALIZED OFFERS BASED on interests would make 95 percent of U.S. travelers more likely to book at an independent hotel, according to TakeUp, a revenue management platform for independent hotels. About 85 percent are open to technologies such as smart check-in, recommendations and AI-based pricing.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Showcases India Culture at TCMU Exhibit

Auro unveils 'India Cultural Corner' for children

Summary:

  • Auro Hotels opened the India Cultural Corner, where children can check in and explore Indian culture at The Children's Museum of the Upstate.
  • Families can engage with community art, activities and storytelling about daily life in India.
  • The exhibit runs through May 2026, offering interactive learning on Indian culture.

AURO HOTELS RECENTLY opened the India Cultural Corner at The Children's Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, offering a look into Indian stories for American families. The exhibition, held at The Grand Geo Hotel and running through May 2026, includes a hotel desk where children can check in and explore Indian culture through interactive activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. Firms Lose $2.4 Trillion by Skimping on Business Travel

Report: Business travel gaps cost U.S. firms $2.4T

Summary:

  • U.S. companies risk losing more than $2.4 trillion in sales due to underinvestment in business travel, says GBTA.
  • An 8.3 percent T&E increase could drive a 6 percent sales gain, despite post-COVID virtual meeting tools.
  • Current T&E spending is $294 billion—$24 billion short of the $319.1 billion needed for peak profitability.

U.S. COMPANIES ARE missing more than $2.4 trillion in potential sales due to underinvestment in business travel, according to a Global Business Travel Association report. Despite a post-pandemic rebound, travel and entertainment spending remains $66 billion below 2019 levels.

Keep ReadingShow less
AI threats in hospitality

Study: Cyberattacks on hotels to surge

Summary:

  • Around 66 percent of hotel IT and security executives expect more cyberattacks this summer, and 50 percent anticipate greater severity, according to VikingCloud.
  • Guest-facing systems most at risk include POS and payment technology at 72 percent, guest WiFi at 56 percent and front desk systems at 34 percent.
  • About 48 percent of executives lack confidence in their staff’s ability to detect and respond to AI-driven attacks and deepfakes.

APPROXIMATELY 66 PERCENT of hotel IT and security executives expect an increase in cyberattack frequency and 50 percent anticipate greater severity during the summer travel season, according to cybersecurity firm VikingCloud. In summer 2024, 82 percent of North American hotels experienced a cyberattack and 58 percent were targeted five or more times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Newly renovated Marriott Saddle Brook hotel in New Jersey, now managed by Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge to manage Marriott in Saddle Brook, NJ

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. has added the Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service portfolio.
  • The renovated property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.
  • Located 20 miles from New York City, it is near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, Garden State Plaza and Hackensack University Medical Center.

STONEBRIDGE COS. RECENTLY added the 244-room Marriott Saddle Brook in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, to its full-service managed portfolio. The property is owned by Victory Worldwide LLC, led by CEO Anil Monga.

Keep ReadingShow less