Travel Managers Must Take the Lead on Duty of Care for the Modern Business Traveler

Since September 2016, ACTE has conducted a series of research studies underwritten by American Express Global Business Travel that focus on the modern business traveler — specifically, what it is they are seeking in their travel experiences and how travel managers (TM) are meeting their needs.

For the latest report, which was compiled in July 2017, ACTE surveyed 170 TMs around the world about how they are responding to their travelers’ safety concerns and what barriers may be preventing them from delivering optimal duty of care services.

Here are a few key findings from the research:

• Rising safety concerns: Thirty-seven percent of TMs saw a rise in inquiries related to traveler safety even after taking action to address those concerns. The research also found that 36 percent of respondents have seen an increase in the levels of information on immigration and border crossing being requested or provided in the last six months.

• All talk: Despite sustained levels of traveler safety concern, there seems to be little movement toward change. Fifty-eight percent of respondents say they have not made any tweaks to their policy in the last six months, even though 90 percent said they wanted to do so in a previous survey. And nearly half (49 percent) still do not have safety traveler training in place.

• Hitting roadblocks: One reason TMs may not have made any policy changes that address travel safety is because they feel they do not have the right resources. For instance, 45 percent said they want more TMC service but don’t believe they can afford it, while 38 percent said they lack the personnel to have proactive safety communication with their travelers.

So, what can TMs do to take charge and address travelers’ concerns? Plenty. Download this infographic for five duty of care action steps you can take today. And for the full findings of the ACTE research study, click the button below.