Transportation incidents and health-related risks rank as top concerns for business travellers worldwide based on BCD Travel’s Research & Intelligence team survey of 1,284 business travellers conducted in November.
Crime and natural disasters followed as other top worries, each cited by roughly one-third of respondents. The results are part of BCD’s latest report on changing attitudes toward travel risk management (TRM).
Transportation and health risks dominate concerns
Transportation accidents are the leading fear, cited by 37% of travellers, followed closely by health emergencies at 35%. Over the past year, 8% of those surveyed experienced an incident that required company support, with weather-related events accounting for almost a quarter of those cases.
Hotels and ground transport perceived as safe options
Regardless of these concerns, travellers still express confidence using managed travel options.
Most travellers (86%) feel safe when staying at hotels included in their corporate travel programme. Ground transportation, including ride-hailing services and traditional taxis are viewed favourably and considered safe by over 70% of respondents.
Persistent gaps in traveller awareness still remain
Despite trust in managed travel options, the survey reveals persistent gaps in traveller awareness and preparedness. Even though many organisations offer access to safety information through booking and risk management apps, travellers remain unsure where to find safety resources.
Nearly one-third of travellers do not know where to locate company safety information, and over a quarter turn to alternative sources during an incident. About 30% are unsure whom to contact in an emergency, and 18% hesitate to seek help because they are uncertain whether their situation was serious enough.
Employer engagement is key when mitigating risks
To close these gaps, employer engagement plays a critical role in mitigating risk. According to BCD’s 2026 Travel Outlook report, a broad range of heightened risks persist for business travellers including extreme weather, regional tensions, disease risk and more.
These concerns are already influencing behavioir: 11% of travellers responded that safety concerns prompted them to cancel their trip. Of those surveyed, 66% rate company support during risk incidents as high or very high; only seven per cent report minimal or no support. Common employer resources include flexible travel options, 24/7 emergency support, risk alerts and company phones with roaming. The most desired resource is pre-trip destination information (30%), which 38% says is currently available to them.
Over half of respondents believe their company’s safety measures are evolving to address new risks, while 9% disagree, and 35% are uncertain. While 27% of travellers are satisfied with their employers’ travel safety policies and do not believe improvements are needed, an equal share of travellers have voiced they want better communication.
