Travel Guard® North America Survey: More Corporations Taking Steps to Protect Their Travelers

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With concerns rising over terrorism, overseas street crime, kidnappings, and the safety of computer and proprietary information, 50 percent of security and risk managers said they were more apprehensive about their employees' overall safety when traveling internationally compared to five years ago. This according to a recent survey conducted by Travel Guard North America (www.travelguard.com), one of the nation's leading providers of travel insurance and assistance. Travel Guard offers Premier Assist, a medical, security, and personal assistance program designed for international business travelers, expatriates, and students traveling overseas. Security and risk managers participated in the survey that was conducted of attendees to the annual ASIS (American Society of Industrial Security) International conference, to be held in Dallas.  

In addition, 49 percent conducted travel training or awareness seminars, 39 percent of those surveyed said they conducted international threat briefings for their overseas travelers, 36 percent subscribed to overseas intelligence newsletters and 23 percent instituted executive protection and purchased a business travel insurance plan.

In light of some recent security breaches, 44 percent of those surveyed said they were concerned about their travelers' safety aboard commercial aircraft when traveling overseas. They also were very concerned about the safety of employees staying in hotels outside of the United States.

"While it's encouraging to see business travel on a seasonal upswing, security and risk managers have a greater challenge than ever when it comes to monitoring the welfare of employees whose work takes them far afield," said John Rose, president of Travel Guard North America's Business Travel Services. "There's a growing duty of care obligation and an ever-increasing need for employers to proactively provide for the safety, security and well-being of their employees."

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe, including a wide range of emergency services through its wholly-owned assistance centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Travel Guard helps leisure and business travelers alike solve problems and manage risks. Travel Guard's global reach, unparalleled service quality and proven operational capabilities allow clients to receive best-in-class care. Travel Guard's suite of technology platforms enables seamless integration with all major travel distribution systems and supplier channels. The travel insurance products marketed by Travel Guard are underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries and affiliates of Chartis Inc. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguard.com and www.travelguardworldwide.com

Domestic travel insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. Coverage may not be available in all states.  

SOURCE Travel Guard