NEWS
International SOS poll reveals female business travellers want their organizations to provide travel security advice
57% of respondents said their company did not provide any specific advice
16 Aug 2011

Kuala Lumpur | International SOS, a leading international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services company, has announced the results of a poll which revealed female business travelers want travel security advice from their organisations.

57% of respondents said that their company did not provide any specific advice related to personal safety for travelling female executives, while 85% felt that their organisation should give more advice. The poll was based on 120 respondents representing international organisations based in the Asia Pacific region, who attended a webinar on female travel tips organized by International SOS.

Key results were:

“For female business travellers, this poll shows that companies are painting all their travellers with the same brush and ignoring the fact that women may experience additional threats to those faced by their male counterparts,” said Dr Penelope Kinch, Deputy Managing News Editor, Travel Security Services – a joint venture between International SOS and Control Risks. Kinch went on to explain that female business travellers today make up around 45% of the total corporate travel market and, statistically, women are more likely to face specific threats such as harassment, assault or handbag theft.

“Unfortunately, the reality is that women are generally perceived to be easier targets; however, there are ways in which uncomfortable or dangerous situations can be avoided or mitigated,” added Kinch. “Companies risk failing in their duty of care obligations if inadequate support is provided to their female business travellers before, during and after travel”.

By properly preparing for travel, simple factors from arranging to be met at the airport by a company employee to having an understanding of cultural sensitivities can give all travellers a head start in mitigating potentially dangerous situations before arrival.

In general, there are five golden rules for female travellers:

Golden Rule #1 – Know Your Profile
Be aware of your risk profile. In general, an outgoing personality encounters more security risks than those with an introverted character. Being careful about attire is important as designer clothes and jewellery attracts attention. Wearing a wedding ring may help minimise unwanted attention.

Golden Rule #2 – Do Your Research
Research the security situation prior to travel and understand the areas that are considered safe and unsafe. Are there cultural sensitivities? What is the status of women in business and society? What languages are spoken? Are bare arms and legs permitted or appropriate?

Golden Rule #3 – Be a Hard Target
Arrange to be met at the airport by a company or hotel car or even better, by a colleague or friend. Avoid unlicensed taxis, ensure mobiles are switched to roaming prior to travel, carry a list of key contacts, book a room on the third floor or higher and ask for women-only floors if available. Never accept food or drink from a stranger.

Golden Rule #4 – Confidence And Assertiveness
Trust your instincts! If you suspect you are being followed, go to a public place and call a taxi. Walk with confidence and avoid overt expressions of confusion. Politely refuse invitations to social events if you feel uncomfortable.

Golden Rule #5 – Stay Calm
If approached, maintain personal space and try to avoid eye contact. In most cases, attackers want money and to leave quickly. Adopting an aggressive posture can escalate a situation into something more serious so stay calm and be prepared to give up possessions. Prior to travel, send a passport copy to a web-based email
address for easy retrieval if the document gets lost or stolen overseas.

Source : International SOS