Almost half (47%) of UK business travellers feel less safe travelling for work than they used to, with a majority (60%) believing business travel comes with more risks than in the past.
More than half (55%) also describe business travel as increasingly unpredictable and volatile, according to a new survey by Opinium of 500 UK business travellers, conducted on behalf of global travel risk management organisation World Travel Protection. Four in ten (43%) are less willing now to travel for work.
The top travel concern for 2025 is the risk of travel disruption and delays (74%), closely followed by losing essential items such a phone, laptop, or passport (72%), closely followed by being a victim of crime (65%), cybersecurity threats (62%) and geopolitical instability (59%).
Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director EMEA, World Travel Protection said: “We’re managing multiple emergencies every month, and the need for risk mitigation in business travel is more critical than ever. Last year alone, we saw a 17% rise in emergency evacuations and repatriations, while severe weather disruptions surged by nearly 50%, impacting a growing number of World Travel Protection travellers compared to the previous year.
”It’s essential that business travellers feel their employer is supporting them and looking out for the best interests while they’re away. To mitigate risk and alleviate concerns, organisations should ensure that travelling employees are provided with the most up-to-date information on destinations and travel routes, and consider using a travel assistance company with a live travel app that provides assistance updates in real-time.”
Health issues while travelling are also a significant concern, with 59% worried about experiencing a medical emergency and 58% citing mental health issues, including depression, high anxiety or panic attacks. Younger business travellers (under 34s) are particularly affected, with nearly two-thirds (63%) concerned about mental health, compared to just 34% of those over 55.
Women Express Greater Concerns Across All Travel Risks
Women express greater concern about business travel than men across every category measured. While harassment and discrimination are a major concern for 56% of respondents, women (66%) are significantly more worried than men (51%). Sexual assault is also a serious concern, with 63% of women expressing fears compared to 46% of men.
Kate Fitzpatrick said: “Women business travellers face distinct safety and cultural challenges and enhancing their safety needs to be a priority for all organisations. Dedicated risk assessments for women travellers must include a thorough understanding of a destination’s social and cultural norms, its transport infrastructure with regards to safety considerations as well as any geopolitical risks and tensions.”
Concerns for Colleagues’ Safety Are High
Business travellers aren’t just worried about their own safety – many (54%) are more concerned about the safety of their colleagues than their own. This feeling is particularly strong among senior leaders, with 68% of board members expressing concern, compared to 39% of managers, and 35% of workers.
Additionally, almost six in ten (59%) business travellers would prefer to travel with a colleague rather than alone. This preference is stronger among younger travellers, with 63% of under-34s preferring a travel companion compared to just 39% of those over 55.
Organisations Taking Travel Risks More Seriously
Importantly, more than two thirds (68%) of business travellers agree that their organisation is taking travel risks more seriously than in the past.
“The concept of duty of care has also evolved,” adds Kate Fitzpatrick. “Beyond travel insurance, business travellers are now demanding a more comprehensive approach to risk mitigation – one that integrates security expertise, medical support, and pre-travel intelligence to ensure smooth and safe journeys. Whether it’s advising LGBTQI+ travellers on navigating less tolerant regions or securing alternative accommodation during unexpected crises like the CrowdStrike IT outage, organisations must prioritise proactive traveller support.”
Top Travel Concerns of Business Travellers in 2025
1. Travel disruption and delays (74%)
2. Losing phone/laptop/passport (72%)
3. Being a target/the victim of crime (65%)
4. Being hacked/the victim of a cybersecurity attack (62%)
5. Geopolitical threats, such as war, terrorist acts or tension between countries (59%)
6. Experiencing a medical emergency (59%)
7. Mental health (58%)
8. Natural disasters (56%)
9. Harassment or discrimination (56%)
10. Sexual assault (52%) (63% women & 46% men)
“At World Travel Protection, our priority is to keep business travellers safe and informed at every stage of their journey. From comprehensive pre-travel briefings to real-time security and health alerts via our Travel Assist app, we provide round-the-clock support to help mitigate risks and keep travellers moving with confidence,” said Fitzpatrick.