Why Corporate Security Managers Must Build a Travel Security Program: Protecting Employees and Executives at Home and Abroad
In an increasingly globalized business environment, travel is essential, but it’s also
increasingly complex and risky. Whether employees are visiting established markets in
Europe, expanding operations in Latin America, or attending conferences across the
U.S., organizations have a responsibility to safeguard them against evolving threats.
Yet many companies still address travel security reactively, responding only when a
crisis strikes. A proactive travel security program, led by corporate security managers,
transforms this approach into one that prevents incidents, supports safe travel
decisions, and builds organizational resilience.
The Changing Travel Risk Landscape
Global mobility exposes employees to a wide variety of risks that vary by location, time,
and traveler profile. These include:
Global Threats:
- Geopolitical Unrest: Trade sanctions, border closures, civil unrest, and military
conflicts can escalate quickly. - Crime and Violence: Theft, fraud, express kidnappings, and violent crime often
target business travelers. - Terrorism: Terrorist groups and lone actors may target public places, transport
hubs, or areas frequented by foreigners or VIPs. - Health and Environmental Risks: From pandemics to malaria outbreaks and
wildfires, health and safety risks can derail a business trip. - Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Travelers may be targeted through unsecured
public Wi-Fi, lost devices, or surveillance.
Domestic Risks:
Even within the United States, travelers may face:
- Civil disturbances or politically motivated protests
- Weather-related disruptions such as hurricanes or wildfires
- Targeted crime, including hotel room break-ins or ride-share scams
- Infrastructure outages that leave travelers stranded
Travel security must account for both domestic and international environments,
providing a consistent yet flexible approach.
The Business Case for a Travel Security Program
Fulfilling Duty of Care and Legal Compliance
Employers are bound by the concept of duty of care, requiring them to take reasonable
measures to protect their workforce from harm. Failing to plan for foreseeable travel
risks can result in:
- Legal liability
- Reputational damage
- Decreased employee trust and morale
A travel security program demonstrates compliance with global health and safety
standards and mitigates organizational risk.
Minimizing Business Disruption
Travel-related incidents can stall critical operations:
- An executive delayed in a crisis zone may miss a strategic meeting.
- A sales team sidelined by a security threat could lose a key deal.
- Uncoordinated crisis responses can magnify reputational harm.
Having a clear plan to prevent and manage travel disruptions protects the bottom line.
Protecting Executives and High-Risk Travelers
Executives and other high-profile employees face unique threats, including:
- Kidnap-for-ransom schemes
- Industrial espionage
- Tailored social engineering scams
A travel security program ensures their itineraries, lodging, and movements are
discreet, protected, and monitored.
Enhancing Employee Confidence and Engagement
When employees feel that their employer prioritizes their safety, they are:
- More likely to accept travel assignments
- Less anxious and more productive while away
- More loyal to the organization
Key Elements of a Robust Travel Security Program
At a minimum, travel security programs integrate:
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Country risk assessments
- Traveler security briefings
- Health advisories and vaccination recommendations
- Emergency contact cards and travel safety kits
Clear Travel Policies
- Guidelines for approved lodging, transportation, and communication methods
- Restrictions on travel to high-risk areas
- Reporting requirements for any incidents
Real-Time Traveler Monitoring
- GPS-enabled travel tracking tools
- Check-in requirements in moderate to high-risk locations
- Automated notifications for emerging threats
Emergency Response and Crisis Management
- 24/7 global emergency support
- Medical and security evacuation plans
- Crisis communication protocols with family members and company leadership
Security Awareness Training
- Situational awareness and personal safety best practices
- Anti-kidnapping and anti-surveillance techniques for high-risk personnel
- Cybersecurity hygiene while traveling
Continuous Program Improvement
- After-action reviews following incidents
- Periodic policy updates based on global trends
- Feedback loops from frequent travelers
Implementing Your Program: A Practical Approach
If your company is new to travel security, start small and build from there:
- Assess your current gaps. Do you have a travel policy? Emergency contacts? A
travel tracking system? - Partner across departments. Involve HR, Legal, IT, and Risk Management to
ensure alignment. - Engage an expert consultant, if needed, to help build your program and leverage
providers offering intelligence, medical support, and evacuation services. - Pilot the program with your most frequent travelers and adjust based on
feedback before expanding company wide.
Final Thoughts: Proactive Travel Security Protects People and Business
Your employees are your organization’s most valuable assets. A well-designed travel
security program does more than protect them physically, it safeguards your company’s
reputation, fulfills your duty of care, and enables global business continuity.
The reality is clear: it’s no longer a matter of whether a travel-related risk will affect your
business, but when. Preparation today prevents a crisis tomorrow.
Call to Action: Start Building Your Travel Security Program Today
If your organization doesn’t yet have a formal travel security program, or if your current
program needs refreshing, now is the time to act.
– Start by assessing your risks.
– Draft or update your travel policies.
– Equip your travelers with the training and tools they need.
– Establish monitoring and emergency response processes.
Your employees expect you to protect them. Your business depends on it.
GMR Security Consulting Group is a leader in developing programs to mitigate risks and keep your
employees safe. Need help developing or elevating your Travel Security Program?
Reach out to us today.