Out of sight cannot mean out of mind
WHETHER it is a client meeting in Berlin or a conservation expedition in Brazil, many businesses and not-for-profit organisations have to jet employees and volunteers off to far-flung corners of the Earth.
In 2017, £39 billion was spent on business travel in the UK alone.
But in the mid of all the planning it takes to utilise business travel effectively, organisations often don’t consider all of the risks involved when operating abroad.
They not only need to consider the value of the expensive items and equipment that could be lost or stolen abroad – and unlikely to be covered under a standard business or charity insurance policy – but they need to think about the dangers their employees and volunteers could face.
Endsleigh Insurance – sponsors of the new business of the year category at the Gloucestershire Business Awards – have done some research into the world’s most dangerous travel destinations.
These are the five places your organisation might want to avoid, based on the number of insurance claims:
1 Thailand
Although a country known for its idyllic sandy beaches, ornate temples and gourmet cuisine, Endsleigh’s research shows that 23 per cent of all travel claims were made in Thailand in 2017.
Only last month it was reported a Brit ish holidaymaker had his nose broken after getting into a squabble at a Pattaya bar. The fight initially broke out over his unpopular taste of jukebox songs.
2 Chile
Despite around 80,000 British tourists visiting Chile each year, you might be surprised to hear it accounted for 15 per cent of all travel claims in 2017.
Employees and volunteers should take steps to make sure they stay safe if they are working on one of Chile’s many conservation, education or community development projects this summer.
3 THE United States
Tied in second place with Chile, the US accounted for 15 per cent of travel claims in 2017.
Crime rates vary massively between states, so make sure this is factored into your decision when deciding where to send your colleagues, especially if they are travelling alone.
4 Spain
Endsleigh’s research shows eight per cent of all claims were made in Spain in 2017, a spot that sees around 12 million British tourists each year.
5 Germany
Not too far from home, Germany also accounted for eight per cent of all travel claims in 2017.
But these aren’t the only risky travel destinations – Nepal and Peru also featured highly on the list each with eight per cent of all claims made.
This was closely followed by France, with seven per cent, so any colleagues planning a trip up the Eiffel Tower might want to keep an eye on their belongings, especially at the more popular tourist attractions.
Rounding out the top ten with only four per cent of claims made, were the Bahamas and Brazil.
While the Bahamas ranked low on the list in terms of the number of claims made, organisations should consider the time of year that their team travels there as the hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
If you will be sending employees or volunteers to any potentially dangerous travel destinations, it is important to take steps to ensure their safety, as well as protecting your organisation from any potential losses that could be incurred as a result of dangerous business travel practices.
With more than 30 years’ experience and more than 3,000 customers in the sector, Endsleigh knows business and not-for-profit organisations require more of a personal touch.
Endsleigh’s team of account managers will take the time to understand the complex needs of your organisation and tailor an insurance solution to meet your needs. For more information, contact their t experts on 0333 234 1387, or visit