According to recent research from SAP, over 50% of global business travellers have had to switch their accommodation because they felt unsafe. If you think about it, that\u2019s a significant number of people forced to make last-minute changes due to personal safety fears.<\/p>\n
So, if you\u2019re preparing for a business trip, whether it\u2019s in a local city or halfway around the world, addressing safety should be a top priority. It goes beyond just locking the door behind you once you\u2019re inside\u2014safety starts the moment you think about hitting \u2018book\u2019 on that hotel, says Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager of Corporate Traveller.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important that companies vet the security protocols of the hotels they choose, especially in regions where crime may be more prevalent. The right set of security measures can help ensure travellers feel safe and focused while they\u2019re away for work,\u201d says Moroke.<\/p>\n
These basics should now be non-negotiable: keycard access for both your room and the lifts, CCTV throughout public areas, and alert, well-trained staff. Additional measures, like 24-hour on-site security, are definite bonuses.<\/p>\n
Many hotel safety issues involve not just physical security but also privacy failures. One obvious concern for many travellers is hotel staff inadvertently disclosing room numbers or handing over keys to the wrong person. According to International SOS, four in ten business travellers are worried about hotel staff unintentionally giving away confidential information.<\/p>\n
When you check into a hotel, your room number shouldn\u2019t be announced aloud. And as a guest, you should also be able to trust that your personal data \u2014 whether it\u2019s payment information or your identity \u2014 is handled securely and with discretion.<\/p>\n
Physical security measures inside the hotel are important, but location matters too. You could be staying at the most secure hotel imaginable, but if it\u2019s in a rough part of town, you\u2019re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks every time you step out.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t just about personal preference\u2014it\u2019s a critical part of any company\u2019s travel risk management plan, says Moroke. \u201cUnderstanding local crime rates, recent disruptions, or even the neighbourhood\u2019s geography can give you a better sense of whether it feels right for you,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
While planning your trip and focusing on business, it\u2019s easy to overlook potential emergencies. Yet knowing what a hotel has in place for different types of crises\u2014whether it\u2019s a medical emergency, fire, or criminal activity\u2014can make all the difference.<\/p>\n
Does the hotel have a clear emergency response plan? Do they have security personnel trained in first aid? Are staff readily available to liaise with local emergency services if needed? These may seem like \u2018worst-case scenario\u2019 things to worry about, but they can quickly become serious matters if a problem occurs during your stay, says Moroke.<\/p>\n
Technology changes fast, and hotels are adapting. Today, you\u2019ll find more options when it comes to mobile check-ins, which allow you to bypass the front desk altogether. This reduces the need for unnecessary interactions and gives you more control over your check-in process. Some hotels now also offer keyless entry using mobile apps, which is another great feature for those who want additional layers of security.<\/p>\n
Moroke concludes, \u201cThe hotels that offer tech solutions\u2014whether it\u2019s mobile check-in or smart locks\u2014are taking additional steps towards enhancing their guests\u2019 safety. But safety doesn\u2019t end there. Your TMC should also offer services like real-time location tracking, which helps businesses keep a two-way line of communication open with attendees. If there\u2019s any sort of safety risk, we know where travellers are and can get help to them quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n