NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
National Elections Abroad That Are Cautionary Destinations for Travelers
(Lebanon, N.H. – January 23, 2025) As global travel continues to recover, travelers should be aware of heightened risks associated with visiting countries experiencing potentially volatile national elections. Global Rescue, the world’s leading travel risk and crisis management firm, released its risk assessment for Countries with National Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2025.
“Elections, while a cornerstone of democracy, can sometimes lead to increased political unrest, demonstrations, and even violence,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and a former senior intelligence operations officer in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence at the Pentagon. “Understanding these risks and preparing accordingly is vital for anyone planning to travel during such periods.”
The following four countries have significant risks of protest, violence, and unrest due to upcoming national elections. Each country is listed as "Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution" by the U.S. Department of State.
Ecuador: Rising political tensions and allegations of corruption create an environment prone to demonstrations and instability. In January 2024, there was a series of attacks by organized criminal gangs, that resulted in the declaration of an internal armed conflict and the implementation of multiple states of emergency. While the situation has re-normalized, violence remains a concern. There was also a series of protests in late 2024 to oppose incumbent President Daniel Noboa’s policies, including the implementation of power cuts to conserve energy amid the ongoing drought. The first general election round is February 9 and the follow-up is April 13, 2025.
Tanzania: Human rights groups have raised concerns of repression, including arrests, abductions, and killings of opposition leaders and supporters. The next Presidential national election is scheduled for October 2025.
Ivory Coast: The 2020 presidential elections were accompanied by political and intercommunal violence resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people. A post-election conflict in 2010 resulted in the deaths of thousands. The next Presidential election is set for October 2025.
Kosovo: Protests are possible after the Central Election Commission declined to certify the Srpska Lista party, Kosovo’s main ethnic Serb party. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a violent war in 1998–1999. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, and Serbs in northern Kosovo still see Belgrade as their capital and continue to demand autonomy. Previous elections have resulted in violence in northern Kosovo. The next Parliamentary election is not set.
Three countries with higher risk for election-related civil unrest that are already listed as "Level 4 – Do Not Travel" countries by the U.S. Department of State.
Venezuela: Political instability and economic turmoil often culminate in unrest during electoral cycles. The next Parliamentary election is not set.
Belarus: Known for intense political suppression, past elections have triggered mass protests and government crackdowns, resulting in widespread instability. The Presidential election is set for January 26, 2025.
Iraq: There is a short and fraught history of democratic elections in Iraq. The next Parliamentary election is not set.
Countries with the least risks during elections include Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway – each of which have strong democratic processes, stable governance and a peaceful political culture.
A new set of travel risks is emerging. Geopolitical instability has overtaken other concerns, according to the world's most experienced travelers. Issues such as political unrest, economic instability and conflict zones are driving travelers to take precautions that were once seen as optional.
“Travelers are saying the war, violent conflicts and civil unrest make it more likely they will add security extraction and advisory protection to their travel protection packages,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Travelers are improving their trip safety with security advisory and extraction protection, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the world’s most experienced travelers reported they would obtain security extraction protection services if the U.S. State Department travel advisory assigned to the country they plan to visit was Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) or Level 2 (exercise increased caution).
"51% of respondents of a recent Global Rescue survey would obtain security extraction services when visiting high-risk regions with possible or ongoing conflicts or civil unrest," Richards added.
For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.
About Global Rescue
Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
Travelers Cautiously Welcome the Middle East Ceasefire
(Lebanon, N.H. – January 17, 2025) Israel and Hamas appear close to a ceasefire, potentially ending a 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. support, has been cautiously welcomed by the world's most experienced travelers, according to a snap survey by Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.
A fifth of survey respondents (22%) said, the ceasefire deal makes them more likely to consider a trip to Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East in 2025. The majority (62%) said the ceasefire deal does not make them more likely to consider a trip to Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East in 2025. Sixteen percent had no opinion.
"Israel and the Middle East are unique travel destinations, offering cultural, historical, and natural attractions, but the region's risks make security considerations essential," said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
"While most travelers remain cautious, with a fifth saying it increases their likelihood of visiting, it also highlights the importance of including robust traveler protection and insurance," Richards said.
“It also shows the incredible resilience of travelers to the region since 62% say a ceasefire will not impact their travel decisions.”
The Israel/Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread devastation in Gaza and Israel.
Contact
Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.
About the Global Rescue Traveler Snap Survey
Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, collected more than 1,000 responses from current and former members between January 16-17, 2025. The respondents revealed key insights and attitudes regarding travel to Israel and the Middle Ease following the announcement of the Israel/Hamas ceasefire agreement.
About Global Rescue
The Global Rescue Companies are the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
The World’s Most Experienced Travelers Name the Best Songs Inspiring Travel
(Lebanon, N.H. – December 17, 2024) The world's most experienced travelers named "On the Road Again" and Willie Nelson as their top travel song and musical artist for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Following "On the Road Again" as the favorite traveling song was "Africa" by Toto, "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver and, making the list for the first time, "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.
"Listening to music while traveling enhances the experience by reducing stress, uplifting mood, and creating a positive atmosphere, even during challenges like traffic or crowded airports," said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the Department of Commerce.
The survey also revealed travelers’ favorite musicians or bands. Nelson topped the list followed by Toto, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac, Bill Withers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Vivaldi, Tom Petty, Elton John, Coldplay and ABBA.
The Annual List of Top Songs Inspiring Travel includes perennial favorites like "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, "Vacation" by the Go-Gos, and "Margaritaville" by Buffett, as well as new list entries like "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims and "Around the World" by Daft Punk. You can find the complete list of the top travel-inspiring songs from the past several years here.
"A carefully curated travel playlist becomes the soundtrack of your journey, enriching each experience as the melodies intertwine with moments to create lasting memories," said Joseph Lambert, musician and creative design manager for Global Rescue, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services. "Traditional music from your destination bridges the local culture, connecting you to its rhythms and stories while sharing cherished. Songs from home can provide comfort or spark meaningful connections with fellow travelers."
Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.
About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members from October 1-20, 2024. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.
About Global Rescue
The Global Rescue Companies are the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.
Survey Unveils Traveler Insights for Best Airports, Alcohol Limits
(Lebanon, N.H. – December 2, 2024) – The best international airport is Singapore Changi Airport, followed by Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Doha Hamad International Airport, according to the world’s most experienced travelers responding to the Global Rescue Fall 2024 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
“These airports have consistently raised the bar for service, innovation and convenience, providing travelers with a seamless experience from start to finish,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world's leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “These airports are known for their efficiency, comfort, and overall passenger experience.” Conversely, travelers listed the London Heathrow Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Frankfurt Airport as the worst airports. Inefficient security processes, poor customer service, mishandling of traveler property, and overcrowding are among the main complaints cited by travelers about airports. The survey also revealed traveler attitudes about a pair of developing issues; cocktail limits and passport stamps. Travel industry leaders and staff have suggested limiting alcohol service in airports and in-flight. Most travelers responding to the survey (61%) said alcohol consumption should be left to the discretion of bartenders, flight attendants, or the individual traveler. Nearly a fifth (19%) said alcohol service should be limited to no more than one drink per 30 minutes, and 17% favored a limit of one drink per 60 minutes. Currently, none of the top-rated airports in the survey have strict alcohol limits. Individual airlines such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines have policies that allow flight attendants to stop serving alcohol if a passenger appears intoxicated. Richards pointed out the challenges in balancing customer service with safety, especially in airports and in-flight. "Travelers should always be responsible for their consumption," he said, "but airports and airlines also have a duty to ensure the safety of all passengers." Many travelers enjoy collecting passport stamps as souvenirs of their journeys, but those stamps are going away in Europe due to the introduction of the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES). The survey revealed that more than half of travelers (54%) would miss receiving passport stamps from the European Union's Schengen Area countries. “The green, blue, black, and red passport stamps are for many travelers’ nostalgic reminders,” Richards said. “The removal of passport stamps is part of the broader trend towards digitization in travel, streamlining border crossings and making travel more efficient.”Media Contact
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