NEWS

London, November 4, 2019 – A new body of research was unveiled today that analyzed the impact of 90 crises between 2001 and 2018 examining the time to recovery as well lost arrivals and lost visitor spending. Of the four crisis categories analyzed, political instability proved the most challenging with average recovery times of more than 22 months while terrorist or security related incidents having the shortest average recovery time of 11 and a half. The average recovery times for natural disasters and disease out breaks were 16.2 months and 19.4 months, respectively.

The study was conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council [WTTC], the global body that represents the private sector of the travel & tourism industry, in partnership with Global Rescue, a membership organization which provides medical, security, evacuation, travel risk and crisis management services.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “This comprehensive research shows just how resilient the travel & tourism industry truly is. While there is still work to be done, the data shows that recovery times have fallen significantly over the past two decades, and that major strides have been made. It is crucial that we continue to learn from previous incidents and continue to come together through public private partnerships to make a real difference in reducing both the economic and human impact.”

Key findings included:

• The travel & tourism industry is more resilient than ever – average recovery times have decreased from 26 months in 2001 to 10 months in 2018.
• Political instability has a greater impact than terrorism on issues and recovery times. Governments have the opportunity to improve but need to engage with the private sector.
• Of the four crisis categories analyzed, political instability proved the most challenging [with average recovery times of 22.2 months] with terrorist or security related incidents having the shortest average recovery time of 11.5 months. Additionally, the average recovery times for natural disasters and disease out breaks were 16.2 months and 19.4 months respectively.
• Public private partnerships and communications are critical for preparedness and prevention.

*Note: Of the 90 crises analyzed – 32% were terrorism/security related, 13% were disease/outbreaks; 19% were political instability and 36% were natural disasters.

Later today, WTTC CEO will host a panel discussion at the World Travel Market revealing the research findings of the report entitled “Crisis Readiness: Are You Prepared and Risk Resilient to Safeguard Your People and Destinations?” joined by Daniel Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Global Rescue, Isabel Hill, Director, US National Travel & Tourism Office, Government of the United States of America, Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Tourism of Egypt and Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism & Wildlife, Kenya.

One of the panel participants, Dan Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Global Rescue said: “Sometimes as challenging as the crisis itself is the preparation, management and coordination of the resources needed to mount an effective response.  We are optimistic that by working together, we will be able to further improve the sector’s resilience to systemic shocks.”

In the report, WTTC and Global Rescue, offer recommendations on how destinations can mitigate the impact of a crisis, showcasing successful examples from the likes of Kenya, Mexico, Hawaii and Japan. The report also highlights the importance of being prepared and the need for coordinated management to ensure a successful recovery.

To view the full report, please visit www.wttc.org/XXXX

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the body which represents the Travel & Tourism private sector globally. Members include over 180 CEOs, Chairmans and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, supporting one in 10 jobs (319 million) worldwide and generating 10.4% of world GDP. WTTC conducts research on the Economic Impact of Travel & Tourism in 185 countries for nearly 30 years. In 2017, the Travel & Tourism industry experienced 3.9% growth, compared to the global economy (3.2%).

Lebanon, New Hampshire, March 12, 2019 – Nearly 90 percent of travelers expressed some degree of concern for travel safety this year, according to new findings in the Global Rescue 2019 Travel Safety Survey. The leading travel risk and crisis response provider of medical, security and intelligence, Global Rescue annually releases findings from its yearly travel safety survey. Compared to last year, 16 percent of travelers reported they are more concerned about travel safety in 2019, with most (82%), noting they are still as concerned as they were last year.

Among the top survey findings:

• Terrorism is no longer a primary concern. This year, more than two thirds (69%) of respondents ranked crime atop their three greatest traveling threats, followed by health and medical issues (67%) and then terrorism (41%). Less than one quarter (22%) of respondents ranked terrorism as their number one threat, with 33 percent of respondents ranking health and medical issues as their top concern. In 2018, 40 percent of respondents ranked terrorism as the greatest threat to their travel.
• Concerns over travel to Europe have subsided. This year, more than half of respondents (54%) plan to travel to Europe, which comes after 74 percent expressed at least some level of concern with travel to both Europe and the Middle East last year. The top four destinations in terms of concern this year are: Africa (87%), the Middle East (84%), South America (80%) and Asia (74%). Europe dipped significantly in the ranking with 66 percent reporting some concern. 

• Travel concern overall is unchanged in 2019. Across the last two years, nearly 85 percent of respondents expressed some degree of concern for travel safety, at 87 percent in 2019 and 84 percent in 2018, respectively. 

• Travel concerns are not impacting willingness to travel. Only six percent of respondents said concerns would have a significant impact on their travel. Nearly half (47%) reported their concerns would impact their plans “a little,” while 41 percent of respondents said their concerns will have no impact on their travel in 2019.

  Much like last year, 48 percent of respondents will do more research when it comes to their travel safety concerns, while 30 percent will do nothing at all and 25 percent will prepare themselves for a possible crisis.

  “I think we all take a risk every time we travel,” one survey participant said. “I understand the risks and try to make sure I am smart about the way I handle myself. I like to do some research on travel plans and destinations before I go to have adequate back up for mishaps.”

  In 2018, 22 percent of travelers said they would be willing to change destinations amid travel safety concerns, while only 14 percent reported they would change destinations entirely in 2019. While overall concerns won’t impact a majority of travelers, health and medical issues (29%) and safety and security concerns (28%) are the top two factors preventing people from traveling more. 

• Concerns with travel to Africa have increased. This year, the number of respondents either “concerned” or “very concerned” with travel to Africa increased to 56 percent, which is up from 39 percent last year. In 2018, 17 percent of respondents reported they were “very concerned” with travel to Africa, which has grown to 30 percent in 2019.

“This year’s results are reflective of a relative decline in the worldwide threat of terrorism, particularly in Europe and Turkey, where attacks in previous years likely influenced the perception that terrorism was a major concern,” said Global Rescue CEO and founder Dan Richards. “Medical and health issues as well as safety and security concerns are the top two barriers to more travel in 2019. Global Rescue stands ready on both fronts to support and ensure its members can travel more.”

The Global Rescue 2019 Travel Safety Survey was conducted from January 24 through February 15, 2019. The study is based on a survey of 900 current and former Global Rescue members ages 25 to 70 or older, with household incomes of $35,000 to $200,000 or more.

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 decade. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Coral Gables, FL, January 16, 2019 – Global Rescue, the exclusive provider of evacuation and travel insurance services for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), has reaffirmed its support of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s conservation efforts as a Bronze Corporate Sponsor.

“Global Rescue and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust value the importance of sustainable practices and share support for enthusiasts within the fishing world,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards. “Bonefish & Tarpon Trust members travel the world advocating for healthy fisheries and we prioritize their safety.”

Anglers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that Global Rescue is ready 24/7/365 with services from travel assistance to medical advice and emergency evacuations. Since 2004, Global Rescue’s hand-picked medical and security teams have performed more than 15,000 operations for individuals, families and enterprises. With its impressive track record, Global Rescue has become the travel protection service provider of choice for many of the world’s largest companies, universities, and nonprofits.

“Global Rescue is a leader in the travel services industry,” said BTT President and CEO Jim McDuffie. “The company is a preferred provider for our members and, with this grant, is also continuing its generous commitment to the conservation of our flats fishery.”

About Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. As a science-based organization, BTT pursues this mission across the southeastern US, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean through research, conservation, education and advocacy. 

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, the Company 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 decade. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.