NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
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.”
Holiday Travelers Cautioned Against Wrapping Gifts in Carry-On Luggage
(Lebanon, N.H. – November 26, 2024) Nearly half of the world’s most experienced travelers will embark on a trip during the winter holiday season, and one out of 10 will mistakenly pack wrapped gifts in their carry-on luggage, according to the Fall 2024 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
The TSA doesn’t prohibit wrapped presents in carry-on baggage, but they recommend keeping gifts unwrapped in case TSA agents need to inspect them. “While it’s tempting to wrap presents before a trip and tuck them into your carry-on suitcase or backpack, it may cause delays at security checkpoints,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security at Global Rescue.
When TSA or other airport security personnel see a wrapped item, they may need to open it to inspect its contents. This can lead to frustration, delays, and destroyed wrapping. “The best approach is to pack wrapped gifts in checked bags or travel with unwrapped gifts in carry-on luggage and pack wrapping paper separately. You can easily wrap the items when you reach your destination,” says Bush.
“Security is always a top concern during peak travel seasons,” Bush added. “Minimizing unnecessary complications at checkpoints, such as unwrapping gifts, makes the process easier for travelers and airport staff.”
Contact
Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (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 between 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
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