Northern Lights, Kenya Safaris and Galapagos Islands Lead Travelers’ 2025 Dream Trips
Northern Lights, Kenya Safaris and Galapagos Islands Lead Travelers’ 2025 Dream Trips
(Lebanon, N.H. – January 27, 2025) – The Northern Lights, Kenya Safaris and the Galapagos Islands are the leading dream destinations or attractions for 2025 that the world’s most experienced travelers want to experience but haven’t, according to results of the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.
“Travelers continue to seek more immersive travel experiences, like witnessing the Northern Lights, going on a safari in Kenya or experiencing the evolutionary significance of the Galapagos Islands,” 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.
While both genders prioritize the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands, women list the blooming of Cherry Blossoms in Japan as their top choice followed by the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands. Men selected a safari in Kenya after the Northern Lights and ahead of the Galapagos Islands. They listed the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms in Japan sixth.
Following their top aspirational experiences, travelers dreamed about visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China.
At the other end of the spectrum, travelers reported they are least interested in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, spending New Year’s Eve in New York City, and visiting the Colosseum in Italy, signaling a shift toward more unique and nature-focused travel adventures.
“Travelers are evolving beyond superficial experiences and, instead, seek the authenticity of natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, the connection to the unique ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands, and the wildlife adventure of a safari,” Richards said.
“The availability of effective, reliable traveler protection helps make immersive travel experiences that allow individuals to engage deeply with local cultures, environments, and communities possible, especially in remote regions where access to communication, first responders, and medical resources is limited compared to more developed and popular destinations.”
For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.
About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey
Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.
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.
National Elections Abroad That Are Cautionary Destinations for Travelers
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
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.
US Commerce Secretary Re-Appoints Global Rescue CEO to Travel and Tourism Board
US Commerce Secretary Re-Appoints Global Rescue CEO to Travel and Tourism Board
(Lebanon, NH – January 11, 2025) – US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the re-appointment of Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, to a third two-year term on the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB).
“[Richards’] experience will be critical as the Board provides the Department of Commerce with advice and counsel on opportunities and challenges that affect the US travel and tourism industry,” said Secretary Raimondo.
“I am eager to work with the incoming administration and the Board to support the ongoing recovery of the travel and tourism industry and address how governments can invest in tourism infrastructure to improve the resilience of our industry,” Richards said.
“[Richards’] dedication and commitment to the TTAB over the past four years have provided the Department of Commerce (Department) with invaluable counsel on travel and tourism matters,” said Secretary Raimondo. “The recommendations developed during his tenure have helped focus the Department’s efforts to identify and address priority issues affecting the travel and tourism industry in collaboration with the other Federal agencies of the Tourism Policy Council,” she added.
The Board is comprised of 32 leaders from businesses and organizations in the domestic travel and tourism industry. Chair Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International and Vice Chair Julie Coker, President & CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, lead the Board. Participating members include Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb; Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel; and Matt Goldberg, the CEO of Trip Advisor, among others.
Members advise the Secretary of Commerce on how government policies and programs affect the travel and tourism industry and offer counsel on current and emerging issues to support the sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry as our nation’s economic engine.
Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.
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.