„Business travellers are increasingly going on the road again. But the feeling of security is still noticeably lower at the moment than before Corona”. Results of the study “Chefsache Business Travel 2020”
54 percent of business travellers feel “significantly” more insecure on the road, 38 percent “somewhat” more insecure than before the outbreak of the pandemic. And only 8 percent of business travellers currently feel that their business trip is as safe as it was before Covid-19 broke out.
However, before the Corona crisis, the subjective feeling of security had increased, especially due to digitization. As recently as January 2020, 74 percent of those surveyed stated in the study that they felt safer when traveling thanks to digital technology. The business travellers surveyed also valued their company’s own security measures. These included above all up-to-date lists of countries to which no employees are sent for security reasons, or advance briefings on possible risks at the destination.
Communicate security measures urgently
“Travelling in times of Corona raises new questions. Concrete information about the travel area, safety standards as well as hygiene concepts of hotels and means of transport become important,” says Florian Storp, Vice President Central Europe at American Express Business Travel (Amex GBT), which is involved in the initiative “Chefsache Business Travel” in the German Travel Association (DRV), which conducts regular studies. Other travel management participants in the campaign are BCD Travel, Derpart Travel Service, Egencia and First Business Travel.
According to the updated study, 40 percent of respondents said they would feel safer distributing face masks. 37 percent would welcome attention to maintaining a safe distance in transportation. And one in three would like to see, when booking a trip, which seats are kept free in front, behind or next to it. Just as many also expect disinfectants in means of transport.
But apart from these practical measures, it is above all information that reassures employees on business trips during and after the pandemic. 35 percent would like to be informed in detail about possible risks at their destination in advance. Almost as many would like detailed information about new health regulations in the destination countries and about stricter entry and exit regulations. And 29 percent feel safer with professional risk management, including return plans when traveling. In March alone, companies like Amex GBT brought back 35,000 travelers and initiated more than 100,000 reimbursements. In doing so, they also ensure that travel policies and approval requirements within the company are up to date.
Foto: © iStock.com/franckreporter, Konzack
