From the recent scenes in Valencia to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the world is becoming a more dangerous and unpredictable place, according to World Travel Protection.
The leading global travel risk management company has seen emergency evacuations and repatriations rise by 17% on last year.
Severe weather disruptions have intensified too, with an almost 50% rise in incidents affecting World Travel Protection travellers, compared to 2023.
While business and leisure travel has seen strong growth this year, the need for risk mitigation for travellers is more pronounced than ever.
“We’re managing multiple emergencies each month,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director for EMEA at World Travel Protection, a leading global travel risk management company.
World Travel Protection has outlined the six top threats and risk it sees facing business and leisure travellers in 2025.
Escalating Cyber Threats
Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated and prevalent. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of phishing, malicious, denylisted, and offensive links delivered to mobile devices nearly tripled compared to the previous year. Despite the risks, 45% of mobile users do not use mobile security solutions, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
“The digital landscape is a fast-evolving front line,” said Kate Fitzpatrick. “Individuals must constantly update their defences to protect sensitive information.”
Dominic Steptoe from BOXX Insurance Inc, the cyber protection and insurance partner of World Travel Protection explains: “Public Wi-Fi networks have become a common playground for cybercriminals seeking to intercept sensitive data, and travellers using public USB charging stations or relying on unsecured smart devices risk exposing their devices to malware or unauthorised access.”
To mitigate these risks, travellers should employ tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), encrypted devices, and multi-factor authentication as part of a cyber-safe travel checklist.
Crisis Situations
World Travel Protection has seen a surge in emergency evacuations and repatriations, rising by 17% this year. Assistance calls have similarly increased, up 18% compared to 2023.
“From the Japan earthquake at the beginning of the year, to global flooding disasters in countries including Brazil, UAE and Spain to summer wildfires and hurricanes, typhoons and storms, these situations demand preparedness and a reliable support network,” said Fitzpatrick.
Extreme Weather Events
Severe weather disruptions have intensified, with a 47% increase in incidents affecting World Travel Protection customers compared to 2023. It is looking likely that 2024 will be the hottest year on record joining 2023 as the two hottest years on record. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says extreme weather events are the “new reality and a foretaste of our future”.
Fitzpatrick said: “From record-breaking rainfall and sudden flooding to intense heat and raging wildfires, extreme weather can strike unexpectedly. Our 24/7 teams—consisting of Case Managers, Security Specialists, and Clinical Team members—are on standby to support travellers through any emergency.”
Misinformation Campaigns
Misinformation is a very real threat in today’s interconnected world. Social media platforms, from TikTok to X (formerly Twitter), enable the rapid spread of misleading content, often fuelled by state-sponsored campaigns during elections or geopolitical conflicts.
Algorithms promote those highly engaging (and often sensational) posts further. Adding to this level of deception are AI-generated deepfakes, including images, videos, or audio clips, which can now convincingly impersonate public figures. Misinformation creates confusion and potential risk for uninformed travellers.
“Travellers must exercise caution when interpreting news that could influence their safety abroad and try to only rely on trusted information sources including government travel advisories and well-respected global news platforms,” said Fitzpatrick.
Evolving Scams
Scammers are constantly developing more creative schemes to exploit unsuspecting travellers. Scams range from being accused of bumping into a child, or stall, in Southeast Asia and then being pressured into paying for overpriced goods, to “bump and grab” thefts in bustling cities.
“Vigilance is crucial,” Fitzpatrick warns. “Even familiar scams are evolving to outsmart the unprepared.”
Kidnapping Risks
Travellers are at risk of kidnapping, particularly in regions with high political instability or organised crime. Countries with high-risk include Nigeria, Haiti, and Mexico.
Fitzpatrick said: “In places like Nigeria, for example, kidnappings have been widespread, with both locals as well as tourists and business travellers at risk. It’s essential that travellers are informed, prepared, and supported wherever they go. While details can vary by destination, this threat highlights the importance of employers having advance risk assessments and a security plan in place.”
As for what we should be considering in 2025, Fitzpatrick said: “Understanding and adapting to these evolving threats is crucial for protecting business and leisure travellers. The rise in humanitarian emergencies and crisis response calls is a reminder of the unpredictability of our world, making thorough preparation and reliable support networks more important than ever.
“Only 1% of our calls involve complex emergencies, like negotiating safe passage in conflict zones. The real success lies in preventing these situations from escalating in the first place.
“However, the landscape of global risks has transformed, especially in the wake of major crises and the pandemic’s lasting impact. Travellers now expect that if they encounter a natural disaster or a geopolitical crisis, their travel insurance provider, or employer, will have medical and security support ready around the clock”.
“For business travellers, the concept of duty of care has also evolved,” concludes Fitzpatrick.
