Travel Security

By : Forum Member
Published 1st August 2016 |
Read latest comment - 2nd September 2016

Difficult to work out where to post this so opted for this discussion.

In my last job I gave travel briefings to colleagues as part of their pre-travel risk assessment.  Since being made redundant it's got me thinking about how travel providers, tour operators and those just selling single elements of a holiday approach the issue of travel security advice.  I have written to a number of "niche" holiday providers (solo holidays, people of a "certain age") offering to provide information to them, but had no response.  Their magazines do not feature any articles on travel security. I've also now decided to stop posting free travel security tips on one forum site because most of the contributors don't recognise the importance.

It's not scare-mongering, travel security is an important part of enjoying our holidays.  Are these companies reluctant to become involved because they fear being sued if something goes wrong? Most suggest FCO advice, but that offers general rather than more specific information.  

Last Thursday marked 30 years since Suzy Lamplugh disappeared and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a recognised authority on safety at work.  On the same day, many newspapers ran a story about a doctor who had been raped whilst on holiday in St Lucia.  She is now suing the sailing holiday company for not providing secure accommodation.  This could become a landmark case if proven that the holiday provider did not recognise its duty of care to customers.


JuliaP
Comments

Interesting, I think few people would disagree travel security is an important issue in the current world we live in.

But who would be the target market, consumers/tourists or just the travel companies or both?

FCO advice has to be the first port of call because it is official, but concede it was always be very high level and general, like don't travel!

But how would you be able to offer more detailed and specific information that the FCO for more than a handful of destinations? Or are you talking about skills and tips which are generic for all destinations, like don't wave around your Jimmy Choo handbag in a rough area 

I think you might be onto something that tour operators would be worried about getting sued for giving bad or wrong advice. It's a lot easier to delegate to the FCO.

Maybe it could be something that is bolted onto Trip Advisor or Expedia, where you get given a security assessment after choosing your destination and accommodation. You and your growing army of consultants get paid a fee for every assessment. 

Or maybe a Security Review site for the world? Dumb it right down for the greater masses.

Syria 1 star

Egypt 1 star

Morocco 2 stars

England 5 stars etc

Then a more information tab on each country giving the latest information. Build it up, sell live data feeds to the travel companies and later the FCO  Fancy a web partner 


Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn

tourists would be a good start ... I know in South Africa if you get lost and end up somewhere you shouldn't be , you will highly likely end up dead. There are so many things you need to heed while out and about and sadly I have lost a lot of awareness I used to have as not much happens here, so it's no wonder a lot of Brits get into so much trouble abroad 


Thanks,
Andy-C | Pewter World

tourists would be a good start ... I know in South Africa if you get lost and end up somewhere you shouldn't be , you will highly likely end up dead. There are so many things you need to heed while out and about and sadly I have lost a lot of awareness I used to have as not much happens here, so it's no wonder a lot of Brits get into so much trouble abroad  ”
 

Blimey, South Africa is on my go to list, but I thought things were supposed to be a lot safer now. Is it still that bad?  I've heard from friends that the capital is supposed to be safer, although usual common sense stuff at the Airport, taxis etc.

We are pretty sheltered as a whole in the UK, although the News will tell try and tell you otherwise. You are more at risk of getting run over than being a victim of crime, with a professional Police Force which you only really appreciate when you start visiting other parts of the world. Sometimes it's interesting (and frightening) to see how law enforcement, human rights and crime varies, Saudi Arabia being one of my favourite examples of a low bench mark 


Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn

Thanks for the very interesting comments.  

FCO has introduced a new advice section on their website and also published a list of the 400 partners involved.  These partners are from travel, insurance and allied industries although it's not clear what their contribution has been, or what involvement they will have in the future.  It may be more of the same, in recommending customers look at the FCO website.  My initial thoughts are that there are still some important items missing.  Perhaps I should contact FCO...... 


JuliaP

Perhaps I should contact FCO...... ”
 

Go for it. Don't expect a quick response, but let us know how you get on


Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn

Stay in the uk much better here and not security risks like other countries 

I went to the London firework display there was no problems the police were brilliant and left alone to watch the best show, 

i thought why do we need to go abroad, 

i will be there this year work permitting I would say go to anyone resident or visiting 

Interesting, I think few people would disagree travel security is an important issue in the current world we live in.

But who would be the target market, consumers/tourists or just the travel companies or both?

FCO advice has to be the first port of call because it is official, but concede it was always be very high level and general, like don't travel!

But how would you be able to offer more detailed and specific information that the FCO for more than a handful of destinations? Or are you talking about skills and tips which are generic for all destinations, like don't wave around your Jimmy Choo handbag in a rough area 

I think you might be onto something that tour operators would be worried about getting sued for giving bad or wrong advice. It's a lot easier to delegate to the FCO.

Maybe it could be something that is bolted onto Trip Advisor or Expedia, where you get given a security assessment after choosing your destination and accommodation. You and your growing army of consultants get paid a fee for every assessment. 

Or maybe a Security Review site for the world? Dumb it right down for the greater masses.

Syria 1 star

Egypt 1 star

Morocco 2 stars

England 5 stars etc

Then a more information tab on each country giving the latest information. Build it up, sell live data feeds to the travel companies and later the FCO  Fancy a web partner 

 

 


Thanks,
John

I must admit, security is now one of my biggest worries when thinking about the family holiday. I know it's wrong and people say you shouldn't let terrorists win, but I want a relaxing child friendly family holiday, not make a political point or put my family in any unnecessary danger.

I think holiday companies should be taking security and risk more seriously rather than defer to the FCO.


Angela
My views & opinions are my own

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