New BCD Travel research reveals top risk concerns for business travelers and offers mitigation strategies

Key findings point to gaps in preparedness and traveler awareness

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, March 17, 2026 — Transportation incidents and health-related risks rank as top concerns for business travelers worldwide based on BCD Travel’s Research & Intelligence team survey of 1,284 business travelers conducted in November. Crime and natural disasters followed as other top worries, each cited by roughly one-third of respondents. The results are part of BCD’s latest report on changing attitudes toward travel risk management (TRM).

Transportation and health risks dominate concerns

Transportation accidents are the leading fear, cited by 37% of travelers, followed closely by health emergencies at 35%. Over the past year, 8% of those surveyed experienced an incident that required company support, with weather-related events accounting for almost a quarter of those cases.

Hotels and ground transport perceived as safe options

Regardless of these concerns, travelers still express confidence using managed travel options. Most travelers (86%) feel safe when staying at hotels included in their corporate travel program. Ground transportation, including ride-hailing services and traditional taxis are viewed favorably and considered safe by over 70% of respondents.

Persistent gaps in traveler awareness still remain

Despite trust in managed travel options, the survey reveals persistent gaps in traveler awareness and preparedness. Even though many organizations offer access to safety information through booking and risk management apps, travelers remain unsure where to find safety resources. Nearly one-third of travelers do not know where to locate company safety information, and over a quarter turn to alternative sources during an incident. About 30% are unsure whom to contact in an emergency, and 18% hesitate to seek help because they are uncertain whether their situation was serious enough.

Employer engagement is key when mitigating risks

To close these gaps, employer engagement plays a critical role in mitigating risk. According to BCD’s 2026 Travel Outlook report, a broad range of heightened risks persist for business travelers including extreme weather, regional tensions, disease risk and more. These concerns are already influencing behavior: 11% of travelers responded that safety concerns prompted them to cancel their trip. Of those surveyed, 66% rate company support during risk incidents as high or very high; only 7% report minimal or no support. Common employer resources include flexible travel options, 24/7 emergency support, risk alerts and company phones with roaming. The most desired resource is pre-trip destination information (30%), which 38% says is currently available to them.

Over half of respondents believe their company’s safety measures are evolving to address new risks, while 9% disagree, and 35% are uncertain. While 27% of travelers are satisfied with their employers’ travel safety policies and don’t believe improvements are needed, an equal share of travelers have voiced they want better communication.

“The research shows travelers want clarity, not complexity,” said Jorge Mesa, senior director, Travel Risk Management at BCD. “When people get simple guidance at the right moment, they feel more confident on the road. We put travelers first and create the connections that help them move safely. Insight and communication are key to shaping the future of safer business travel.”

BCD is a leading provider of travel risk management, combining the latest technology with human oversight and expertise to manage each part of the program. Its travel platform offers innovative digital solutions that support program goals, all backed by 24/7 monitoring from its award-winning Global Crisis Management team. For more information and traveler insights, download BCD’s travel risk management report.