Global Rescue 2017 Travel Safety Survey: Europe Emerges Amidst Persistent Concerns for Terrorism

84% travelers are at least “Somewhat concerned” about 2017 travel

LEBANON, N.H.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global
Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and
travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and
individuals, today released results of the Global Rescue 2017 Travel
Safety Survey. The data reveals that a clear majority (84%) have
concerns for their safety for 2017 travel. Among participants expressing
some level of concern, more highlighted Europe compared to Africa and
the Middle East.

Top findings include:

• Travelers have concerns, but are likely to travel anyway. Eighty-four
  percent (84%) of respondents are at least “Somewhat concerned”
  about travel safety in 2017, including 32% who say they are at least
  “Concerned” or “Very concerned.” One in four respondents (26%) say
  they are more concerned about travel safety in 2017 compared to 2016.
  However, despite these concerns, nearly all (96%) say it is either
  “Likely” or “Very likely” they will travel in 2017.
• Concerns emerge about travel to Europe. Europe has emerged as a
  top-three destination in terms of concerns, along with Africa and the
  Middle East. Intensity of concern is significantly greater in the
  Middle East, though in terms of overall concerns, Europe leads the
  way. Among respondents who expressed some level of concern (i.e.
  “Somewhat concerned,” “Concerned,” or “Very concerned”), 75% pointed
  to Europe, followed by Africa (73%) and the Middle East (73%).
  However, intensity of concern is highest in the Middle East, with 45%
  “Very Concerned.”
• Terrorism remains top of mind when it comes to travel threats in
  2017. Terrorism ranks among the top perceived threat to
  respondents, with 55% ranking it as either first or second on a list
  of the greatest threats they see while traveling in 2017. Forty-four
  percent (44%) of respondents rated health/medical issues as a top-two
  threat, and 37% ranked crime as a top-two threat. Traffic accidents,
  the leading cause of death for US citizens abroad, was fourth, with
  23% rating it as a top-two threat. This highlights the incongruity
  between actual threats (measured by US citizen deaths overseas) and
  perceived threats. In other words, travelers appear most concerned
  about terrorism when in reality the odds are extremely low that they
  will actually be affected.

“The world is an increasingly unpredictable place,” said Global Rescue
CEO and founder Dan Richards. “The good news is that despite their
fears, most travelers are continuing to travel. It is more likely that a
car accident or a slip-and-fall will derail a vacation than a terrorist
attack, but as evidenced by recent terrorist activity in Europe and
other places historically considered “safe,” terrorism is a legitimate
safety concern.

Despite perceptions of risk from terrorism, it accounts for only about
3% of U.S. citizen deaths overseas, according to US Department of State
figures. According to the data, vehicle accidents (30%), homicides
(19%), and even suicides (14%) account for many more U.S. citizen deaths
overseas.

The Global Rescue 2017 Travel Safety Survey was conducted December 28,
2016, through January 14, 2017. The study is based on a survey of 1,000
current and former Global Rescue members ages 25 to 70 or older, with
household incomes of $35,000 to $200,000 or more.

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. The Company
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 decade. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

Contacts

Global Rescue
Ann Shannon, 617-459-4200
press@globalrescue.com