Low adoption of travel assistance apps among business travelers

NEW YORK –  A survey of North American business travelers finds that, despite encouragement from their companies, few are using travel apps designed to provide an extra layer of security and protection while on work trips.

The survey, commissioned by World Travel Protection – a global leader in travel risk management – found that while seven in 10 business travelers (83% US; 69% Canada) report their company encourages them to use a travel assistance app, only three in 10 (30% US; 28% CAN) have actually downloaded one. Some say they don’t wish to use the recommended app (31% US; 17% CAN) and two in 10 (22% US; 23% CAN) simply haven’t bothered to download it.

The low adoption rate of travel assistance apps, which provide real-time security alerts and immediate access to medical and security assistance, is particularly surprising given that many of these same travelers say they would feel safer, more supported, and comfortable knowing they had this type of support. Almost a third (31% US; 32% CAN) say that knowing they could obtain 24/7 help at the push of a button is a “game changer.” A quarter (26% US; 26% CAN) say a travel assistance app would give them peace of mind, and three in 10 (29% US; 29% CAN) say their family would feel comforted knowing they have this level of support.

“Given the volatile state of the world – with growing civil unrest, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters – it’s puzzling that many travelers aren’t taking advantage of the latest travel assistance apps, which can provide immediate access to medical and security experts at the touch of a button,” says Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director Americas, World Travel Protection. “It’s important for companies to make sure their employees not only have access to these tools but are actively using them. A hands-on travel risk management partner can significantly boost the adoption rate of these apps, making a notable difference in employee safety.”

Harrison explains that a good travel assistance app warns travelers of emerging or endemic risks in real time, directly along their travel route. Geolocation capabilities built into the app allow travel management and security teams to easily notify users of potential disruptions and quickly locate them with pinpoint accuracy in an emergency. For those travelers concerned about privacy, apps offer the option to control location sharing within a 3-mile/5-km radius, masking their precise location while still alerting them to nearby potential risks.

“With cutting-edge technology, travel assistance apps have become a significant differentiator for companies aiming to keep their employees safe while on the move, while also minimizing their own risk exposure,” says Harrison. “Organizations need to understand that proactive engagement in risk reduction for traveling employees is key to fulfilling their legal, compliance, and Duty of Care obligations. A good practice is to mandate the use of a reliable travel assistance app and confirm employees have it downloaded on their phones prior to traveling for work.”

*This release offers a snapshot of the attitudes and perceptions of business travelers from the US and Canada. Research was conducted by Opinium Research from February 1-8, 2024, amongst 1,000 adults who travel for business at least once a year in the US (500) and Canada (500).