Press Release
For Immediate Release
4 December 2008
BUSINESS TRAVEL TO INDIA ON HOLD FOR MANY COMPANIES: NEW HOTEL SECURITY PARAMETERS A HIGH PRIORITY ACCORDING TO ACTE SURVEY
Alexandria, Va --
The terrorist attack in Mumbai will prompt short-term cancellations in business travel to India and Pakistan, and initiate long-term interest in hotel security and guest safety on the part of corporate consumers, according to a survey conducted by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). Nearly half of the 134 international business travel managers who replied to the survey reported that their companies made extensive travel to the region; 48 percent indicated they were curtailing travel to India “until the situation became more settled.” Just seven percent claimed they were doing so indefinitely.
“This response is in keeping with a typical industry reaction,” said ACTE Executive Director Susan Gurley. “Subsequent research has revealed that the majority of travel managers with business in India simply want to make sure that their travelers will not get caught up in street demonstrations or public reprisals, should any occur.” Gurley added that only 7 percent of the survey’s respondents claimed that travelers were requesting not to travel to any destination at this time. An additional 12 percent requested not to travel to India, and another 10 percent extended that request to include Pakistan. Fifty-one percent of respondents indicated their travelers had not made such requests.
Yet the survey revealed that an overwhelming 78 percent of responding travel managers would be seeking a review of their hotel contracts with a greater emphasis on security and guest safety. (Fifty percent of this group said the extent of the review would depend on the region, while the remaining 28 percent would extend the review to all hotels.) Twenty percent reported they were satisfied with the security of their hotel partners.
This last figure corresponds exactly with the same number of respondents (20 percent) who stated their hotel partners already meet high standards in the areas cited for general improvement. Thirty-one percent of respondents said they would be looking for improvements in:
• More detailed coordination with local authorities (police, fire, military) with regard to hotel blueprints and planned assistance
• Staff training for evacuation and assistance
• Back-up communications systems for guests trapped in rooms
• Better surveillance systems
However, the majority of respondents specifically chose the security enhancements they preferred. Twelve percent wanted better security training for hotel staff. Ten percent indicated they wanted better surveillance systems in hotels. Seven percent cited better coordination with emergency services, such as police and fire departments. Four percent supported back-up communications systems for guests trapped in hotel rooms.
“Many hotels in cities around the world either have systems like these or something better,” said Gurley. “It may be more of a wish list that hotels in every region adopt all of these security enhancements in the immediate future. But it is serious progress if the hospitality industry takes the initiative on this issue.” Fourteen percent of responding travel managers claimed that having higher security standards would be the deal breaker for their hotel business. “This is a good incentive for a highly competitive industry,” added Gurley.
ACTE’s Executive Director also pointed out that the key word in the hotel industry is “hospitality,” and that business travelers do not want to feel as if they are staying in an armed camp. “Everyone wants enhanced security, but they also don’t want it evident,” said Gurley.
Traveler security has always been a priority at ACTE, and is the constant focus of the association’s Global Education Conferences, Executive Forums, and PowerTalks. Gurley also pointed out that ACTE’s worldwide travel industry education program included several events in India for 2009, which will not change.
For a list of ACTE’s Traveler Safety Recommendations, please click HERE.
ABOUT ACTE:
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the €463 billion business travel industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has representation in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org.
Innovators to the Business Travel Management Profession
“The Most Widely Adopted Standards in the Industry”
Education • CSR • Traveler Safety/Data Privacy • Advocacy
# # #
For more information, contact:
Jack Riepe
Communications Director
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
t: 610-719-8396
c: 610-952-0763
e: [email protected]
Kenneth Phua
Regional Director Asia-Pacific
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
t: +65-6440 9169
e: [email protected]
For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com