ACTE - Survey

ACTE Contingency Survey Shows High State of Readiness Among Travel Managers

Business travel managers are gearing up for any contingency: war, an act of terrorism, or natural disaster. According to a survey of US-based business travel managers conducted by the Association of Corporate Travel Managers (released on February 12), nearly every corporation has a plan in place to locate, transport, or otherwise assist business travelers faced with adversity.

This survey revealed these plans are subject to constant reevaluation and upgrading. The result is a reduced likelihood that the outbreak of hostilities will restrict domestic travel, and that the greatest impact on international travel will be confined to the immediate areas affected. In the next few weeks, the association will explore contingency procedures and advanced security measures.

This survey drew the greatest participation of any previous ACTE Power Poll, with 400 people opening the site, and 250 answering all of the questions. The association would like to thank survey participants who helped give greater definition to this particular issue.

1) Does your company have a contingency plan in place to either evacuate or otherwise secure stranded travelers in the instance of war or a major terrorist action?
      Yes 99%
      No 01%

2) Was this plan in place prior to 9/11?
      Yes 37%
      No 63%

3) Did the impact of 9/11 cause you to make changes in your existing contingency plan?
      Yes 98%
      No 02%

4) Have your travelers expressed concern for being abroad in the face of developing hostilities?
      Yes 49%
      No 51%

5) What is the most important point in contingency planning for business travelers caught on the road by terrorist actions or war?
      Locating them 44%
      Communications 20%
      Immediate Refuge 11%
      Returning home 15%

6) What is the most valuable advisory you rely on in estimating the likelihood of a potential contingency becoming a reality? Who gives the best warning?

The most commonly cited responses listed as sources of travel advisories were corporate security departments, news agencies, and the state department, followed by private security firms and consultants. Many corporate security officers were described as former intelligence agency members, ranking law enforcement officers, or as former members of the military intelligence community.

7) What is the most important piece of equipment a traveler should have when going abroad under geopolitical circumstances?
Most commonly recommended items included:
      • Global Cell Phone
      • Special information listing contacts for company's global security services
      • All of the appropriate information for US Embassy, US Consulate, International Red Cross, and all appropriate company contacts
      • Proper training for the correct response to this situation.

9) What other items are recommended for travelers?
      • A flashlight
      • First aid kit
      • Compact short-wave radio
      • Local internet information

10) Has the threat of a conflict in the Middle East caused your company to reduce international travel now?
      32% yes
      68% no

11) Would an actual conflict in the Middle East or elsewhere cause your company to reduce international travel?
      18% no
      82% yes

12) Would a conflict in the Middle East cause your company to reduce or restrict its domestic travel?
      Yes 35%
      No 65%