Security and safety is one of three concerns the World Tourism and Travel Council members’ have for the travel and tourism industry.
Gloria Guevara Manzo, president and CEO of the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) held a presentation highlighting WTTC members’ greatest concerns for the travel and tourism sector, based on a recent survey.
- 78% of the members stated that Security and Safety was of high importance. Travel and tourism are still growing industries. This entails security and safety responsibility for guests, travelers and employees. There are many measures and potential solutions in handling situations before they occur, Manzo mentioned a use of biometrics as a potential solution. But its not enough to look at preventive measures preparations and solutions for handling a situation is also important.
- 72% of WTTC members identified Crisis Preparation a key issue. We see an increase in a wide range of incidents and crises, caused by nature and intentional actions by malevolent actors. Although news headlines focus on guest safety and data security, you can’t overlook the safety and security of your employees, for their health and productivity. How companies train and prepare employees to handle incidents is critical for the safety and security of guests, employees, brand reputation and business continuity.
- Which leads to Sustainability, the last issue highlighted by president and CEO and WTTC. 67 percent of its members identified sustainability as an important issue for travel and tourism. One factor mentioned here in addition to a private, public community approach was the vulnerability to new technology and trends. Companies must embrace the possibilities that lies new technology and systems can provide.
Ensuring your contingency and crisis management plan is up-to-date and understood by your employees can mean the difference between a major business fallout or not. Make sure that everyone has a common understanding of your contingency plan and ensure that all employees know what needs to be done and how.
Consider proper training and systems so that when you have crisis those who have a role in dealing with the situation knows their responsibilities and tasks. Enabling you to reassure that in case of an incident employees, management and owners can handle the situation and take care of and inform the guest.
Source: IMEX Policy Forum Report 2018 held in Frankfurt May 15th.