As excitement builds for the Paris Olympics (July 26 – August 11), a recent survey commissioned by World Travel Protection reveals apprehension and fear among North American business travelers heading to France for the Games. To ensure a safe, seamless experience, effective travel risk management strategies are essential.
According to the survey, conducted by Opinium*, more than half of North American business travelers worry about safety and security risks at the Olympics (69% US, 54% CAN). More than half also believe that the Games could be a target for terrorism (US 61%, CAN 53%). Additionally, nearly three in four North American business travelers say they would never travel to a country to which their government has issued a safety advisory (US 74%, CAN 68%); currently, both the US and Canadian governments advise travelers to exercise increased levels of caution when traveling to France.
“Large-scale events like the Olympics always raise safety and security concerns, but with the right strategies, companies can ensure business travelers are safe to enjoy a worry-free, unforgettable experience,” says Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director, Americas, World Travel Protection.
Harrison stresses that companies need to provide comprehensive travel risk management education to business travelers attending the Paris Olympics. Here are his top-10 safety tips for travelers:
- Plan ahead and know the protocols: Participate in pre-trip briefings, which include information on everything from health risks to possible security threats and common cultural and language considerations.
- Shield yourself from crime: Avoid wearing or bringing high-value items such as jewelry to any event. Pack only the essentials. Paris, like many major cities, has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowds. Use a money belt or hidden pouch to securely carry your essentials, minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime.
- Leverage technology: Download a travel risk app with 24/7 intelligence updates and an emergency help button, to keep you informed about potential hazards, traffic and event delays, itinerary details, cultural norms, and more. Avoid relying on social media for information.
- Purchase tickets only through authorized channels to avoid scams: Download the official app for the event, which will provide real-time updates on venue capacity and congestion. Be aware of potential terrorism threats and report any suspicious activity to security personnel. Remove yourself from an unsafe situation promptly.
- Master the venue of the event you’re attending: Take some time to immerse yourself in the venue layout, making note of the emergency exits and security protocols. Anticipate potential disruptions and your plan for navigating an exit, if necessary.
- Secure your mobile devices: Keep your mobile devices secure by enabling lock screens and tracking features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device.” Avoid leaving your devices unattended in public places, for any length of time.
- Take cyber safety precautions: Protect against hackers by using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions and use a VPN for secure internet connections. Be cautious of phishing scams and avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unknown apps. And never share your location on social media, as it can make you a target for theft.
- Prioritize your health: Ensure you have all necessary medications and enough to cover any unexpected travel interruptions, along with a copy of your doctor’s prescription in case officials ask for it or you need a refill. Familiarize yourself with Paris-specific health advisories, such as precautions for heat-related illnesses and potential pest outbreaks, and learn how to protect yourself.
- Designate an emergency meeting place: Agree on a safe meeting place with your travel party in the event of unrest. Seek temporary shelter in safe locations like cafes or restaurants. Ensure all party members have each other’s contact details and hotel information.
- Carry essential contacts and resources: Research and save contact information for local emergency services, as well as for your country’s embassy or consulate in Paris. Save this information in the notes section of your mobile device, or carry a hard copy, in case of signal blocks by authorities. Download an offline map on your smartphone.
*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).
