By Dr. John Rose, Chief Risk & Security Adviser, ALTOUR
In today’s volatile and fast-moving global environment, Duty of Care is no longer just a legal or moral obligation—it’s a strategic imperative.
Travel-related risks are rising. In the span of just a few days, we’ve seen an emergency airline landing in the U.S. and a full closure at one of the world’s busiest airports—London Heathrow. These incidents aren’t isolated. They highlight the unpredictable nature of business travel today, and the increasing responsibility on employers to act quickly, decisively, and with precision.
When Risk Turns Into Liability
Travel risk doesn’t always come in the form of a high-profile emergency. Sometimes, it stems from overlooked details or seemingly routine events:
• An employer held liable after a fatal incident on a remote team assignment
• An organization responsible for damage caused by an off-duty employee on a business trip
• A company named in legal proceedings following a post-event accident involving one of their travelers
In each of these examples, the underlying theme is clear: Duty of Care fails when assumptions replace preparation.
Four Critical Actions for a Strong Duty of Care Program
To build resilience and reduce liability, organizations should focus on these core strategies:
- Implement a Comprehensive Travel Policy
Tailor your policies to reflect your company’s risk profile, travel patterns, and culture. Set standards around accommodations, transport, and travel tech security. - Set Clear Expectations
Travelers must understand what constitutes safe behavior, especially in unfamiliar environments. Proactive communication prevents risky decisions. - Provide Pre-Trip Training and Support
Offer destination-specific briefings and use ISO 31030 as a guide to assess, prepare, and train employees before they depart. - Ensure 24/7 Support
Travelers need more than a contact number—they need access to live intelligence, real-time alerts, emergency response, and global assistance at any hour.
Technology Is the Difference
Legacy systems and manual tracking aren’t enough. You need a solution that thinks faster than you can.
That’s why we developed AI Shield, the latest addition to the ALTOUR Intelligence suite. AI Shield outperforms legacy systems by providing:
• AI-powered alerts based on actual traveler proximity to incidents
• Real-time data filtering to cut through irrelevant information
• Automated escalation and communication tools
• Full alignment with your existing Duty of Care strategy
Unlike traditional monitoring systems that rely on delayed updates and generic alerts, AI Shield delivers precision-driven, real-time intelligence to keep your travelers safe and your response team ahead of potential threats.
See AI Shield in Action
To understand how AI Shield can transform the way your organization protects its travelers, watch the recording of our recent Innovation Spotlight Webinar, hosted by myself and featuring travel risk experts sharing real-world scenarios, strategy insights, and technology demos.
🎧 Listen to the podcast episode
Don’t wait for an incident to test your readiness—let’s build your Duty of Care strategy today.
If you’re reviewing your travel safety programs, vendor agreements, or global response protocols, I’d welcome the chance to speak with you directly.
Connect with me for a one-on-one consultation. Let’s work together to make your Duty of Care program as strong and forward-thinking as it needs to be.
ALTOUR, with you all the way…
