NEWS

(Lebanon, NH – May 19, 2025) — As the 2025 Mount Everest spring climbing season peaks, Global Rescue’s on-the-ground medical and rescue teams are preparing for one of their busiest deployments of the year. With hundreds of climbers attempting the summit in a narrow window of favorable weather, rescue operations can reach a staggering pace.

“During the two-month Everest season, it’s not unusual for us to perform several rescue operations each day,” said Dan Stretch, a paramedic and senior operations manager at Global Rescue. “During the two-week summit window, we can see up to 25 rescues a day. Our deployment team is active from before sunrise to nearly midnight.”

Mount Everest Region: A Hub of Critical Medevac Activity

The Everest corridor—including Base Camp, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and surrounding valleys—has seen a dramatic uptick in life-threatening evacuations. Multiple members were rescued with symptoms ranging from chest tightness and extreme fatigue to syncope, severe dehydration and respiratory infections.

Among the most critical cases:

• A Croatian climber was diagnosed with bronchitis linked to HAPE
• A U.S. climber from Nashville suffered combined HAPE and HACE
• Another U.S. climber from Falls Church presented with HAPE, respiratory tract infection, and mitral regurgitation

Climbers from Gorakshep and Lobuche were also evacuated for hemoptysis, pneumonia, and altitude-related gastrointestinal illness.

“Our deployment teams are active from before sunrise until nearly midnight,” Stretch said.

Global Rescue’s High-Altitude Deployment Strategy

Global Rescue deploys medical teams—including paramedics and nurses—in multiple strategic locations across the Himalayas. These teams manage helicopter coordination, triage and stabilization, hospital admissions and post-care planning. It’s a comprehensive model designed to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for climbers and trekkers in crisis.

The complexity of high-altitude rescues on Everest goes far beyond dispatching a helicopter. Recovering injured or ill climbers and trekkers involves a multi-phase response: emergency extraction, medical triage, hospital admission, and coordination of continued care or repatriation. “Rescue means much more than just flying someone off the mountain,” Stretch emphasized. “It includes helicopter and ambulance transports, ensuring proper hospital care, and supporting individuals throughout their recovery and safe return home.”

To deliver this level of support, Global Rescue deploys multiple teams in strategic locations throughout the Himalayas. These include nurses and paramedics trained in high-altitude and trauma care. They coordinate with local aviation crews, hospitals and logistical support teams to ensure timely and effective responses for members in distress.

However, 2025 presents a new layer of difficulty: limited helicopter availability. “In response to multiple crashes in recent years, Nepalese civil aviation authorities are enforcing stricter limits on pilots’ daily flying hours,” Stretch explained. “That’s going to impact the number of helicopter rescues we can perform each day. Climbers should train, prepare and, critically, be able to self-rescue if necessary.”

Rescues Are Not limited to Mount Everest

On Annapurna I and Mera Peak, Global Rescue responded to a surge of high-altitude emergencies ranging from respiratory failure and altitude illness to orthopedic trauma. On Annapurna, climbers from India, the UK, and Brazil were evacuated with severe conditions, including HAPE, HACE, frostbite, gastrointestinal distress, and hyponatremia. One Brazilian climber and his partner were rescued in back-to-back missions, both suffering life-threatening altitude symptoms requiring intensive care.

Meanwhile, on Mera Peak, a 25-year-old Australian was treated for AMS and bronchitis after experiencing chest tightness at over 20,000 feet; a Malaysian climber was evacuated with suspected HACE; and a Singaporean sustained bilateral knee injuries from repeated falls.

“These incidents underscore just how volatile and dangerous conditions can be, even for experienced climbers,” said Stretch.

Limited Helicopter Access Adds Urgency

Complicating rescue operations this year are new restrictions from Nepalese civil aviation authorities. In response to recent crashes, officials are capping pilot flying hours per day, significantly impacting helicopter availability during peak rescue periods.

“This is a major factor,” Stretch said. “Climbers must be prepared to rely on themselves if helicopters are grounded or unavailable. Training, acclimatization and smart decision-making can save lives.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195. 

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

(Lebanon, NH – May 19, 2025) — Travelers are increasingly factoring geopolitical instability and civil unrest into their trip planning decisions, with a majority saying these risks influence not only where they go but whether they travel at all. These findings come from the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

According to the survey:

• More than 85% of the world’s most experienced travelers are at least somewhat concerned about geopolitical instability or civil unrest affecting their travel plans, including 13% who are concerned “a great deal” and 28% “a moderate amount.”
• More than 30% have canceled or changed a trip in the past due to these concerns.
• A striking 88% of respondents say they actively research a destination’s political or social stability before booking a trip.

“These numbers confirm that safety concerns are no longer a secondary consideration—they are front and center,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the US Department of Commerce. “Travelers are more aware, more informed and more proactive than ever in assessing the political climate of a destination.”

Government travel advisories also carry weight, with more than two-thirds of respondents reporting that such warnings influence their decisions at least “a moderate amount.” Only 5% said government advisories don’t influence them at all.

In terms of destinations, 76% of travelers said they would avoid locations experiencing ongoing protests or civil unrest, underscoring how real-time developments can rapidly shift demand and travel patterns.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine remains a specific concern. When asked whether a ceasefire would make travelers more likely to visit nearby countries such as Poland, Latvia, Czech Republic, or Estonia—all currently listed at the safest Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) by the US State Department—a fifth (20%) said yes, while 45% said they have no plans or interest in visiting these countries at all in 2025.

“Even in regions classified as safe, perception matters,” Richards said. “A conflict next door can be enough to alter travel demand across an entire region. It’s why clarity, transparency and timely advisory updates are essential—not just for traveler safety but for economic stability in global tourism markets.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, NH – May 12, 2025) — As international policy decisions made by US officials continue to shape global headlines, travelers are increasingly concerned about how these moves will impact their reception overseas. According to the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue, more than seven in ten respondents (72%) believe Americans will be perceived more negatively abroad in 2025 due to recent US international policy proposals, an identical statistic compared to travelers’ responses to the same question at the beginning of 2025.

“This is a clear signal that travelers are attuned to the ripple effects of international policy,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the US Department of Commerce. “When more than 70% of respondents express concern about being viewed more negatively while abroad, that’s not just a diplomatic issue—it’s a traveler safety and experience issue.”

One of the most revealing data points comes from a question about destination avoidance:
When asked which countries travelers were least likely to visit due to fears of feeling unwelcome in light of US policies:

• 46% said China
• 32% said Mexico
• 25% said Canada
• 18% said France
• 17% said India

Smaller but notable percentages cited US allies such as the United Kingdom (12%), South Korea (11%) and Taiwan (15%)

“Travelers aren’t just weighing destinations based on beauty, cost, or convenience anymore,” Richards said. “Perceived hostility or cultural friction is becoming a deciding factor—and that creates a new challenge for travel professionals, policymakers and tourism boards alike.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,1000 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – May 7, 2025) Global Rescue is closely monitoring the aftermath of a deadly military strike by India targeting locations in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, as well as Pakistan’s retaliatory artillery shelling across the Line of Control. The exchange of fire follows a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, reportedly linked to Pakistan and involving Indian tourists.

“Military airstrikes in the disputed region of Jammu-Kashmir have significantly raised tensions between India and Pakistan. The situation is fluid and could escalate,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and a former Senior Intelligence Operations Officer in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence at the U.S. Pentagon.

“Global Rescue’s medical and security operations teams are closely monitoring the escalating international conflict and stand ready to support recovery and evacuation efforts should the situation deteriorate further,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel, risk management services.

“Potential escalation will likely be confined to Kashmir and the border regions, but it could spill over into other areas. Travelers and civilians in the region are advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid border areas, and remain alert to official guidance and security updates,” Webber said.

Global Rescue responded to violent, international conflicts and civil unrest in Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Chile and Nigeria in the past, deploying emergency personnel to the region and actively engaged on the ground conducting rescue operations, repatriation support, security extraction, advisory and intelligence to travelers in the region to ensure their safety.

Global Rescue advises travelers to keep their phone charged and have a go-bag ready with their passport, identification and necessary travel documents readily accessible in case evacuation is needed.

“Travelers should stay alert for embassy updates and watch for signs of escalation such as protests, government warnings, or travel disruptions. While the situation develops, obtain daily briefings for relevant updates or guidance issued by the embassy,” Webber said.

Additionally, travelers should evacuate sooner rather than later. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Delaying evacuation can lead to being trapped, cut off from necessary resources or rescue efforts, and exposed to greater danger.

About Global Rescue

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

(Lebanon, NH – May 5, 2025) — While solo travel remains popular and empowering for many, safety remains a top concern—especially when choosing destinations and accommodations. According to the Global Rescue Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey of the world’s most experienced travelers.

“Solo travel is on the rise, but so is traveler vigilance,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “Travelers are prioritizing situational awareness and taking concrete steps to protect themselves when they venture out alone.”

The survey revealed that nearly one in three travelers (33%) have been victims of theft, scams or other crimes while abroad. Despite this, solo travel continues to appeal, with 65% of respondents reporting they usually feel safe traveling alone in most destinations.

Traveler destination choices are heavily influenced by safety concerns in the area. Nearly half (45%) of respondents said crime levels are a key decision factor when choosing where to travel “almost always” or “most of the time”, while 41% said safety concerns only “sometimes” impact their destination choices.

“The majority of travelers seriously consider safety issues when deciding where to go. That’s a huge factor in how travel trends are developing, especially for solo adventurers,” Richards said.

Among solo travelers, safety precautions are wide ranging. Overwhelmingly, solo travelers (93%) say always remaining situationally aware of their surroundings is the leading behavior for personal safety. Eight out of 10 (78%) respondents say dressing conservatively or modestly to blend in with the destination’s cultural norms is an essential safety practice along with hiring reputable drivers or taxis (68%). Many solo travelers also prioritize lodging with 24-hour security (44%) or hotel elevators with keycard access (33%).

When it comes to protecting valuables, travelers rely on multiple tactics including using zippered pockets (65%), separating and securing valuables (61%), using RFID-blocking products (52%) and money belts or travel wallets (49%).

Despite all these efforts, 38% of respondents have avoided certain countries altogether due to safety concerns when traveling alone. The top countries avoided were Mexico, Egypt, Turkey and China.

“These results underscore how safety not only shapes traveler behavior—it redirects tourism flows around the globe,” Richards explained. “This is a call to action for destinations to enhance infrastructure and invest in solo traveler-friendly experiences that inspire confidence without compromising on culture or adventure.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, NH – April 28, 2025) — As overtourism worsens in the world’s most popular destinations, travelers are adjusting course—opting for less-frequented places and off-season travel. But while these decisions may offer quieter, more authentic experiences, they simultaneously increase traveler risk. According to the Spring 2025 Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, this shift in behavior is creating a new safety landscape for global travel.

“People are turning away from overrun cities in search of meaningful escapes, but that trade-off often comes with greater personal risk. Infrastructure in these emerging destinations is frequently underdeveloped, especially in terms of emergency medical support. We’ve seen a 17% jump in security memberships in the last quarter,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The survey reveals that 61% of travelers have deliberately avoided a destination due to concerns about overcrowding—frequently naming countries like Spain and Italy. In seeking alternatives, they’re increasingly venturing into remote or lesser-developed regions, where medical infrastructure and emergency resources may be limited.

As travel risks evolve, proactive safety measures are no longer seen as a luxury but as a necessity for those navigating an unpredictable global landscape. “This is a defining moment in travel behavior,” Richards said. “Demand for personal security services among travelers is on the rise.”

Key findings include:

• 90% of travelers say they would consider a less popular alternative to reduce overtourism.
• 69% have been disappointed by crowds in top destinations.
• 77% prefer to travel off-season, with over half doing so “most of the time.”

“These results confirm that overcrowding is more than an inconvenience—it’s actively shaping traveler behavior,” Richards said. “But as more people explore the road less traveled, we must recognize the increased challenges and risks they may face along the way.”

As locations like Venice, Barcelona, and Bali continue to implement restrictions to manage overtourism, travelers are redirecting themselves to places that are quieter but often ill-equipped to handle crises—from natural disasters to medical emergencies.

“Sustainable tourism isn’t just about protecting destinations,” Richards emphasized. “It’s also about protecting travelers. While spreading out visitation helps preserve culture and environment, it also demands smarter planning—by governments, the travel industry, and individuals alike—to ensure safety isn’t sacrificed in the process.”

Global Rescue advises travelers to prepare for the added risks that come with venturing off the beaten path by securing travel protection that includes medical evacuation and emergency response services.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, NH – April 21, 2025) — Travelers are eager to hit the road in 2025 with more trips and longer stays, but international policy developments in the US are nudging many to reconsider how—and where—they go, according to the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue.

The survey found that more than 50% of respondents plan to take more trips this year compared to 2024 and more than 27% expect to spend more money and those trips to be longer. Nearly a quarter said they plan to spend more on travel this year. However, a third (33%) selected “none of the above,” signaling a level of caution or restraint amid mixed signals in the global travel environment.

“Traveler enthusiasm for 2025 is strong, but it’s being tempered by the real-world impact of US policy abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “We’re seeing people express a clear desire to travel more, yet also signaling hesitations tied to policy developments that affect international mobility and destination choice.”

When asked whether US international policy initiatives make them more or less likely to travel, more than a third of respondents (34%) indicated they are generally less likely to travel. Specifically, 6% reported being “much less likely,” 18% “somewhat less likely,” and 10% “less likely” to travel. Most respondents (55%) stated that the policies would not affect their traveler decisions either way.

Richards noted, “It’s telling that more than a third of travelers feel less likely to travel due to US international initiatives. The data reveals an undercurrent of hesitancy tied to how policy impacts the perceived ease, cost, or safety of international travel.”

Among those surveyed:

• 18% say their travel plans have already changed due to US international policies.
• 22% are still considering whether to change their plans.

For those whose plans have shifted:

• More than half (55%) are changing which countries they’ll visit.
• 34% are postponing international travel altogether.
• A quarter (24%) say they are no longer traveling internationally in 2025.

“Policies don’t operate in a vacuum—they influence real travel decisions,” Richards emphasized. “When travelers start revising their destinations or shelving international travel plans altogether, that’s a signal to policymakers that the ripple effects of their decisions are being felt on the ground.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, NH – April 14, 2025)— Travelers are bracing for rising costs and rethinking their plans in response to recent US policy developments and economic uncertainties, according to the Spring 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

The survey reveals that 83% of the world’s most experienced travelers expect travel costs to rise due to recent US policy initiatives, with nearly half (47%) saying travel costs will “definitely” increase and another 36% responding “probably.”

“Travelers are clearly feeling the impact of evolving US policies,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “From anticipated cost hikes to shifting itineraries and delayed plans, US policy and economic signals are shaping traveler behavior and decisions for the rest of 2025.”

Economic uncertainty is also factoring into decisions—but not necessarily stopping travel. Nearly 65% of respondents said they have not canceled or postponed an international trip due to concerns about a possible recession. Similarly, 31% have not altered domestic travel plans, despite headlines warning of economic slowdown.

“There’s a degree of resilience in today’s traveler,” Richards added. “People may be modifying their destinations or delaying departures, but they are still prioritizing travel, especially internationally.”

According to the survey, more than half of travelers (55%) are changing which countries they visit and 34% are postponing international travel altogether due to international policy shifts. About one in four (24%) say they are not traveling internationally in 2025, while a slight but notable 5% opt out of domestic travel.

“With nearly half of travelers altering their destinations in response to US international policies, the ripple effects of government decisions are clear,” Richards said. “As a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, I see the need for balanced policy approaches that support international trade and diplomacy without inadvertently deterring global mobility or discouraging tourism.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,100 current and former members between April 8-12, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 28, 2025) Global Rescue is closely monitoring the aftermath of the earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 magnitude centered in Myanmar, sending shockwaves throughout Southeast Asia on Friday, killing several people and causing extensive damage, with rescuers in Bangkok searching for nearly 100 people in the rubble of a collapsed building.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake’s epicenter was about 10 miles/17 km from the Myanmar city of Mandalay.

“Global Rescue medical and security operations personnel are monitoring the ongoing situation and are prepared to assist in recovery and evacuation efforts,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel, risk management services. 

Unpredictable natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can strike without warning. Most come from two regions: the Circum-Pacific Belt and the Alpide Belt, an active seismic path running through the Mediterranean and Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece. The Alpide Belt accounts for about 17% of the world’s most powerful quakes.  

“Global Rescue responded to earthquake-stricken Haiti and Nepal in the past, deploying emergency personnel to the region and actively engaged on the ground conducting rescue operations, providing intelligence to travelers in the region to ensure their safety, and coordinating airborne resources for evacuations of individuals impacted by the catastrophe,” Richards said. 

Thousands of travelers and residents are evacuating the region by air and watercraft.  

Global Rescue advises travelers to ensure their passport, identification, and necessary travel documents are readily accessible. Additionally, they should evacuate sooner rather than later. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Delaying evacuation can lead to being trapped, cut off from necessary resources or rescue efforts, and exposed to greater danger. Individuals should not solely rely on technology for information and communication since power outages or damaged infrastructure can render technology useless.  

“Keep your devices charged. Power could go out for days, weeks or months. It all depends on the local infrastructure,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security for Global Rescue. “Readiness, swift action and alert decision-making are core characteristics to manage catastrophic situations successfully.” 

About Global Rescue  

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 11, 2025) – A survey of the world’s most experienced travelers revealed a significant shift in traveler sentiment, with fewer people opting for risky trips, more turning to artificial intelligence for travel planning, and strong confidence in the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

More than half of travelers (59%) are not planning to visit riskier destinations in 2025, marking a 145% increase in risk aversion compared to 2023, when only 24% avoided such trips. Only a fifth (22%) of travelers plan to take riskier trips this year, a 35% drop from 2023. Another 19% remain undecided about venturing into high-risk areas.

“The data shows that travelers prioritize safety over adventure more than ever before,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Concerns over global instability, natural disasters, and health risks are leading many to reconsider riskier travel plans.”

Travelers’ use of AI for trip planning is rising. Most travelers (59%) still do not use AI for travel planning, but the latest survey marks a 34% decline from Fall 2024, when 90% reported avoiding AI. Most travelers who rely on AI for travel use it for general itineraries, basic destination research, activity suggestions, transportation and lodging recommendations, and dining and restaurant suggestions.

“AI is playing an increasing role in travel, helping individuals make informed decisions more efficiently,” Richards noted. “As technology improves, we expect even more travelers to incorporate AI into their planning.”

In 2025, most travelers choose to travel with family, friends, or a mix of both. Solo travel remains a strong trend, with 35% of surveyed travelers reporting that at least some of their trips will be completely alone. Another 16% plan to travel solo but as part of a larger group with people they don’t know.

The future of travel looks good, based on survey results. The travel industry lost 75% of its value in 2020 and has steadily rebounded. More than half of travelers (61%) believe the travel industry resurgence will continue to grow and surpass pre-pandemic levels. A quarter (26%) expect the industry to recover fully and stabilize; only 4% believe it will decline again.

“The travel industry is on a trajectory of sustained growth,” Richards stated. “People are eager to travel, and as safety concerns are addressed and technology improves, we anticipate even stronger momentum in the years ahead.”

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel. 

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 5, 2025) – The majority of the world’s most experienced travelers expect Americans will be less welcome and perceived more negatively while traveling internationally in 2025 due to recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S., according to the results of a Global Rescue Snap Survey conducted following President Trump’s address to Congress.

Seven out of ten (72%) surveyed travelers said Americans will be perceived more negatively and less welcome when traveling abroad. Nearly a fifth (16%) reported there would be no difference in how Americans are perceived, 9% didn’t know and 3% said Americans will be perceived more positively.

“The data is clear—travelers are expecting a shift in how they are received abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “This doesn’t mean Americans should cancel their travel plans, but they should be aware of their surroundings, practice cultural sensitivity, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.”

International travel veteran Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security operations for Global Rescue, advised it’s important to remember that locals may have strong opinions about international policies, but they often distinguish between a country’s government and its citizens. “They know it’s not you that is making the decisions and policies. Be a gracious guest and don’t discuss politics,” he said.

American international travelers can take several measures, all of which are recommended during any international trips, to travel safely and confidently despite growing concerns about their perception overseas. “Americans traveling abroad should be aware there could be an increase in political demonstrations and should obtain security advisory services to keep them informed of anti-American protests,” Bush said.

• Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid displaying overt symbols of American nationality, such as clothing with political slogans or nationalistic imagery. Blending in with local customs and attire can help minimize unwanted attention.
• Stay Informed: Travelers should research the political and social climate of their destination before departure. Understanding local attitudes toward the U.S. can help visitors navigate conversations and interactions more smoothly.
• Practice Cultural Awareness: Demonstrating respect for local customs, traditions, and social norms is essential. Learning basic greetings and etiquette in the local language can go a long way in fostering goodwill.
• Use Smart Travel Practices: Keep a low profile in public spaces, avoid discussing sensitive political topics, and be aware of your digital footprint on social media, as online expressions can sometimes lead to confrontations in person.
• Leverage Professional Travel Security Resources: For those visiting high-risk areas or facing increased concerns, working with security professionals and travel risk management firms like Global Rescue can provide invaluable guidance and support.

Despite the concerns highlighted by the survey, Richards emphasized that most international travel remains safe when travelers take the right precautions. “Being prepared and situationally aware is key. By exercising good judgment and respecting local norms, Americans can continue to enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences around the world,” Richards said.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue SNAP Survey

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,400 current and former members between March 5, 2025. The respondents revealed whether recent international policy proposals introduced by the U.S. would impact, negatively or positively, how Americans are welcomed or perceived when traveling internationally in 2025.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – March 3, 2025) – Despite widespread concern about safety and major health issues, international travelers continue to flock to remote and high-risk destinations—often without checking the quality of emergency medical care available. The most common trip-ending problems are major health issues (35%), according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Half of surveyed travelers identified “safety” as their top priority when selecting an international destination—significantly higher than “cost” (19%), “weather” (15%), or “convenience” (13%).

Yet, while travelers overwhelmingly recognize major health issues as the most significant threats, and half claim safety is most important when choosing a destination, only half (51%) take the time to research the quality of medical care available at their destinations.

“It’s an alarming attitude given that more than one in five surveyed travelers (22%) reported needing emergency medical care while abroad,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Travelers often assume they are prepared for the unexpected, yet paradoxically, the data suggests that few travelers take the necessary precautions to ensure their health and safety abroad,” he added.

The survey also revealed that many travelers seek out remote or high-adventure destinations. More than half of travelers (59%) said they are not planning to visit more risky destinations in 2025 compared to past years, but a fifth (22%) are actively planning such trips, and another 19% remain undecided.

“With a significant portion of travelers venturing into remote regions or booking riskier adventures, the importance of knowing the availability of emergency medical care cannot be overstated,” Richards said. “The data suggests that travelers equate safety with crime rates and political stability but overlook the equally critical aspect of emergency medical infrastructure,” he added.

Travelers should obtain destination reports covering everything from travel health and personal security advice to currency and common scams before taking a trip, especially to a foreign country. A Global Rescue destination report provides travelers with critical information about the healthcare landscape of their chosen destination, including details on local hospitals, the quality of care, potential health risks, and recommended vaccinations. They provide insights into language barriers, accessibility to specialized treatments, and region-specific health concerns.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.   

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey    

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.   

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

(Lebanon, N.H. – February 24, 2025) – A fifth of travelers report being victims of smartphone snatching or loss during an international trip, but less than 5% of the world’s most experienced travelers have faced the same issue, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

Experienced travelers recognize the alarming trend of smartphone theft during travel and implement a variety of preventive measures to secure their devices while abroad.

“When traveling, your smartphone is more than just a device—it’s a necessity. Protect it, because losing it could mean losing control over your plans, finances, and security,” said Harding Bush, former Navy SEAL and associate director of security for Global Rescue. “Avoid using your phone in crowded, congested areas. It’s best to use it indoors or in a secure location, and always stay aware of your surroundings,” Bush said.

According to the survey, keeping the phone hidden in public (43%) is the most popular method used by travelers for securing smartphones from mobile device snatchers. Using Face ID, a fingerprint, or a complex password (25%), ‘Find My Device’ and remote erase features (9%), and locking the SIM card (4%) are the next most common ways to protect your cell phone from theft.

“Never store your cash, ID, or credit cards in a phone wallet attachment. If your phone is lost or stolen, you lose everything at once,” Bush advised.

The least used methods are installing anti-theft software, encrypting phone data and using a phone leash (3%), obtaining a burner (throwaway) phone (2%), and removing banking and shopping apps (1%).

Smartphones are communication tools that also hold personal, financial, and sensitive data. When stolen, a thief can use the phone to access banking apps, email accounts, and social media profiles, putting travelers at risk of identity theft, fraud, and unauthorized transactions.

“Think about consequence management—if your phone is linked to two-factor authentication for email and financial accounts, losing it could lock you out of those essential services,” Bush said.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – February 18, 2025) – More than a third (37%) of the world’s most experienced travelers identified illness or injury as their most concerning disruption during international travel, marking an attitudinal shift from a year ago when civil unrest and terrorism were the leading concerns, according to Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Civil unrest or terrorism (20%) was reported as the second biggest traveler concern followed by losing a passport, credit cards, or wallet (14%) and trip cancellations (7%).

Regarding travel risks and the broader potential issues during a trip, nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) cited geopolitical instability and conflicts as their primary concern. Petty crime and personal safety threats were identified as the next biggest travel risk, followed by targeted attacks (20%) and economic instability or rising travel costs (13%).

Reflecting these concerns, travelers are increasingly considering security extraction services for their trips. The survey revealed that 24% of respondents already have security extraction service protection for their 2025 travels, while 17% plan to obtain such services. However, 21% do not have, nor plan to acquire, security extraction services, and 31% remain undecided.

“Travelers face distinct challenges; understanding them allows travelers to prepare for the challenges they might face, whether through contingency planning or risk mitigation strategies,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – February 10, 2025) – The overwhelming majority of travelers prioritize international travel experiences over material possessions, according to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Only 9% of travelers said travel is a lower priority for them in 2025 compared to 2024, while 41% said travel is a higher priority. Half of the respondents indicated that travel remains as important to them in 2025 as it was in 2024.

Sixty-five percent of travelers said international travel experiences are more important than acquiring material possessions. Specifically, respondents view travel as more important than purchasing a new smartphone (75%), a new or additional car (74%), expensive jewelry (89%), a new wardrobe (88%), or even a second home or home remodel (62%).

“Luxury material possessions are taking a backseat to passport stamps and unforgettable adventures,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board member at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“New luxury car sales are experiencing a significant slowdown, second home sales have fallen to a six-year low, and jewelry purchases are down—yet 2024 was a record-breaking year for international travel, and 2025 may be even bigger. “Chasing memories across borders has replaced chasing possessions at home,” Richards said.

Travelers also believe the travel industry will continue to surge. Most (61%) anticipate that travel will grow beyond pre-pandemic levels, while 25% expect the sector to recover and stabilize fully. Only 5% of respondents believe the travel industry will not fully recover.

For more information, contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195. 

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel. 

About Global Rescue  

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com. 

(Lebanon, N.H. – February 5, 2025) Global Rescue is closely monitoring the aftermath of the hundreds of earthquakes measuring between magnitude 3 and magnitude 5 that have struck the volcanic Greek island of Santorini since the weekend. “Global Rescue medical and security operations personnel are monitoring the ongoing situation and are prepared to assist in recovery and evacuation efforts,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel, risk management services.

Unpredictable natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can strike without warning. Most come from two regions: the Circum-Pacific Belt and the Alpide Belt, an active seismic path running through the Mediterranean and Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece. The Alpide Belt accounts for about 17% of the world’s most powerful quakes.

“Global Rescue responded to earthquake-stricken Haiti and Nepal in the past, deploying emergency personnel to the region and actively engaged on the ground conducting rescue operations, providing intelligence to travelers in the region to ensure their safety, and coordinating airborne resources for evacuations of individuals impacted by the catastrophe,” Richards said.

Thousands of travelers and residents are evacuating the region by air and watercraft.

Global Rescue advises travelers to ensure their passport, identification, and necessary travel documents are readily accessible. Additionally, they should evacuate sooner rather than later. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow it promptly. Delaying evacuation can lead to being trapped, cut off from necessary resources or rescue efforts, and exposed to greater danger. Individuals should not solely rely on technology for information and communication since power outages or damaged infrastructure can render technology useless.

“Keep your devices charged. Power could go out for days, weeks or months. It all depends on the local infrastructure,” said Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and associate director of security for Global Rescue.  ”Readiness, swift action and alert decision-making are core characteristics to manage catastrophic situations successfully.”

About Global Rescue   

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

(Lebanon, N.H. – February 3, 2025) – Travelers in 2025 are redefining their priorities based on conditions at specific destinations. Some countries struggle with overtourism. Other countries are actively trying to attract more tourists by promoting easier entry processes.

According to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, three out of four travelers (73%) expressed concerns about overtourism, and a third (33%) reported encountering it firsthand in 2024. In response, more than half of travelers (53%) are intentionally avoiding overcrowded destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Peru. Yet, these countries still draw some traveler interest with 16% of travelers planning trips to Italy, 15% to Spain, and 14% to France.

Meanwhile, destinations like Morocco, Kenya, Wales, Egypt, Cambodia, India and Taiwan are actively trying to attract more tourists by promoting easier entry processes, and travelers are responding. Nearly 10% of travelers are planning to visit Morocco, followed by Kenya (8%) and Wales (7%). Of the other countries easing international traveler entry policies, respondents are planning trips to Egypt (7%), Cambodia and India (6% each), and Taiwan (5%).

“The tourism industry is at a pivotal moment,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources, leaving them ill-equipped to handle traveler and resident crises.”

Government leaders have the power to mitigate these dangers. “Implementing visitor caps, promotion of off-peak travel, and targeted investments in tourism infrastructure are critical to easing the burden on high-traffic destinations,” Richards said.

As global tourism continues to expand, the urgency for proactive destination management has never been greater. “Travelers and policymakers share a responsibility to ensure that tourism remains a force for good—driving economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding the environment,” he added.

For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.   

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey    

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.    

About Global Rescue    

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.   

(Lebanon, N.H. – January 27, 2025) – The Northern Lights, Kenya Safaris and the Galapagos Islands are the leading dream destinations or attractions for 2025 that the world’s most experienced travelers want to experience but haven’t, according to results of the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey.

“Travelers continue to seek more immersive travel experiences, like witnessing the Northern Lights, going on a safari in Kenya or experiencing the evolutionary significance of the Galapagos Islands,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

While both genders prioritize the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands, women list the blooming of Cherry Blossoms in Japan as their top choice followed by the Northern Lights and the Galapagos Islands. Men selected a safari in Kenya after the Northern Lights and ahead of the Galapagos Islands. They listed the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms in Japan sixth.

Following their top aspirational experiences, travelers dreamed about visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Great Wall of China.

At the other end of the spectrum, travelers reported they are least interested in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, spending New Year’s Eve in New York City, and visiting the Colosseum in Italy, signaling a shift toward more unique and nature-focused travel adventures.

“Travelers are evolving beyond superficial experiences and, instead, seek the authenticity of natural phenomena like the Northern Lights, the connection to the unique ecosystem in the Galapagos Islands, and the wildlife adventure of a safari,” Richards said.

“The availability of effective, reliable traveler protection helps make immersive travel experiences that allow individuals to engage deeply with local cultures, environments, and communities possible, especially in remote regions where access to communication, first responders, and medical resources is limited compared to more developed and popular destinations.”

For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey   

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, surveyed more than 1,300 current and former members between January 21-27, 2025. The respondents revealed a variety of behaviors, attitudes and preferences regarding current and future travel.   

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – January 23, 2025) As global travel continues to recover, travelers should be aware of heightened risks associated with visiting countries experiencing potentially volatile national elections. Global Rescue, the world’s leading travel risk and crisis management firm, released its risk assessment for Countries with National Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2025.

“Elections, while a cornerstone of democracy, can sometimes lead to increased political unrest, demonstrations, and even violence,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and a former senior intelligence operations officer in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence at the Pentagon. “Understanding these risks and preparing accordingly is vital for anyone planning to travel during such periods.”

The following four countries have significant risks of protest, violence, and unrest due to upcoming national elections. Each country is listed as “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” by the U.S. Department of State.

Ecuador: Rising political tensions and allegations of corruption create an environment prone to demonstrations and instability. In January 2024, there was a series of attacks by organized criminal gangs, that resulted in the declaration of an internal armed conflict and the implementation of multiple states of emergency. While the situation has re-normalized, violence remains a concern. There was also a series of protests in late 2024 to oppose incumbent President Daniel Noboa’s policies, including the implementation of power cuts to conserve energy amid the ongoing drought. The first general election round is February 9 and the follow-up is April 13, 2025.

Tanzania: Human rights groups have raised concerns of repression, including arrests, abductions, and killings of opposition leaders and supporters. The next Presidential national election is scheduled for October 2025.

Ivory Coast: The 2020 presidential elections were accompanied by political and intercommunal violence resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people. A post-election conflict in 2010 resulted in the deaths of thousands. The next Presidential election is set for October 2025.

Kosovo: Protests are possible after the Central Election Commission declined to certify the Srpska Lista party, Kosovo’s main ethnic Serb party. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a violent war in 1998–1999. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, and Serbs in northern Kosovo still see Belgrade as their capital and continue to demand autonomy. Previous elections have resulted in violence in northern Kosovo. The next Parliamentary election is not set.

Three countries with higher risk for election-related civil unrest that are already listed as “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” countries by the U.S. Department of State.

Venezuela: Political instability and economic turmoil often culminate in unrest during electoral cycles. The next Parliamentary election is not set.

Belarus: Known for intense political suppression, past elections have triggered mass protests and government crackdowns, resulting in widespread instability. The Presidential election is set for January 26, 2025.

Iraq: There is a short and fraught history of democratic elections in Iraq. The next Parliamentary election is not set.

Countries with the least risks during elections include Sweden, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway – each of which have strong democratic processes, stable governance and a peaceful political culture.

A new set of travel risks is emerging. Geopolitical instability has overtaken other concerns, according to the world’s most experienced travelers. Issues such as political unrest, economic instability and conflict zones are driving travelers to take precautions that were once seen as optional.

“Travelers are saying the war, violent conflicts and civil unrest make it more likely they will add security extraction and advisory protection to their travel protection packages,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Travelers are improving their trip safety with security advisory and extraction protection, according to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the world’s most experienced travelers reported they would obtain security extraction protection services if the U.S. State Department travel advisory assigned to the country they plan to visit was Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) or Level 2 (exercise increased caution).

“51% of respondents of a recent Global Rescue survey would obtain security extraction services when visiting high-risk regions with possible or ongoing conflicts or civil unrest,” Richards added.

For more information contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 202.560.1195.  

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.  

(Lebanon, N.H. – January 17, 2025) Israel and Hamas appear close to a ceasefire, potentially ending a 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. support, has been cautiously welcomed by the world’s most experienced travelers, according to a snap survey by Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services.

A fifth of survey respondents (22%) said, the ceasefire deal makes them more likely to consider a trip to Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East in 2025. The majority (62%) said the ceasefire deal does not make them more likely to consider a trip to Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East in 2025. Sixteen percent had no opinion.

“Israel and the Middle East are unique travel destinations, offering cultural, historical, and natural attractions, but the region’s risks make security considerations essential,” said Dan Richards, CEO of the Global Rescue Companies and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“While most travelers remain cautious, with a fifth saying it increases their likelihood of visiting, it also highlights the importance of including robust traveler protection and insurance,” Richards said.

“It also shows the incredible resilience of travelers to the region since 62% say a ceasefire will not impact their travel decisions.”

The Israel/Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread devastation in Gaza and Israel.

Contact  

Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com or +1 (202) 560-1195 (phone/text) for more information.  

About the Global Rescue Traveler Snap Survey  

Global Rescue, the leading travel risk and crisis response provider, collected more than 1,000 responses from current and former members between January 16-17, 2025. The respondents revealed key insights and attitudes regarding travel to Israel and the Middle Ease following the announcement of the Israel/Hamas ceasefire agreement.

About Global Rescue  

The Global Rescue Companies are the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.

(Lebanon, NH – January 11, 2025) – US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the re-appointment of Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, to a third two-year term on the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB).

“[Richards’] experience will be critical as the Board provides the Department of Commerce with advice and counsel on opportunities and challenges that affect the US travel and tourism industry,” said Secretary Raimondo.

“I am eager to work with the incoming administration and the Board to support the ongoing recovery of the travel and tourism industry and address how governments can invest in tourism infrastructure to improve the resilience of our industry,” Richards said.

“[Richards’] dedication and commitment to the TTAB over the past four years have provided the Department of Commerce (Department) with invaluable counsel on travel and tourism matters,” said Secretary Raimondo. “The recommendations developed during his tenure have helped focus the Department’s efforts to identify and address priority issues affecting the travel and tourism industry in collaboration with the other Federal agencies of the Tourism Policy Council,” she added.

The Board is comprised of 32 leaders from businesses and organizations in the domestic travel and tourism industry. Chair Anthony Capuano, President & CEO of Marriott International and Vice Chair Julie Coker, President & CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, lead the Board. Participating members include Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb; Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel; and Matt Goldberg, the CEO of Trip Advisor, among others.

Members advise the Secretary of Commerce on how government policies and programs affect the travel and tourism industry and offer counsel on current and emerging issues to support the sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry as our nation’s economic engine.

Contact Bill McIntyre at bmcintyre@globalrescue.com  or 202.560.1195 (phone/text) for more information.

About Global Rescue   

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue has exclusive relationships with the Johns Hopkins Emergency Medicine Division of Special Operations and Elite Medical Group. Global Rescue provides best-in-class services that identify, monitor and respond to client medical and security crises. Global Rescue has provided medical and security support to its clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments and academic institutions, during every globally significant crisis of the last two decades. For more information, visit www.globalrescue.com.