A survey of more than 4,700 international business travelers released by International SOS reveals that 60 percent of respondents travel to what they consider to be high-risk destinations once a year, with nearly one in five (16 percent) reporting they travel to destinations they consider to be high risk five times a year or more.

Respondents who travel to what they consider to be high-risk destinations indicated by an overwhelming majority – 82 percent – that they are “comfortable” or “very comfortable” with having their location tracked via their mobile device and being sent location-specific alerts and updates while traveling. Additionally, a similar majority – 77 percent – of international business travelers stated they are “comfortable” or “very comfortable” with using their mobile device to provide their location to employers while on the road.

The survey results also provide a look at the use of mobile communications devices by international business travelers. While smart phones are prevalent among international travelers, most use them only for email. Eighty percent of respondents said they carry a smart phone while traveling, but the vast majority (73 percent) of those same users said they do not use travel-related applications before or during travel.

Survey respondents were asked to rate the type of information they want to receive more of from their employers, or providers appointed by their employers, when traveling and its relative level of importance. The information deemed most essential was, in order:

* specific city- and local-level information on availability and location of quality medical services in a given destination
* disease risks
* vaccination advice
* medication availability

While use of travel-related applications on mobile devices was revealed to be fairly modest (just 21 percent of all travelers), respondents who do use such apps were asked to rate the importance of each. Those rated most important, in order, were:

* capability to call for help in an emergency while traveling

* ability to receive updated medical and security alerts for travel destinations

* ability to receive travel, security or medical advice for selected destinations

The survey was conducted in March 2011 by research firm David Burnett & Associates.

Source: International SOS