Survey provides new perspective on travel choices

US travellers say safety and security are the main factors.

Travel Insurance News - 20/09/2010

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The findings of a recent survey of travellers’ concerns provide some new insight into destination choices and the factors taken into account by US travellers. According to respondents, the key factors when it comes to international travel are safety and security. However, 70 per cent of those surveyed said issues with security and safety still would not prevent them travelling abroad.

The study was conducted in July by Synovate eNation on behalf of the US Travel Insurance Association. Despite insisting they would still travel internationally, even given some safety and security risks, 60 per cent of respondents said these factors would influence their choice of destination abroad.

Approximately 67 per cent of those polled said they were moderately to highly concerned about terrorism. Law enforcement was a concern for 65 per cent of people surveyed. Natural disasters and kidnapping were ranked of equal concern for 44 per cent of respondents but of greater concern, at 57 per cent, were assaults or muggings, theft, and security levels on public transport systems.

Half of those surveyed were worried about automobile accidents. Only a third was concerned with civil unrest. Compared to the poll conducted in 2009, American travellers voiced roughly the same level of concern regarding security and safety. Health issues were less of a concern this year than last.

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