BOXX’s Dominic Steptoe comments on the six top travel threats for 2025
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World Travel Protection has outlined the six top threats it predicts business and leisure travellers will face in 2025
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BOXX's Dominic Steptoe comments on Public Wi-Fi risks and how travellers can mitigate these risks

While business and leisure travel has seen strong growth this year, increasing climate risks and political tensions have demonstrated that the need for risk mitigation for travellers is more pronounced than ever.
“We’re managing multiple emergencies each month,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director for EMEA at World Travel Protection.
The global risk management company has outlined the six top threats and risks it sees facing business and leisure travellers in 2025.
Escalating cyber threats
Cyberattacks are growing more sophisticated and prevalent. In the first quarter of 2024, the number of phishing, malicious, denylisted, and offensive links delivered to mobile devices nearly tripled compared with the same period in the previous year. Despite the risks, 45% of mobile users do not use mobile security solutions, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
Dominic Steptoe from BOXX Insurance, the cyber protection and insurance partner of World Travel Protection, explained: “Public Wi-Fi networks have become a common playground for cybercriminals seeking to intercept sensitive data, and travellers using public USB charging stations or relying on unsecured smart devices risk exposing their devices to malware or unauthorised access.”
To mitigate these risks, travellers should employ tools like virtual private networks (VPNs), encrypted devices, and multi-factor authentication as part of a cyber-safe travel checklist.
Crisis situations
World Travel Protection has seen a surge in emergency evacuations and repatriations, rising by 17% this year. Assistance calls have similarly increased, up 18% compared with 2023.
“From the Japan earthquake at the beginning of the year, to global flooding disasters in countries including Brazil, UAE and Spain, to summer wildfires and hurricanes, typhoons and storms, these situations demand preparedness and a reliable support network,” said Fitzpatrick.
Extreme weather events
Severe weather disruptions have intensified, with a 47% increase in incidents affecting World Travel Protection customers compared with 2023. It is looking likely that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, joining 2023 as the two hottest years on record. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says extreme weather events are the “new reality and a foretaste of our future”.
Misinformation campaigns
Misinformation is a very real threat in today’s interconnected world. Social media platforms, from TikTok to X (formerly Twitter), enable the rapid spread of misleading content, often fuelled by state-sponsored campaigns during elections or geopolitical conflicts. Algorithms promote those highly engaging (and often sensational) posts further. Adding to this level of deception are artificial intelligence (AI) generated deepfakes, including images, videos, or audio clips, which can now convincingly impersonate public figures. Misinformation creates confusion and potential risk for uninformed travellers.
“Travellers must exercise caution when interpreting news that could influence their safety abroad and try to only rely on trusted information sources, including government travel advisories and well-respected global news platforms,” said Fitzpatrick.
Kidnapping risks
Travellers are at risk of kidnapping, particularly in regions with high political instability or organised crime. Countries with high risk include Nigeria, Haiti, and Mexico.
Fitzpatrick said: “In places like Nigeria, for example, kidnappings have been widespread, with both locals as well as tourists and business travellers at risk. It’s essential that travellers are informed, prepared, and supported wherever they go. While details can vary by destination, this threat highlights the importance of employers having advance risk assessments and a security plan in place.”
In October, World Travel Protection appointed two new business leaders to accelerate its growth strategy in North America.
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This piece was originally published in the International Travel & Health Insurance Journal.
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