Mounting geopolitical tensions and the rising incidence of extreme weather call for new takes on travel risk. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Maksym
Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical and climate uncertainty, planners now have new and critical risk management considerations, while industry relationships play a more important role than ever, event professionals say.
Sometimes, longer is better
Airspace management is now a critical consideration, according to Brett Han, managing director at iCube Events.
Rather than cost and travel time, planners may now have to look at flight routes over high-risk countries, where airspace has become increasingly volatile due to political unrest and military activity. To mitigate risks, planners should work closely with travel partners and airlines to ensure flight paths avoid restricted or high-alert zones.
“Factoring in longer but safer travel routes may increase costs or travel time, but the safety of attendees must take priority,” he continued. “Building buffer time into schedules and staying flexible with travel plans are essential strategies.”
Next level wet weather plans
Is it best to avoid disaster-prone destinations? Among many other instances of extreme weather, Typhoon Wipha recently swept across Hong Kong and Macau, causing widespread disruption to flights, flooding concerns and impacting levels of tourism.
Han told M&C Asia: “While it’s not always necessary to avoid destinations prone to natural disasters, event planners should carefully assess the timing, location, and available infrastructure before committing,” he said.
“Countries with seasonal risks such as typhoons, earthquakes, or wildfires require more detailed contingency planning. If the risks are high during your event period and local preparedness is weak, it may be best to consider alternative destinations.”
Weather the ‘whether’
On the other hand, given the inevitable march of climate events across the globe, experts agree that planners must have some degree of risk tolerance around weather.
Han advised against automatically writing off destinations with weather risks.
Max Boontawee Jantasuwan, founder and CEO of Events Travel Asia (ETA), echoed the sentiment, adding that excluding entire destinations can be a shortsighted move.
“Many regions offer rich experiences despite potential risks,” Jantasuwan said. “Rely on government travel advisories and assess options case by case.”
Jantasuwan suggested that a contingency plan should be reframed as an ‘agility plan’, creating a mindset that embraces adaptability.
“Include clear visibility on cancellation costs, backup destination options (especially useful in larger countries), and strong relationships with local convention bureaux,” he advised. “These measures enable swift pivots when needed.”
Building bridges amid conflict
Indeed, relationships have also become more important than ever before amid global volatility.
This is true in the case of “insurance”. Beyond working only with vetted hotels, venues and on-ground partners, Jantasuwan stressed the importance of discussing attrition and cancellation terms with suppliers.
“Flexibility (of suppliers) often depends on the strength of your relationship (with them). Respect and professionalism go a long way when navigating risk.”
Respectful and reliable relationships are weighing heavier as heightened geopolitical tensions interplay with unpredictable changes in travel regulations, such as in the US.
Jantasuwan hence stressed: “Lead with respect and readiness, and prioritise up-to-date information and proactive communication… Work with partners who are well-versed in handling evolving regulations.”
Han agrees with growing need to be on top of real-time developments, partnering with local experts or DMCs can help navigate sudden changes, provide additional assurance and support in interpreting complex entry rules or venue compliance guidelines.
On the client side, planners should also strengthen communications to better manage expectations, particularly when it comes to longer lead times (concerning visa processing, security checks, compliance measures) and potential last-minute changes, Han and Jantasuwan concur.