A hilarious quote from The Godfather (Part 1), “In Sicily, women are more dangerous than shotguns” got me thinking of something that’s equally dangerous; the vanity projects called African airlines.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2019 report, while the global industry generated Sh685 per passenger in 2018, African carriers generated average losses of Sh109 for every passenger they flew.

While the global airline industry experienced another year (2018) of robust financial outcomes (IATA estimates that airlines generated a net post-tax profit of Sh3 trillion on EBIT margin of 5.8 percent), most African airlines fared poorly. What’s worse, 80 percent of air travel from or to Africa is still done by non-African carriers while African airlines cater to only 20 percent of the air traffic in the continent.

This got me wondering: Is the Sh45 billion ask akin to throwing good money after bad? Do investors believe things will be worse, the same, or somewhat better in the future? If one is leaning towards the same or better, then the airline stock equity upside potential appears highly attractive. But not too fast, the airline industry has plunged more than two-thirds since the beginning of the year.

First half 2019 performance has not been exciting – it posted a pretax loss of Sh8.56 billion, compared with a loss of Sh3. 99 billion in the same period last year. Besides, it faces the daily risks of labour issues, flight cancelations and high oil prices (jet fuel prices in the region are significantly higher than the global average).

Further, although the airline hedges a maximum of 41 percent of the current year’s projected fuel requirements via options, volatile jet fuel prices this year means its hedges are unlikely to have seen much benefit.

KQ also has to deal with fierce competition. Our neighbours (Ethiopian Airlines) are currently Africa’s largest in both revenue and profit. They have also managed to overtake Dubai as a conduit for long-haul passengers to Africa under its strategic expansion plans.

That said, KQ is not a vanity project. The “Pride of Africa” can still fly the friendly skies. Crucial factors such as the launch of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, procurement of more efficient and cost-effective aircraft, launch of more strategic routes, normalisation of its labour issues and a focus on marketing could turnaround its fortunes. Indeed, these should drive returns and profitability.

Moreover, being a high-volume and a low-margin business, every penny counts. Focus on its “rationalisation” programme, deepening (and increasing) their regional partnerships – 41 percent of the airlines revenue in 2018 was realised from Africa – and non-interference from the government would be key to its future success.

This is one way the airline can increase return on capital, create value for its shareholders and reclaim its strategic position in African routes that are now being dominated by Turkish Airlines and Emirates.

To close, at the market level, long-term investors can still smile because the stock looks cheap and attractive at current prices despite the uncertainty. While it may be hard to make a case for adding shares to one’s portfolio right now, KQ is a compelling stock. No one doubts that it is still the “New Spirit of Africa”.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/ideas/Kenya-Airways-still-has-some-value-proposition/4259414-5355164-10btm9p/index.html

It’s no secret that technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of not only the travel industry, but humanity itself.

Add to that the rapidly evolving expectations of customers – immediacy, accuracy and personalisation are key to winning them over these days – and travel professionals well and truly have their hands full.

Identifying trends is key to staying ahead of the pack when it comes to the use of technology in travel. Here are five big ones you should be taking note of in 2020:

Biometrics

As government authorities and travel companies look for faster, more efficient and seamless ways of identifying and authenticating visitors, passengers and guests, expect to see biometrics to become a more commonly adopted approach.

While fingerprints and facial recognition are already widely used at airports across the world, airlines and hotels are also starting to implement these types of biometric technology to help speed up the check-in and check-out process, improve security and even authorise payments. 

It must be noted, however, that the gathering of customer data through biometrics brings with it privacy concerns around how the data is used and who can access it.

Smart rooms

An increasing number of hotels are cottoning on to the Internet of Things, and for good reason.

From enhancing the customer experience through greater personalisation and the ability to control rooms remotely, to improving sustainability and quickly identifying and responding to maintenance issues, the IoT is evolving hotels to better serve the needs and wants of tomorrow’s guests.

AI and VR

Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are already playing respective roles in the travel industry, but it’s the extent of their roles that will be interesting to watch.

Right now, travel companies are mostly using AI to sort through customer data to analyse business performance and manage their inventory, and to respond to customers faster with the creation of chatbots.

More and more hotels are utilising VR to showcase their offering online and increase bookings with things such as simulated hotel tours and interactive maps. VR is also set to be used for a customer’s entire travel search and booking experience, and with sustainability a major focus for all travel organisations, we could soon see the rise of virtual vacations.

Blockchain

Blockchain’s potential has been talked about for some time, but the power of this technology is finally starting to be realised within the travel industry.

Essentially, blockchain is a public ledger that allows information on transactions between parties to be stored and distributed across a decentralised, peer-to-peer network. Check out the below video for a more detailed explainer:

The most obvious and important benefit of blockchain for the travel industry is its ability to facilitate secure, traceable payments. However, this technology also has the ability to simplify customer loyalty schemes, track luggage movements and improve ID authentication methods.

Big data

If understanding and utilising big data is not already a priority for travel businesses, they may as well start digging their own grave.

Big data is simply a term used to describe huge sets of data that can’t be processed using traditional methods.

For those in the travel industry who make the most of big data, the rewards are game-changing. They can better understand their customers and target them more effectively, accurately predict future demand, enhance product pricing, and manage their reputation a lot more easily.

Source: https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/5-tech-trends-keep-eye-2020/

Are you ready for your next adventure? It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling with family or friends; you have to equip yourself with important technology. For instance, traveling with kids may increase your stress: they can get lost in a crowded place; therefore, you will need a tracker to find their last location.

If you want to increase your convenience during a trip, here are some necessary tools to keep with you.

Smart Devices

Business and leisure travelers need a combination of tablets, laptops, and phones, based on the purpose of your travel. For instance, a business traveler needs a laptop to work. Moreover, you will need a tablet for entertainment in your room. If you are traveling for fun, feel free to carry your phone only for communication. Tablets are enjoyable to watch movies and read books.

Luggage Tracker

Traveling may be stressful, so you have to make your trip peaceful with a luggage tracker. Put it in your bag and track it with a simple app. It will send you a notification when your baggage comes within a designated area.

Wireless Charger

After using a bunch of apps, communication, and coordination, you have to recharge your smart devices. For this reason, you will need a wireless charger. A power bank can solve this problem anywhere. You can use it wirelessly without any wire.

Portable Streaming Device

If you want to turn your room into an entertainment center, you will need a streaming device. For instance, the Roku streaming stick is suitable for pleasure and business travelers. It will help you to access your favorite shows.

World Clock

For world travelers, a world clock is necessary. With this nifty device, you can view the time of almost 18 cities in the world. Moreover, get the advantage of a timer, temperature, and calendar. Feel free to choose from five languages, set your alarm with snooze function, and use it as a flashlight. You must have regular AAA batteries for this clock.

Off-Grid Communications

With an Off-Grid Mesh Network Mobile Device, you can stay connected with traveling companions. This device will be handy in the absence of a Wi-Fi or mobile network. You can connect it with the phone through Bluetooth.

Remember, it needs low-frequency waves (radio) to send messages to a similar device and then to phone. The range may vary between ½ mile and four miles. It becomes a capable device in areas where people are frequently using this device.

Travel Adapter Plug

For international travelers, the travel adapter plug is an important device. You will need this in the Middle East, South America, Central America, Asia, Russia, and Canada. Try to buy a user-friendly tool that you can plug easily into appliances.

Buy a device compatible with Android and iOS devices. This device will help you to charge almost three devices at once. A device with advanced features offers integrated safety shutters and fuse protection.

Source: https://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/sponsored/best-travel-technology-must-have-for-every-traveler-sponsored/

 

The travel industry is booming. As of February 2019, it was the second-fastest growing sector in the world, ahead of healthcare, information technology and financial services. There are a number of reasons for this. Millennials are growing in purchasing power—by 2020 their spending in the US alone will total $1.4 trillion annually—and already they spend $5,000 more per year on holidays than any other generation. They also take around 35 days of holiday per year on average.

But the rise of budget airlines has also democratised travel: the Guardianreported in July that at one point in time, you could fly from London Stansted to Düsseldorf for just £7.99—less than a day’s commute in London. This marriage of lower-cost travel and higher-earning young people could only mean one thing: more city breaks, more beach holidays, and, more generally, more trips abroad.

Not every travel company is benefitting. Thomas Cook went into liquidation after failing to raise fresh funding. It’s a stark reminder of how digital is changing the playing field, and how there are some that have been left behind by a high street in transition.

Marketers are acutely aware of the power of digital in the travel world. In 2018, the revenue in the segment of online booking in travelling exceeded $92.5 million, and 41 percent of business and 60 percent of leisure travel arrangements are now made online. In a recent whitepaperwe came across some striking data about travel marketing: one study found that booking holiday accommodation—that’s just a room—involved an average of 45 different touch points over a 36-day period.

Through social listening, travel brands—airlines, hotels and more—can get real-time information about what customers are interested in and engaged with, and use that knowledge to make the products and services they offer them more personalised, and therefore more effective. One really good example of this is the @HiltonSuggests account on Twitter: it’s a concierge-like service that answers traveller questions and gives them ideas.

Marketers who are part of this social listening ecosystem have an opportunity to gain an understanding of market trends and get feedback that can inform their strategy. There’s also a crisis communications benefit: brands subjected to criticism can involve themselves in those conversations as they’re ongoing, investigate the allegations and address them. Consider the case of Alton Towers: after the tragic Smiler roller-coaster disaster, CEO Nick Varney very quickly involved himself, took responsibility and apologised wholeheartedly to those affected.

For some years now there’s been a lot of talk about the ‘mobile-first’ revolution, and this gives brands the ability to reach audiences in an entirely new, conversational way. There are chatbots, but these have never quite hit the mark. What we’re seeing in their place is what Silicon Valley calls ‘conversational commerce’: brands such as Burberry, Estée Lauder and Tommy Hilfiger using chat platforms to interact with their customers and offer a far more personal experience. This return to good old-fashioned customer service, only in digital form, has real promise for travel brands. Though its current users are big names, it seems especially well-suited to smaller, challenger brands, and any that want to have a more intimate relationship with their customers and potential customers.

Personalisation more generally is essential in the travel industry (after all, it’s the people that really make holidays special). 90% of travellers worldwide say that the standard travelling process is not enough any longer, and a personalised approach is viewed more as an expectation.That’s why influencers and micro-influencers—people who can speak on behalf of the brand—should be a major part of your strategy. And so too should SEO and voice search: you need to make sure your content is searchable by voice-activated devices, from Amazon’s Alexa to Siri.

Good travel marketing is not about churning out massive articles. It’s about drip-feeding useful and inspiring content to your audience. Where can you find the best sarnie in Soho? What’s the best underground music venue in New York? Creating these micro-moments should be at the heart of your approach to content.

But brands should also consider how they can take advantage of new forms of technology to make their content resonate with their target audience. Google, for instance, are about to bring out a new, augmented reality map, so brands should be asking themselves how they can take advantage. AR, as well as VR and forms of technology we can’t even imagine yet, will only become more enmeshed in our daily lives as we move forward. Brands should get into the habit of thinking about how they can make their work more interesting and accessible using modern tech.

Digital is a huge area, and imaginative marketers can constantly find new ways of taking advantage of the opportunities it presents to brands. There’s often scope for collaboration—we’ve partnered up with travel media market leaders INK—but there are also great ways to use AI and machine learning, and chances to make bite-sized, evocative video content that emotionally brings the holiday to the viewer.

Whatever digital brand strategy you use, what’s most important is to think of it holistically, as an integrated proposition. Lastly, you should always, always use social-listening to gain those valuable insights into what you’re doing, as well as to learn more about what your audience really wants.

Our Source: https://www.marketingtechnews.net/news/2019/oct/07/how-digital-continues-influence-brand-strategy-travel-industry/

Cyber threats in Kenya more than doubled in the year to June, new data by the by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) shows, indicating hightened risk.

The National Cybersecurity Centre (NCC) detected 51.9 million threats for the 2018-2019 period, compared to the 22.1 million recorded in the 2017-2018 period

In the last quarter of the year alone, some 26.6 million cyber threats were picked compared to 11.3 million threats in the January-March period this year, the regulator said.

The CA said this increase mirrored a global trend.

“This increase in the number of cyber threat events detected is attributed to the global increase in malware including ransomware attacks during this period,” said CA in its latest report.

The trend highlights the growing threat that millions of internet users in Kenya face today as attackers become more aggressive and complex.

The number of advisories given by the NCC jumped 15.3 percent to 16,347 in the last quarter.

The most prevalent attack according to CA is malware which shot from 8.9 million in the first three months of 2019 to 21.1 million in the April-July period.

Cases of system vulnerability also more than doubled, making the case for organisations to invest more in cyber security and strengthen their infrastructure to avert losses.

Further, based on Africa Cyber Security Report- Kenya released early this year by Serianu, about 60 percent of local companies are short of cybersecurity professionals.

In the 2018-2019 period, the NCC detected about 47,913 system vulnerabilities, which was an increase from 13,319 in the third quarter to 28,597 in this quarter.

But even with cybercrime increase number, prosecution of culprits is still low with only seven percent of cases successfully prosecuted, Serianu said in the report.

In June, a host of government websites including National Youth Service (NYS) and Integrated Financial Management System (IFMIS) portals were hacked by an Indonesia hacker group, Kurd Electronic Team.

This was coming barely a few years after another Indonesian hacker group brought down 100 government websites.

The losses are not restricted to government platforms. E-commerce platform Jumia Kenya reveled recently that it lost at least Sh118 million in the last two years due to cyberfraud.

Banks and other financial institutions have recorded an increase in attacks. In late April over Sh11 million was stolen from four Barclays ATMs in the city.

Cybercrimes in 2018 cost Kenya Sh29.5 billion, according to the Serianu report. This was a 40 percent increase from Sh21 billion reported in 2017.

The cybersecurity firm further noted that Sh230 million was lost through personal computers. About Sh100 million was lost through emails, Sh70 million through fake cheques and Sh66 million in identity theft.

In 2017 and 2016, Kenya lost an estimated Sh21 billion ($210 million) and Sh17 billion ($170 million) to cybercrime respectively.

Malware attacks

Banks, insurance firms and saccos last year spent about Sh6.4 billion to beef up their cybersecurity. The government and other private companies including service providers invested Sh5.9 billion and Sh4.8 billion respectively.

Early this year, Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky Lab placed Kenya among the top 10 countries susceptible to mobile malware attacks.

According to the report, 29.7 percent of mobile users in Kenya were attacked by a malware including trojan-dropper, adware and risk tool.

A report by Microsoft in the past said that ransomware, a malicious software that blocks a user’s access to gadgets until a payment is made, would continue to be a popular method used by cyber criminals this year.

The CA noted in its latest report that ransomware attacks are on the rise, putting millions of mobile users who transact online at risk. According to the latest edition of Microsoft’s annual Security Intelligence Report (SIR), the country lost approximately Sh29.5 billion to cybercrime in 2018. These crimes include malware attacks, third party exposure and SIM swap.

Worryingly though, Kenya has only 1,700 skilled cybersecurity professionals against a growing demand.

“Kenyan companies are reluctant to develop the skillsets of their security team through frequent trainings and certifications. This is due to the fact that information security is still seen as an expense rather than a return on investment,” Microsoft said in its report.

An executive opinion survey published early this month by the World Economic Forum (WEF) showed that cyberattacks were among the biggest risks for business in Kenya.

However, the country has witnessed cyber vigilance particularly among financial institutions, where regulators released a number of guidelines such as the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) guidelines on cyber security and the Ministry of ICT’s Data Protection Bill-which is still under review.

Source: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/datahub/Focus-on-awareness–as-Kenya–threats-jump/3815418-5292602-4n0mhb/index.html

EASYJET is cutting down on flight faff with a brand new tool for passengers. The budget airline revealed its latest top and told how it will “improve the travel experience” of those flying in the brand’s bright orange planes – what is it, and how can you access it? 

easyJet is re-vamping its flights with a brand new product. The device is available to all customers travelling with the budget airline, and those looking to book with the brand. It aims to take away the faff and awkwardness of flight searching with an handy, on the go trick. Yet what is the new easyJet gadget, which they claim will make travelling more “easy and fun?”

The company has aimed to take there stress out of annual flight searches with a new Speak Now app.

The feature, contained on the wider easyJet app, will be available in the coming weeks – in perfect time to book a winter getaway.

It allows customers to search for flights using voice recognition technology, with the app initiating a conversation and asking questions to determine the booking customers want.

The firm has recorded that, to book a typical flight online or on the app takes 12 taps, yet with Speak Now, this can be done in a matter off seconds.

easyJet has partnered with Dialogflow, Google Cloud’s natural language understanding tool, to help create the conversation with the use of Artificial Intelligence technology.

Daniel Young, Head of Digital Experience at easyJet, said: “We are constantly on the search for ways to improve the travel experience we offer our customers when flying with us and this new technology is a perfect example of that.

“As part of this, we are continually striving to make booking a flight more accessible for customers, especially those who are visually impaired, and Speak Now helps us achieve this objective.

“We continue to place innovation at the heart of our industry-leading mobile travel app to give our customers the tools they need to have a smooth experience booking flights with us. Embracing this latest technology makes preparing for travel, easy and fun.”

Cormac Reilly, VP and Global Head of Travel Partners Solutions, who developed the technology for easyJet at Travelport, added: “We love partnering with easyJet because, like us, they’re always trying to push the boundaries of what’s possible to give their customers the best in-app experience.

“This is the latest in a series of innovative world first features that make booking travel as easy as possible, giving easyJet customers a helpful digital experience.

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1174618/easyJet-flights-flight-uk-booking-app-holidays-speak-now-how-to-book

For those working in the travel industry, time management is essential to succeed, not only professionally, but in your personal life as well. To become a successful advisor, you need to figure out what you want, know who you are selling to, and align with key suppliers.

Finding a balance between work and life is all about time management, and to that end, Louise Gardiner, treasurer of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), and a travel industry veteran of over 40 years, led a breakout session during the Travel MarketPlace East 2019 conference in Toronto where she shared strategies for how to get the most out of your day while increasing your earning potential and balancing your home life.

“The first thing about time management is you have to figure out what you want, and that kind of depends on where you are in your life,” said Gardiner. “You have to [make] a plan, you need to be realistic in what you can accomplish, and you need to know who you’re selling to.”

The first step to making a plan is to decide what it is you want to accomplish. In terms of travel sales, you have to calculate your daily earning potential. It’s all about the salary goal, the time spent, and the customer and product mix.

Keep in mind that you have to be realistic — and realistically, not all of your time will be spent selling.

Set goals according to your overall vision. Spend time fostering the relationships with your clients and suppliers; continuously learn about new programs and services; and manage your time between business and personal health. Balance is the key.

“You have to decide between salary and time, and how much money you want to spend,” said Gardiner. “You’ve got to think about what it is you want to be, and how you’re going to get there.”

7 steps to take control of your work day 
As for managing your day-to-day life in the office, Gardiner offered these practical tips.

• Start your day with clear focus. Know what it is you wish to accomplish for the day and start organizing your calendar to stay on task.

• Focus on high-value activities. Ask: What strategic tasks do I need to deal with today to help me work smarter tomorrow? What does my client need most? And what do I expect to cause me the most trouble today?

• Have a dynamic task list. Be sure to include your goals, business relationships, products and clients. And be sure to revisit the list daily and reprioritize it as necessary.
• Minimize interruptions. Identify activities that tend to disrupt your work — like checking emails when you’re in the middle of working on something — and find a solution. Make sure to discipline yourself to work on each task single-mindedly until it’s completed.

• Stop procrastinating. Schedule meetings with others so your actions will have to be completed. Finish your most difficult or unpleasant task early in the day, and be sure to reward yourself when you finally get it done.

• Limit multitasking. Plan your day in blocks and set specific time aside for meetings, returning calls, research and planning. Remember to stop and take a breath — reorganize — and even take a five-minute stretch.

• Review your day. Take 5-10 minutes at the end of the day to review what you accomplished and where you need to work harder for tomorrow. Figure out what you want, pay attention to details, and admit when you have a problem and seek help.

“You have to look at your business, whether you’re a corporate agent, an owner, a manager, an independent contractor, or a full- or part-time employee, and you have to figure out what your goal is going to be,” said Gardiner. “What is your vision, because you have to have a roadmap. You have to know where you’re going to end up in the right place.”

The Global Business Travel Association estimates the industry represents spending of $1.4 trillion worldwide and predicts that number will rise to $1.7 trillion by 2022.

In its U.S. Corporate Travel Report 2018-2022, Phocuswright says managed travel represents a third of the total travel market in the United States and will reach $138 billion by 2022, with 86% of that spending taking place online.

“Corporate travel in the U.S. is solidly and steadily increasing, helped by rising business confidence and despite recurring geopolitical challenges like tightened immigration policies. The online segment continues to grow rapidly and dominate corporate bookings,” the report states.

And that online segment is broad and diverse – ranging from self-service booking tools to platforms from travel management companies and suppliers and incorporating newer technologies such as machine learning, chatbots and virtual assistants.

One of the clearest examples of how technology is changing business travel is in risk management.

It’s generally accepted that all companies, large or small, have a “duty of care” for their employees, defined as a moral – and sometimes legal – obligation to keep them safe while traveling for work.

A comprehensive travel risk management program is one part of providing the duty of care.

For the third part in our monthlong series on business travel, we take a look at how technology – specifically mobile devices and artificial intelligence – are enabling that risk management to be both more effective and more efficient.

Smart machines

The recent issues in Hong Kong provide a fitting example of the need for travel risk management. Tensions have escalated in the last few months, with protests growing in size and scope, temporarily shutting down subway lines, roads and last week the international airport.

Companies with employees traveling to, from and within Hong Kong need to have up-to-date information on what is happening on the ground to assess the level of risk and urgency.

At the heart of solutions to aid in this process are machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Rather than employing hundreds of people to work around the clock reading and watching news sources and scouring social media, risk management firms can use technology to do that work – instantly and in any language.

“Now software is doing all the heavy lifting,” says Adam St. John, founder and CEO of Sitata, a risk management firm that started in 2012 with a focus on leisure travelers and recently expanded its offering for corporate clients.

“You can think of using these fancy algorithms as a really good giant filter. We try to shove as much as we can through that filter and then the filter does an excellent job of plucking out these events and notifying our team about them.”

Using rules-based algorithms, for example to flag news reports and social media posts using words such as “earthquake” or “shooting,” the algorithms detect both potential problems brewing around the world and real-time incidents.

“The second phase is the analysis of all the data to figure out who cares about the particular issue based on the location and the traveler’s profile and itinerary. All of that is managed with humans in the loop, but the magnitude of monitoring the entire world is left to machines,” says Bruce McIndoe, founder and CEO of WorldAware, formerly known as iJet International.

The company has a team of 130 intelligence and security experts providing services to between 250,000 and 350,000 travelers every day, directly to companies such as McDonald’s and NASA and through more than 80 partners including Allianz Travel, American Express Global Business Travel and Sabre.

AI is also adding speed to the risk management process.

In a presentation at the Global Business Travel Association convention August 7 in Chicago, Stabilitas co-founder and CEO Greg Adams says artificial intelligence can analyze and assess potentially dangerous events in about four minutes, versus an average of 40 minutes when done by humans.

But he also cautions that it takes time for these algorithms to learn.

“Machines are pretty dumb, especially when you are starting out. They lack a lot of context that is really important,” Adams says.

“We saw this when processing information from news sources – sporting events look a lot like critical events around the world [with words like] ‘bomb,’ ‘shootout,’ an ‘explosion off the line.’ We see a lot of false positives, and we have to find ways to bring context to these machine learning models.”

Mobile first

Gathering and analyzing information about critical events is just one part of the risk management process.

“We can have great intel and great capability, but if we can’t communicate with the individual, then it’s really all for naught,” McIndoe says.

And mobile technology – the combination of smartphones, data networks, Wi-Fi and GPS – makes that communication easy and instantaneous.

McIndoe says this is of value from the moment a destination is being considered.

“Both the employee planning to travel and the organization needs to make sure they are comfortable having the employee go and what they need to do around immunizations and security and even cultural awareness,” he says.

“Mobile plays a role in that because if you can put all that intelligence and knowledge about the destination in the palm of their hands they are more likely to get at it and use it then if they have to research on their own.”

All of the risk management companies we spoke to offer both standalone apps that employees can download as well as software development kits for companies and partners to integrate the service into their apps. These platforms enable itinerary management, push notification and requests for check-ins when a safety threat emerges.

St. John says GPS-based tracking enables the system to make intelligent decisions about who is notified when a hazard develops.

“If we know you are on a particular street corner in Mumbai we might not necessarily tell you what’s happening in Delhi. But if we only know you are in India, we might elect to send it to you,” he says.

“We can override that as well. So if a civil war breaks out somewhere we are going to tell everyone in the country.”

While travelers using Sitata can opt to turn off tracking, St. John says less than 5% do.

“We make an especially strong effort to explain what we are doing with your data, the fact we are not sharing it with anyone and why we are doing it,” he says.

“Broadly speaking if people have trust in your brand and there’s an important reason behind it than people are willing to do share location.”

McIndoe says he prefers a strategy of “location awareness” rather than tracking the individual at all times.

“We basically report in where they are from a city-level basis, and then if there are issues, for example in New York, we would send that alert to all the devices that are reporting they are in New York City. And the device can figure out where they are with precision and how close they are to that issue and whether they should be notified,” he says.

Employees near a threat can be asked to check in with their location, facilitating a direct response to those in need.

As part of the ongoing effort to help the machine learning systems get “smarter,” Adams says Stabilitas asks travelers for a “thumbs up/thumbs down”-type response on whether information they have received is relevant.

And McIndoe says in the next decade he expects that not only will the algorithms improve, but systems will also start to incorporate more detailed traveler profile information.

“Getting down to if I, a female Muslim traveling, what do I need to know versus a black gay man versus a white Jewish fellow. And so looking at sexual orientation and gender and religion and maybe even disability or health things … with machine learning to provide guidance and advice in near-real-time is where this industry is going over the next five to 10 years,” he says.

“This melding of technology and content and contextual information is a very powerful risk management approach.”

 

Source: https://www.phocuswire.com/business-travel-part-3-risk-management

Depression is a mental health condition that has a negative impact on the physical and mental state of a person.

A report released by the World Health Organisation revealed that over 300 million people worldwide are affected by depression. The report ranked Kenya as the sixth country in Africa with the highest number of depression cases. A total of 1.9 million depression cases were reported in Kenya by 2017.

Depression can be caused by trauma, loss of a loved one, a negative childhood experience among other stressful situations. Symptoms include a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities, even the mundane daily tasks.

Luckily, with the right medical care and attention, depression is curable and one can resume life as they knew it.

“While distraction is not a cure to depression, it helps the brain to get used to not concentrating so much on inner thoughts over time and allows one to see life in different angles at the same time”, says Ms. Emma Tirop Karitu, a psychologist at Smile Wellness International.

Ms Tirop advises that travelling is a good way to relieve stress as it boosts happiness and helps one to free up their mind. “Travel is a great stress buster since it promotes happiness and helps a person to take their mind off stressful situations. This leads to low cortisol levels, a stress hormone, making one feel calm and content. Apart from the obvious fact that one doesn’t have to go to work, travelling gives one an opportunity to step away from the daily toil of life,” says Ms. Emma Tirop.

Her sentiments are echoed by, the Managing Director at Deans Travel Centre Ltd Mr Patrick Maina who says that travelling is recommended by Doctors as helpful.

  “Travel is recognized by doctors as being helpful in alleviating stress. I have had some families book holidays for their loved ones to help them forget their worries,” Says Mr Maina.

He adds that it’s not only travelling abroad but it could also be a trip to Mombasa or Diani to seat by the sea or to Haller Park and engage the giraffes by feeding them.

“Currently one of our clients suffering from a terminal disease has been asked to Travel and the family are booking a European tour to cheer the patient up and probably the patient’s last trip,” says Mr Patrick Maina.

According to Ms Tirop, travelling opens one up to situations that require attention to what is happening in the surroundings and the brain can think in different ways and solve problems that are not common in day to day life.

Travelling also helps one in meeting new friends and having new experiences which free up emotions.

“Meeting people at home can be hard but when you travel you are more likely to meet open, friendly people to strike up conversations with. This helps in creating a common bond with fellow travellers as you share similar experiences. Some of these experiences like meeting people who are less fortunate than you can help change your perception and allow you to appreciate the good things in your own life,” she says.

Ms Tirop further points out that nature has a way of relaxing the mind and body. A new environment or a change of surrounding can help improve one’s mental well-being.  New sceneries calm senses by uplifting spirits and moods hence helping to shed off the negative thoughts.

Travelling also opens an individual up to new opportunities and possibilities. A person undergoing depression has little self-worth which can lead them to think that they cannot succeed in realising their goals. Travelling is therefore capable of educating and informing on alternative ways of approaching a problem.

Before John Meyer travels anywhere, he slips a small security device that looks like a two-way radio into his luggage. Recent reports of vacation rental owners spying on guests persuaded him to pay $199 for a “bug” detector that finds hidden cameras and microphones.

“I stay in a lot of Airbnbs,” says Meyer, a technology investor who lives in Los Angeles. “Unfortunately, this is the reality of the age we are living in. I’m proceeding with more caution, as it relates to my privacy.”

Security devices like Meyer’s bug detector can ease traveler concerns. Although he has not found a hidden camera or microphone — they are rare — he likes the peace of mind. Other popular portable gadgets include safety locks, alarms and smartphone apps. Should you pack one for your summer vacation? It depends.

If you’re worried about your privacy, you have a few choices. Meyer’s T-9 Specialty Bug Detector scans the room for frequencies between 50 MHz and 6 GHz and reveals hidden wireless cameras and microphones. You can also download an app for your smartphone, such as the Hidden Camera Detector, that uses your phone’s camera and flash to find possible hidden spy cameras in your rental. Here are some other such devices.

A personal alarm: That’s what Namita Kulkarni, a yoga teacher and frequent traveler, carries with her. Her device, a Vigilant 130db personal alarm, is worn as a small pendant. “When you’re traveling, you have to be alert and ready to respond if anything goes wrong in the spur of the moment,” says Kulkarni, who documents her solo trips on her blog, Radically Ever After. She says the most important lesson is how to silence the device. Her first personal alarm met an untimely demise when she couldn’t find the “off” switch after she triggered it by accident. She had to hold it underwater to make it stop.

A portable door lock: Security expert Robert Siciliano takes one on every trip. “Hotel locks can be compromised by the hotel staff and anyone with access to YouTube,” he says. He likes the simple Calslock portable door and travel lock, which works on inward-opening doors. A more expensive model puts a lock on the door lock, which can prevent your children, if you have children, from opening the door without your knowing about it.

A portable smoke and carbon monoxide detector: Sheryl Hill, the CEO of Depart Smart, a travel safety-preparedness company, remembers checking into a hotel in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was a four-star resort that lacked an important safety feature: smoke alarms. “When I inquired with security, they said, ‘No worries, lady. We see smoke, we get you out,’ ”she says.”Fire safety is not a standard everywhere.” So she carries a Kidde battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detector with voice warning.

When it comes to apps and integrated security devices, there are almost too many options. For example, consider the danger of logging into an unsecured wireless network. For a problem like that, Adomas Baltagalvis likes Lookout Personal, a program that offers mobile security, identity protection and theft prevention.

“When you’re traveling actively and connect to dozens, if not hundreds, of WiFi spots each month, the app is super-valuable,” says Baltagalvis, the chief marketing officer for a technology company in Toronto. He also likes the app’s tracking feature, which gives him extra security in case the phone goes missing.

If you’re worried about losing your phone or mobile device, there’s Prey, an anti-theft program that tracks electronic devices. If someone steals your device and you report the theft, Prey locks on the device and transmits its location and other information that police can use to recover it.

For personal security, there’s also Silent Beacon, a wireless panic-button device that connects to your phone. When you push the panic button, it can simultaneously call emergency responders and alert up to six additional contacts with a text, an email and live tracking GPS information about your location. It works internationally, and you can program the device to call your home country’s embassy in an emergency. The device’s call and alert settings can be updated through the free Silent Beacon app, so travelers can easily customize their settings for an upcoming trip.

If you’re a cautious traveler, you might want to consider some of these devices. My favorite strategy is taking a more aggressive approach to travel safety. That includes thoroughly researching a destination or a hotel and maybe, just maybe, a little counter surveillance. I mean, why should those Airbnb hosts have all the fun?

I liked the idea behind the HD Mask, a high-resolution surveillance camera hidden inside a USB phone charger. You can record in a continuous loop or use motion detection to record when someone is in the room. So if your host makes an unscheduled visit to your quarters — gotcha! (Make sure you follow all state laws about surveillance before you use one of these gadgets. And remember to take it with you when you check out.)

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/technology-responds-to-travelers-concerns-about-safety-security/2019/08/15/989e2844-b3e0-11e9-8949-5f36ff92706e_story.html?noredirect=on