A new report has outlined the biggest risks for business travellers going into 2026, with geopolitical shifts, natural hazards and rising costs topping the list, though there’s also growing concerns surrounding misinformation and mental health.
According to International SOS’ 10th annual Risk Outlook report, some 66% of organisations say uncertainty has grown significantly in the past year with geopolitical instability the top driver, cited by 47% of respondents.
Cybercrime ranks as the second biggest risk, yet other digital threats are being underestimated, with the report noting that only 14% of respondents identified misinformation and disinformation as significant sources of uncertainty, despite their growing potential to disrupt operations and erode trust.
Mental health was also highlighted as being overlooked. Only 17% listed it in their top three concerns, despite data showing the burden of mental health issues continuing to trend upwards. “Extreme weather, mental health challenges, and infectious disease threats often overlap with security crises,” says International SOS global medical director Dr Irene Lai. “Organisations must integrate medical and security planning to protect their people effectively.”
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The report found that it’s not just these risks that are a concern, but how fast they can be managed.
Some 57% of leaders reported that new risks are emerging faster than they can manage, with 35% stating they are confident they can mobilise teams rapidly; and while 80% believe that detecting risks quickly provides an advantage, only 20% reported that they feel confident in verifying risk information rapidly.
International SOS co-founder, and ceo Arnaud Vaissié says organisations face a landscape defined not only by complexity but by the accelerating pace of change. “Risks no longer arrive in isolation; they converge, evolve, and challenge even the most robust plans.” See the full report HERE.
