COVER STORY
The
you need for global travel ABOUT THE COMPANY
Travelling has always been a risky activity: from the inconvenience of lost baggage to far more serious concerns around safety – especially security and medical emergencies. When it comes to the latter, there are proactive measures you can take to protect yourself, your staff and your family. Meetings finds out more about one such solution.
T
hanks to the pandemic, traveller safety has come under the spotlight. Covid hindered travel globally, but business travel is on the rebound, and never before has the duty to care about staff been more important. The inherent risks are not limited to Covid or other medical conditions. Business travellers need to ensure they have comprehensive cover for all kinds of worstcase possibilities, including natural and man-made
disasters, violent crime, political instability, terrorism and more. Fortunately, there are options available that offer more than just financial cover. One such example is GEAR – Global Emergency Assistance and Response. GEAR is a travel assistance membership that has been designed specifically with the global traveller in mind. As well as providing financial cover, it provides travellers with real-time 24/7 emergency support and assistance through an easy-to-use smartphone app – GEAR Tech.
HOW IT WORKS By using an app, GEAR is always within hand’s reach. Should a GEAR member require emergency assistance, they can open the app and instantly contact the Global Response Centre. A team of experts is available 24/7 to advise, guide and – if required – send medical or security support to move them to a place of safety. This means GEAR members benefit from immediate support, without the stress and hassle of a claims process or having to cover unforeseen costs during a crisis. The potential risks that GEAR can expertly manage include: • natural and man-made disasters • violent crime • political risks, terrorism, riots • emergency accommodation • wrongful detention • missing persons • evacuation and medical expenses • kidnap and ransom response.
GEAR is new to the scene of travel assistance and response, but SPS Global Assistance Group – the creator of GEAR – has been around for a very long time and is no stranger to travel risk. SPS Global Assistance Group has provided integrated risk, security, medical and crisis response solutions to its clients in more than 130 countries for over 30 years. It has guided and protected people in what can be described as truly extraordinary and often terrifying circumstances. The Group’s purpose is to “calmly and efficiently support you and your team before, during and after something goes wrong. We are big enough to provide a global service but small enough to operate in an agile way, which ensures our rapid response to any situation,” according to its website.
SPS GLOBAL ASSISTANCE GROUP IN A NUTSHELL • A world leader in integrated risk, security, medical and crisis response solutions • Established in 1991, with over three decades’ worth of experience • In over 130 countries, it has supported individuals, families and organisations • Offices in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Ireland and South Africa • A 24-hour GEAR (Global Emergency Assistance and Response) Centre is maintained with failover procedures in place • Proprietary technology and expert specialists power the GEAR Centre, proactively and efficiently handling the emergency assistance and response needs of clients worldwide
4 • MEETINGS l SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 www.theplannerguru.co.za