NSBA PARTNER - IHG Business Edge | Managing Travel Risk for Small Business

Tips and tools for managing small-business travel risks from NSBA's partner IHG Business Edge.

Managing Travel Risk for Small Businesses

For small and midsize businesses, business travel opens doors to new clients, partnerships, and markets. But it also introduces potential risks—from unexpected disruptions to health and safety concerns. Unlike large corporations with entire departments dedicated to travel management, SMBs often lack the resources to handle these challenges alone. Proactively addressing risk not only protects employees but also safeguards business continuity.

Here are key strategies small businesses can adopt:

Establish Clear Travel Policies

A well-documented travel policy outlines expectations, emergency procedures, and approval processes. Clear guidelines help employees feel supported and reduce confusion when unexpected events arise.

Prioritize Duty of Care

Employees on the road should know their company has their back. Providing access to trusted hotel partners, secure accommodations, and reliable transportation options goes a long way in ensuring safety.

Monitor Global Conditions

From weather events to geopolitical instability, conditions can change quickly. Keeping employees informed with real-time updates—whether through apps, alerts, or company communications—helps them make smarter decisions while traveling.

Keep Health & Wellness Top of Mind

Travel-related fatigue and stress can escalate into bigger health risks. Encouraging breaks, wellness activities, and stays at hotels with fitness and healthy dining options contributes to employee well-being.

Leverage Technology for Oversight

Using centralized travel tools helps consolidate itineraries, track employee locations, and streamline emergency communications. This level of visibility is crucial for responding quickly to unforeseen issues.

How IHG Business Edge Helps Mitigate Risk

IHG understands the unique challenges small businesses face in protecting their travelers. That’s why we created IHG Business Edge, a program that makes safe, efficient travel more accessible.

With IHG Business Edge, small businesses benefit from:

• Trusted global accommodations across 6,600+ hotels in over 100 countries

• Guaranteed discounts to control costs without compromising quality

• Centralized online portal to track bookings and gain visibility into employee travel

• Automatic loyalty upgrades that add comfort and recognition for employees on the road

Learn more about these big benefits for small business from NSBA's Partner, IHG Business Edge.