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Portman launch hotel safety scheme
London is behind only Baghdad, Johannesburg and Lagos as the most dangerous place to do business, according to a survey by business agent Portman Travel.
The findings came as the company launched an accreditation scheme for UK hotels in a move to encourage greater security.
The survey showed, unsurprisingly, the Iraq capital as the most dangerous city to do business, followed by Johannesburg and the Nigerian city of Lagos. Then comes London, remarkably considered more dangerous than Bogota, the Colombian capital, where kidnappings are not uncommon.
In addition, Portman claimed the survey of 500, mainly London-based business travellers, revealed travellers are becoming more concerned for their safety when they travel at home and overseas.
The TCM said 30% of travellers fear bring mugged or raped and 25% worried about robbery.
Portman’s new initiative, called the Portman Seal, will see hotels recognised and awarded a seal by meeting certain criteria aimed at improving security for guests. They include CCTV cameras in public areas, safes, single sex floors, spy holes in doors and the same gender delivery of room service.
Guests can also request to be accompanied to and from car parks.
Portman Travel marketing and development director Bob Govan said: “We’ve launched the seal as a direct response to the increased level of insecurity that business travellers are experiencing.
“Security in hotels is only one aspect of travel safety but we felt it was a smart way for us to make a contribution to travellers’ peace of mind.
“Many people travel on business alone and in our survey lone female travellers felt particularly vulnerable. Being able to offer these travellers the opportunity to stay in a hotel with the Portman Seal is a real benefit.”
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