International SOS and Control Risks introduce TravelWatch-India

21 August 2014 ,  —

London

Dedicated team based in New Delhi provides companies with in-depth analysis of travel security issues and trends from throughout the country, supported by International SOS Asia Pacific Regional Security Centre

Companies operating in – or with significant business travel within – India can now access accurate and timely information on travel security issues and trends to protect their people, assets and operations.

An initiative by International SOS and Control Risks, TravelWatch-India is a subscription-based, specialised intelligence and advice service for organisations with exposure in India. By providing access to a dedicated assessment and advisory team in New Delhi, organisations can boost their local travel risk management capability.

Mick Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, International SOS and Control Risks, said, “As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India presents significant opportunities for businesses globally. However, it remains an incredibly complex operating environment. From a travel security perspective, business travelers and expatriates across the country are exposed to varying degrees of risk from crime, terrorism and social and political unrest, among others. These issues can not only threaten the personal safety and security of individuals, they can have far-reaching business continuity implications.”

Through TravelWatch-India, organisations will be better able to ensure the safety and security of their travelling and expatriate populations in India. A subscription to the service will provide access to:
• Daily email alerts on travel and security related incidents in India that are likely to have an impact on business travellers or international assignees. 
• 24/7 SMS alerts on major travel security incidents1
• Weekly security forecasts of likely flashpoints/developments to watch in the week ahead.
• Monthly Spotlight reports on a key security issue, trend or location.
• Quarterly verbal online briefings on a key topic, theme or trend impacting the security of travellers in India, with a facilitated Q&A session.
• Access to a dedicated India security specialist via telephone for further discussion on published reports, and location and itinerary specific travel advice.
Nicolas Bertsche, General Manager, India at International SOS added, “India is consistently one of the top countries in terms of client interest from a security perspective. The launch of TravelWatch-India is a natural extension of our continuous efforts at addressing our clients’ needs and helping them exercise their duty of care.”

International SOS has been at the forefront of medical and security assistance in India since 1998 when the first office was established in New Delhi.  Today, it employs over 200 full-time staff and operate out of three offices in Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai. The team of in-house medical, security and operations specialists rank among the most well-trained and experienced professionals available in the country.

Staff have extensive and hands-on experience in crisis management, having been mobilised to provide on-the-ground assistance during 9/11 and Mumbai 26/11 attacks, SARS, Bird Flu, the 2004 Tsunami, Swine Flu pandemic and other crisis flashpoints around the world. A 24-hour assistance centre in New Delhi provides bilingual (English and Hindi) assistance to members. Backed by a comprehensive, credentialed nationwide network of medical and related service providers, International SOS is able to refer, admit and monitor patients on a cashless basis in all centres of medical excellence across India. New Delhi also hosts a 24-hour Global Information Centre, a key hub that generates actionable security intelligence and analysis for corporate security and risk managers worldwide.

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About the International SOS Group of Companies