JOHANNESBURG – There’s a growing trend on TikTok where women share videos showing the detailed security precautions they take when staying in hotel rooms. From jamming ironing boards under door handles to pressing tissues into peepholes, these DIY safety hacks are going viral. And while some viewers applaud their initiative, others ask: Is all this really necessary? Unfortunately, the answer is yes—because hotel safety isn’t something to take lightly.
According to recent research from SAP, over 50% of global business travellers have had to switch their accommodation because they felt unsafe. If you think about it, that’s a significant number of people forced to make last-minute changes due to personal safety fears.
So, if you’re preparing for a business trip, whether it’s in a local city or halfway around the world, addressing safety should be a top priority. It goes beyond just locking the door behind you once you’re inside—safety starts the moment you think about hitting ‘book’ on that hotel, says Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager of Corporate Traveller.
Here are five questions Moroke suggests you ask to ensure you accommodation is safe.
1. What hotel security measures are in place?
“It’s important that companies vet the security protocols of the hotels they choose, especially in regions where crime may be more prevalent. The right set of security measures can help ensure travellers feel safe and focused while they’re away for work,” says Moroke.
These basics should now be non-negotiable: Keycard access for both your room and the lifts, CCTV throughout public areas, and alert, well-trained staff. Additional measures, like 24-hour on-site security, are definite bonuses.
2. How does the hotel safeguard my privacy?
Many hotel safety issues involve not just physical security but also privacy failures. One obvious concern for many travellers is hotel staff inadvertently disclosing room numbers or handing over keys to the wrong person. According to International SOS, four in ten business travellers are worried about hotel staff unintentionally giving away confidential information.
When you check into a hotel, your room number shouldn’t be announced aloud. And as a guest, you should also be able to trust that your personal data — whether it’s payment information or your identity — is handled securely and with discretion.
3. Is the hotel located in a safe area?
Physical security measures inside the hotel are important, but location matters too. You could be staying at the most secure hotel imaginable, but if it’s in a rough part of town, you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary risks every time you step out.
This isn’t just about personal preference—it’s a critical part of any company’s travel risk management plan, says Moroke. “Understanding local crime rates, recent disruptions, or even the neighbourhood’s geography can give you a better sense of whether it feels right for you,” she says.
4. What emergency protocols does the hotel have in place if something goes wrong?
While planning your trip and focusing on business, it’s easy to overlook potential emergencies. Yet knowing what a hotel has in place for different types of crises—whether it’s a medical emergency, fire, or criminal activity—can make all the difference.
Does the hotel have a clear emergency response plan? Do they have security personnel trained in first aid? Are staff readily available to liaise with local emergency services if needed? These may seem like ‘worst-case scenario’ things to worry about, but they can quickly become serious matters if a problem occurs during your stay, says Moroke.
5. Does the hotel use any technology for guest safety?
Technology changes fast, and hotels are adapting. Today, you’ll find more options when it comes to mobile check-ins, which allow you to bypass the front desk altogether. This reduces the need for unnecessary interactions and gives you more control over your check-in process. Some hotels now also offer keyless entry using mobile apps, which is another great feature for those who want additional layers of security.
Moroke concludes, “The hotels that offer tech solutions—whether it’s mobile check-in or smart locks—are taking additional steps towards enhancing their guests’ safety. But safety doesn’t end there. Your TMC should also offer services like real-time location tracking, which helps businesses keep a two-way line of communication open with attendees. If there’s any sort of safety risk, we know where travellers are and can get help to them quickly.”
**ends**
For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.
About Corporate Traveller
Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.
Issued by:
Big Ambitions
Dorine Reinstein
dorine@bigambitions.co.za
