The Role of Cybersecurity in Modern Travel Risk Management: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications

This study explores the integration of cybersecurity into travel risk management, addressing the evolving threats faced by business travelers in an increasingly digitized and mobile global economy. As enterprises expand internationally, the convergence of physical and cyber risks necessitates a holistic approach to safeguarding mobile personnel and sensitive data. This research investigates the extent to which cybersecurity is embedded in organizational travel risk policies and identifies the barriers and enablers to its effective implementation. Guided by three research objectives (1) identifying key cybersecurity threats in business travel, (2) examining organizational responses, and (3) proposing a framework for AI-augmented cyber risk mitigation the study employs a multi-method approach. Data were collected through 10 expert interviews, two focus groups with 14 practitioners, and a survey of over 100 corporate travel and cybersecurity professionals across sectors. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics revealed that travelers face increasing risks from unsecured networks, social engineering, device theft, and data breaches. The findings highlight four thematic domains: internal cybersecurity processes, stakeholder coordination, organizational information networks, and traveler-focused solutions. Results demonstrate a growing emphasis on AI-driven risk profiling, VPN use, training, and personalized protection, but also reveal inconsistencies in policy enforcement, ROI concerns, and regulatory constraints. Limitations include regional bias and underrepresentation of SMEs. The study offers a novel framework linking AI, human judgment, and real-time traveler risk management. Practical implications include the need for curriculum development, bespoke training, and new industry standards. This research advances the discourse on secure global mobility by bridging cybersecurity and travel risk management.