I came across an article about the rising influence of female business travellers, and in it they discuss the sharp increase over the last generation in the number of women who travel for business. It has been estimated that women make up 40-50% of all business travellers in North America today, up from 1% thirty years ago. The authors reported that this increase is related to both societal and economic changes,
"'Now, close to half of all business travelers are women.' The trend is attributable not only to the changing role of women in the economy, but also, in no small way, to changes in the economy itself.
The New York Times recently reported that 82 percent of all jobs cut since the outset of the current recession belonged to men, who are disproportionately represented in distressed industries such as manufacturing and construction."
So, what does this mean? Well, according to the writers it means offering more spa services, yoga mats, and bathtubs... but also an increasing attention to hotel security. They note,
"Women are particularly concerned about personal safety, for instance, so the Renaissance installed brighter lighting in hallways and other common areas where guests might find themselves alone, Dobis said. Guests can even arrange to have the lights in their rooms turned on before they return from dinner or a night meeting.
'We want to make them feel safe,' she said. 'We want to make them feel secure.'"
A blog featured on the The Economist's website was engaging in a little eyeball-rolling over the article, particularly over the reported offerings of trivial services such as personal concierges who could run out to get that perfect shade of lipstick, having additional in-room accessories such as curling irons, and supplying their females guests 'fashion tape' to "keep that blouse in place." The blogger noted,
"There's an element of silliness to this story. Women have been travelling for business for years, and both sexes need the basic things a hotel provides. Everyone wants a safe, comfortable place to sleep, wash up, and maybe get some work done."
Interesting to note that both pieces touched on safety... and I have to agree that every business traveller, regardless of gender, probably wants - and expects a "safe, comfortable place."
It's good to know that there appears to be a conscious effort to improve hotel security. But improving security need not be limited to hotels... For example, what about:
- Parkades?
- Airports?
- Cab rides?
- New cities?
- Unknown neighborhoods?
It's not just about improving hotel security - it's about protecting everyone's personal security, period. The use of SOS LINK products (SOS LINK Personal 2, SOS LINK Personal Plus, SOS LINK Team) will give any business traveller an additional layer of personal security when they are travelling - so spread the word!
In the words of Zahara Heckscher, "Stay Safe But Don't Stay Home!"
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