In a nutshell, what is the Travel Risk Academy?

The Travel Risk Academy (TRA) is a centre of excellence for training in Travel Risk Management (TRM), what we call Travel Optimisation Management. We’ve adopted a collaborative community-based approach and focus on demonstrating how effective travel risk management can address local and global issues significantly. Our mantra is: Educate, Inspire, and Qualify. We achieve this through a combination of online courses, TRA workshops, and in-person events, all supported by our ATHE Level 4 and Level 5 Travel Risk Management qualifications. Beyond training, TRA also fosters peer-to-peer collaboration through our Travel Optimisation Management Summit (TOMS), this year taking place online 12-16 May, a dedicated industry networking event designed to bridge silos in TRM and provide a place to learn and develop cross functional skills.

Why did you set it up?

My co-founders and I share a deep conviction that delivering outstanding travel programmes cannot be the sole responsibility of a select few within an organisation. It requires a fully integrated approach, where every department plays a crucial role. We recognised that to fully embrace ISO 31030: 2021 Travel Risk Management standards and achieve goals related to traveller safety, wellbeing, carbon reduction, and risk mitigation, there must be a proactive and cross-functional effort across all levels of the business and the industries that support it.

The landscape of travel risk management is broad and complex, encompassing dozens of topics ranging from health and safety to sustainability and crisis response. Our mission at the TRA is to provide clear guidance on these topics, helping organisations navigate this complexity. Moreover, we aim to foster a collaborative community where industry professionals and experts can come together to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. By doing so, we not only elevate the standards of TRM but also empower organisations to take ownership of their TRM strategies. This is why we have also introduced TRA memberships for corporate organisation, giving them exclusive insights, training discounts and peer network that helps to drive meaningful change.

What do you hope to achieve?

At the Travel Risk Academy (TRA), our goal is to set a new standard of expertise and leadership in travel risk management. We aim to empower professionals and organisations with the skills and tools needed to excel in a complex world. Through high-quality training and a collaborative environment, we seek to elevate industry standards, foster continuous learning, and encourage innovation. The TRA will serve as a hub for sharing insights and developing strategies that promote safety, sustainability, and resilience.

We envision a future where organisations of all sizes proactively integrate travel risk management into their operations, not as a compliance exercise, but as a fundamental pillar of business continuity and success. When employees feel secure on every journey, businesses can operate with greater confidence, knowing they have built a culture of readiness, resilience, and accountability.  Through our membership programme, organisations can gain structured support as well as benchmarking opportunities, ensuring they stay ahead in the evolving landscape of TRM.

Ultimately, our mission is to inspire positive change and create a lasting legacy of excellence in the travel industry.

Why is travel risk management so important?

Travel risk management is crucial because it ensures the safety, security, and wellbeing of travellers, which is essential for both individuals and organisations. And it plays a crucial part in aligning and protecting resources across businesses in a way that helps organisations achieve their strategic goals – whether purpose-driven or profit focussed.

In today’s unpredictable world, risks like health crises, natural disasters, and geopolitical instability can disrupt travel plans and endanger lives. Effective travel risk management helps identify, assess and mitigate these threats, ensuring that travellers are prepared and supported throughout their journey. A proactive approach is essential; organisations must embed TRM into their culture and operations, making it an integral part of how they plan and execute travel. From the moment a traveller leaves home to the moment they return, they should be protected, informed and supported at every stage.

This end-to-end approach enhances not only traveller safety but also business continuity, resilience, and operational efficiency. Additionally, it protects organisations from legal, financial, and reputational damage, while fostering confidence among employees and clients.

Ultimately, travel risk management is about safeguarding people and enabling safe, productive travel experiences.

Are you seeing a growing interest among travel managers in risk management?

Yes, there is a growing interest among travel managers in risk management. As global travel becomes more complex and unpredictable, with risks ranging from health pandemics to geopolitical tensions, travel managers are increasingly prioritising traveller safety and security. The emergence of ISO 31030: 2021 has also heightened awareness, encouraging organisations to adopt more comprehensive risk management strategies. Travel managers recognise they hold a key position in bringing all of the different elements of TRM together.

The challenge, however, is ensuring that TRM is not operating in silos. This is why initiatives like TOMS are vital, giving risk managers a space to exchange best practices, problem-solve and align strategies with industry peers. This growing focus reflects a broader commitment to ensuring safe, seamless, and responsible travel experiences in a rapidly changing world.

How can travel managers engage with the academy?

Travel managers can engage with the Travel Risk Academy by enrolling in specialised training programmes, attending workshops, and participating in webinars that cover key aspects of travel risk management, including safety protocols, crisis response, and compliance with ISO 31030: 2021. They can also join the TRA’s membership programme which provides exclusive content, benchmarking tools and access to a global network of industry professionals. Membership helps organisations move beyond tick box compliance to truly optimise their travel management strategies.

Additionally, travel managers can access resources such as case studies, research papers, and expert-led discussions to stay informed about the latest trends and developments. By actively engaging, they enhance their skills, contribute to the broader dialogue, and drive meaningful improvements in their organisations’ travel programmes.

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

The Travel Risk Academy has just launched its ATHE Level 4 TRM Qualifications, Level 5 is due out later this year, providing advanced training for those looking to deepen their expertise in travel risk management. Enrolment is open for both, via our website and includes membership of the TRA for 12 months. We’re also excited about TOMS Week, this is the Travel Optimisation Management Summit online 12-16 May 2025. These events offer an open and interactive experience for learning about TRM. Our online ISO 31030 aligned training programmes designed for TMCs and Organisations to adequately educate and prepare staff, operationally, and to embed TRM as a key strategic enabler.

Additionally, we’ll continue expanding our learning platform with new content, workshops and resources, ensuring continuous professional development opportunities for our members.  

Finally, our TRA Membership programme will be continue to be a key focus — helping organisations build structured, proactive TRM strategies while benefiting from access to a thriving peer network.

travelriskacademy.com