Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
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Bruce McIndoe
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AXA Assistance and iJET International have initiated a joint programme for the India market focusing initially on organisations that have people travelling and operating globally. “AXA Assistance and iJET International have a global agreement to combine our expertise in medical, travel and security assistance into a comprehensive, integrated programme for organisations and their people. AXA and iJET have co-located operations in a growing number of 38 country alarm centres around the world,” said Bruce McIndoe, CEO, iJet International.
Travel risk management is a new concept in India. McIndoe explained how is it different from travel insurance, “Travel insurance offers the buyer economic protection only. Travel risk management (TRM) protects people and helps them avoid problems. TRM is applying the risk management process to travel. Being proactive when a person books a trip, evaluating the potential risks around health, security, weather, etc, and communicating to the traveller what they should do about it, for example, getting proper vaccines, avoiding certain areas in the city, and preparing for extreme weather. Then, when the traveller is on the road, keeping them informed of new issues that may impact the trip or their person such as strikes, demonstrations, storms, etc.”
Revealing his strategy for engaging with the travel trade community in India, McIndoe stated, “We have global relationships with the major travel management companies including American Express, Carlson Wagonlit Travel and FCm who will be taking our combined offer to their clients.”
With domestic organisations expanding globally, McIndoe expects great opportunities in the Indian market. “Organisations will be sending their top managers, knowledge-based employees and their families outside of India. These people will need the confidence to operate globally knowing that they are safe and secure,” he pointed out.
The company will be focusing on educating organisations in India on how a small investment can make a major difference in the lives of their travellers and expats. “We will be conducting seminars and webinars around Duty of Care and Travel Risk Management,” mentioned McIndoe.
