by Nicholas Konstandoudakis, Branch Head
As a business owner or tourism manager, you already know that safety isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re running a safari lodge, an eco-tour in a remote area, or a boutique hotel, your people and your guests rely on you to create a safe environment. But let’s be honest—some risks, like kidnapping, can feel too big or unpredictable to fully prepare for.
The truth is, in places like South Africa, kidnapping is not as rare as we’d like it to be. In 2019, there were over 4,100 reported cases, and that’s just what made it to the record books. If you’ve ever wondered, “Would I know what to do if this happened to my team or guests?”—you’re not alone. The good news? You can be prepared and don’t have to navigate it alone.
Why businesses like yours need K&R insurance
At its core, kidnap and ransom (K&R) insurance is more than covering a ransom payment in a crisis. Yes, that’s part of it, but it’s also about giving you access to the right people, tools, and strategies to manage a high-pressure situation.
Here’s how K&R insurance works in practice:
- Ransom payment coverage: This covers the financial demands of a kidnapping situation. Ransoms can be staggering sums that most businesses can’t absorb alone.
- Professional negotiators: if a situation arises, you want to avoid figuring things out in real-time. K&R insurance gives you access to trained experts who have handled these scenarios before. Their expertise could help secure the safest possible resolution.
- Crisis management teams: beyond the immediate urgency of resolving a kidnapping, there’s the longer process of getting everyone back on their feet—whether that’s operational recovery or rebuilding trust. Specialists guide you through the entire process.
- Support for victims and families: the emotional toll of these situations is often the most challenging part. K&R insurance includes counselling and emotional recovery resources. It’s not just about handling the money; it’s also about helping people feel whole after going through trauma.
Be prepared before the unexpected happens
If you’ve never thought about K&R insurance or if you’ve assumed it’s just for “other kinds of businesses,” it might be time to rethink that. Especially if you’re operating in areas with known risks, having a plan in place can make all the difference—not just for those directly involved, but for your entire team, your reputation, and your ability to move forward as a business.
At SATIB, we understand the challenges of running a tourism business, so we offer tailored K&R insurance specifically for this industry. Whether you’re running a luxury lodge or organising off-grid adventure tours, the risks you face are unique, and your cover should reflect that. It’s not just about resolving problems; it’s about putting practical measures in place to protect your business, your people, and your guests from the start.
Make security part of your plan
Let’s not sugar-coat it—risks like kidnapping are serious, and preparation needs to be just as serious. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself, though. With a SATIB broker, you’ll have a dedicated partner helping you create a plan that’s both flexible and suited to your business.
Your team’s safety and your business’s sustainability go hand in hand. Take the step today to be proactive, prepared, and ready for whatever comes next.
