According to GlobalData, overall concern about cybersecurity among travel and tourism businesses grew by 4% year-on-year in 2022.

Breaking down its findings by sector, GlobalData found this increased to 6% among airlines and was level at 4% for providers of travel services.

Lodging and accommodation businesses recorded a 1% increase in cybersecurity concern in 2022.

GlobalData business fundamentals analyst Misa Singh said companies needed to constantly upgrade their cybersecurity strategies if they were to protect customers from attacks.

“A severe data security incident can lead to operational disturbances and cause significant financial damage to the business,” she added.

To shield themselves from threats, businesses are implementing a variety of cybersecurity strategies, such as introducing biometric boarding and setting up information security committees.

Latam, said GlobalData, was among those carriers seeking to implement pre-flight checks where customers supply their documents digitally before boarding, while China Eastern Airlines is considering different security-related management mechanisms – including sound information. 

“Failing to adopt appropriate technology leaves companies vulnerable to cyber threats that can have a detrimental impact on their operations,” Singh continued. “Investing in robust cybersecurity solutions, educating employees about cybersecurity risks, and staying up to date on cybersecurity threats can help reduce the likelihood of an attack.”

It comes as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) warns customers to be vigilant to “too good to be true” holiday scams, and to book with a reputable travel seller.

The institute on Wednesday said fraudsters were using “increasingly sophisticated” methods to con people, including bogus adverts, emails and phone calls.