Preparing for business travel to Italy during the 2026 winter athletic competition: Key risks and how to stay ready
Italy is gearing up to host the 2026 international winter sporting event in February, followed by the paralympic events in March. Northern hubs such as Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are expected to welcome more than 2.5 million visitors during this period, creating both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for organisations with globally mobile employees. Whether you’re sending senior leaders, project teams or support staff, it’s essential to anticipate potential risks and put measures in place to protect health, safety and productivity. Here’s what businesses need to know—and how to prepare effectively.
Heightened risk landscape
The Solace Global Travel Risk Assessment indicates that the 2026 winter games will take place amid increased tourism following the Catholic Jubilee, ongoing political tensions and infrastructure constraints. Together, these factors create a complex and evolving risk environment that includes:
1. Civil unrest
Activist groups are organising demonstrations against the 2026 sporting events, citing environmental and socio-economic concerns. Milan is expected to be a focal point for protests, which could disrupt transport and essential services. Historical precedents in Europe suggest that such movements can escalate to sabotage or blockades, particularly targeting critical infrastructure.
2. Crime and cyber threats
Milan, as Italy’s financial centre, has experienced a rise in crimes aimed at high-net-worth individuals. Organised gangs operating near luxury hotels and shopping districts may target business travellers who display visible signs of wealth. At the same time, cyber risks are increasing, with phishing scams and fraudulent booking sites likely to proliferate, many using AI-driven tactics to personalise attacks.
3. Terrorism
Italy remains on heightened alert for terrorism, with lone-actor threats posing a particular risk to high-profile events such as opening ceremonies. Religious sites are also considered vulnerable due to the ongoing Jubilee celebrations.
4. Infrastructure and transport disruptions
Access to remote Alpine venues could be challenging, especially under severe winter conditions. Construction delays and weather-related issues may further complicate travel logistics in areas such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Belluno.
Travel preparedness: What employers should do
When sending employees to Italy during the 2026 winter games, organisations need a robust plan to safeguard health, security and productivity. UnitedHealthcare Global’s European solutions go beyond traditional insurance, offering integrated health, wellbeing and risk management services tailored for globally mobile employees.
Choose comprehensive plans
Our BeHealthy plans combine three pillars—health insurance, wellbeing services and assistance/security—to deliver holistic protection. Features include:
- International health cover for inpatient, outpatient and dental care
- Wellbeing services such as Employee Assistance Programmes, virtual consultations and wellness tools
- Security and assistance benefits, including evacuation coordination and 24/7 global support
- Modular flexibility, allowing employers to tailor plans for their workforce across Europe
These plans are designed to help reduce administrative burden, manage costs and promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing for employees and their dependants.
Promote wellbeing at work
Assignments can be stressful, with cultural adjustments, isolation and family concerns often impacting success. UnitedHealthcare Global’s wellbeing programmes support employees through:
- Mental health resources, including counselling and resilience coaching
- Community and self-help resources to maintain balance during extended stays abroad
- Digital tools like Support Finder connect employees with nutrition, fitness and emotional health resources
By embedding proactive wellbeing initiatives, employers can help employees thrive, not just cope, during high-pressure events like the winter games.
Tips for employees travelling to Italy during this winter’s events
- Fly smart: Milan Malpensa and Linate airports are primary hubs. For Cortina, consider Venice’s Marco Polo Airport
- Plan ahead: Expect delays in remote areas due to weather or incomplete infrastructure
- Stay informed: Subscribe to travel alerts and use mobile apps for real-time updates
- Use trusted providers: Book accommodation and transport through vetted, reputable sources
Turning risk into resilience
The 2026 international winter games represent a moment of global attention and opportunity for Italy—and for businesses operating internationally. By combining intelligence from Solace Global with the robust support of UnitedHealthcare Global’s solutions, organisations can confidently send employees abroad while safeguarding their health, safety and productivity.