The Department of State report assesses elevated risks associated with rising violent crime in several major African cities, to include a critical crime level for the Niger Delta. Threats relating from transnational, regional and domestic terrorism within Asia and North Africa were also noted for 2008, along with radicalization of "home-grown" domestic terrorist groups within Europe. The likelihood for political and internal unrest, to include foreign government instability, at many international locations was also reflected in the Department of State analysis. Lastly, the report indicated with the number of earthquakes, hurricanes and tropical storms which impacted Latin America in 2007, expectations of more natural disasters occurring within that region remain elevated for 2008.

"The threats noted from the U.S. Department of State come as no surprise to the analysts at Travel Threats who monitor potential threats facing travelers in over 200 countries around the globe" said Tara Boyd, Executive Vice President of Travel Threats. "Travel Threats goal remains to assist the traveling public in being better prepared for, and to respond to, security challenges faced while traveling abroad; 2008 is expected to be a busy year once again for our analysts" Boyd said.

Further to the threats identified by the U.S. Department of State, Travel Threats assesses the inherent risks associated with transportation infrastructure at several international locations, often resulting in casualties to travelers, remains elevated for 2008. Also, health concerns from the prevalence of food borne illness, confirmation of Bird Flu, and lack of consistent medical facilities and emergency medical services in many countries remain on the list of travel concerns for 2008.

U.S. businesses, academic institutions, religious organizations and tourist travelers are encouraged to contact Travel Threats for additional information and detailed analysis concerning the 2008 outlook for threats abroad. Detailed contact information can be found on the company's website at www.travelthreats.com.

About Travel Threats:
Travel Threats is a major provider of risk analysis services to corporate, industry and private travelers worldwide. The company provides unmatched expertise and produces comprehensive country analysis, coupled with personal security recommendations, to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim while traveling internationally. Travel Threats Country Reports identify specific risks within a country related to Terrorism, Criminal Activity, Internal and Civil Unrest, Inclement Weather, Transportation Infrastructure and Health and General Safety Concerns.

In addition to comprehensive country analysis, worldwide threat information is graded against 250 threats to safe travel contained within Travel Threats proprietary country specific Threat Matrix™. Graded numerical results for each topic area are depicted in a Travel Threats Country Score between 0 (low) to 100 (high). The Travel Threats Country Report, with the included graded score, allows for critical information to judge "go" or "no-go" criteria for potential international travel.